White Collar Crime Attorney in Cleveland

Fighting White Collar Criminal Accusations in OH

Generally, white collar crimes are non-violent offenses that are committed for personal financial gain. They are often associated with conduct that occurs in a corporate setting, but they can also be committed by individuals on their own. Although white collar crimes typically do not result in physical injury to others, that does not mean Ohio or the federal government considers them less serious than other offenses. Depending on the circumstances, a white collar crime can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. A conviction could result in incarceration, steep fines, and other sanctions the court deems necessary. If you’re being investigated for this type of offense, act quickly to get an experienced Cleveland white collar crime attorney on your side.

Backed by over 75 years of combined experience, our Cleveland lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice process. We know how the State prosecutes white collar crime cases. We will use our knowledge, skills, and profound insight into the law to build a unique legal strategy for your circumstances and work toward obtaining a favorable outcome in your case. When you turn to HMW Law for the effective defense you need, you can be confident that you will have a loyal advocate on your side throughout the legal process.

We understand that facing a criminal matter can be stressful and frightening, which is why we make ourselves available 24/7 to take your call. Reach out to our Cleveland white collar crime lawyers by phone at 216-369-1352 to get started on your defense.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

White collar crimes are financially-motivated offenses. They can be committed against large corporations or individual citizens. Both state and federal laws criminalize such behavior and impose harsh conviction penalties upon violators.

White collar crimes include, but are not limited to:

Fraud Offenses

In Ohio, to defraud someone means to knowingly use deception for personal gain.

The state has various statutes concerning fraud crimes, such as:

• Telecommunications fraud: This felony offense occurs when someone uses a telecommunications device or system to further a fraud scheme. The degree it’s charged at depends on the value of the benefit to the person who committed the crime.
• Passing bad checks: A person commits this offense when they submit a check for payment knowing that the account does not have enough funds to cover the entire amount or that the check will be dishonored in some way. Generally, passing a bad check is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor; however, it becomes a felony when the check was issued for payment of $1,000 or more.
• Counterfeiting: Making false or forged coins, bills, or checks is illegal. This offense is charged as a fourth-degree felony, but increases in degree as the value of the counterfeit item increases.

Embezzlement

This type of white collar crime occurs when a person is entrusted with a company’s assets but uses them for their own personal gain. Many people associate this offense with corporate executives. However, it can be committed by others, such as employees at a convenience store who pockets cash from the register. In Ohio, embezzlement crimes are pursued under the theft statute. It’s considered an offense when someone takes the property of another without consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of the item.

Cybercrimes

Cybercrimes are those committed with the use of a computer or over the Internet. In today’s digital age, these types of offenses have significantly increased.

A few examples of cybercrimes include:

• Malware attacks: These occur when a person or group infects a computer with a virus, which can destroy the information contained within. Often, these attacks are part of a ransomware scheme that involves the hacker demanding that the user pay a ransom to get the key to unlock their system.
• Phishing: In these types of schemes, a person or group will send fictitious emails to get users to provide them with personal information.
• Identity theft: Some individuals might hack into secure sites to obtain users’ personal identifying information. They may get names, addresses, or even credit or debit card numbers. They may then do something like take out a loan or commit a crime using the stolen information.

Choose Our Cleveland White Collar Crime Lawyers for Your Defense

If you’re being investigated for or have been charged with a white collar crime in Cleveland, our defense lawyers at HMW Law can provide the legal representation you need. We will thoroughly analyze your case and develop a strategy to challenge the accusations made against you.