Michigan White Collar Crime Lawyers

What is Considered a White Collar Crime in Michigan?

The term “white collar crime” is a general term that encompasses a variety of non-violent criminal activities that often involve money.

These crimes are also generally committed by businesses entities or people in business. They typically involve some form of deception to generate illicit financial gain.

Below are some of the most common white collar crimes in Michigan.

The Most Common White Collar Crimes in Michigan

Since white collar crimes is such a vague term, providing common examples can help you get a better idea of what they may entail.

The most common white collar crimes in Michigan are embezzlement, bribery, fraud, conspiracy, forgery, identity theft, passing bad checks, money laundering, and falsifying business records.

We’ll next examine a few of these common white collar crimes to add further clarity and explain what to do if you are charged with them.

Embezzlement

Charges of embezzlement in Michigan involve taking property or funds that you are responsible for managing or have been put in charge of.

It’s important to note that not all embezzlement activity is treated the same way in Michigan: embezzling less than $1,000 is considered a misdemeanor, while taking amounts over $1,000 constitutes a felony crime. These larger sums or values will result in harsher penalties in the form of imprisonment and fines.

However, both misdemeanor and felony embezzlement require a strong defense by accomplished, diligent attorneys. Gentry Nalley has the ample experience needed to sift through the large volumes of data often involved in order to uncover the facts that can prove your innocence.

Bribery

Bribery involves offering anything of value in order to receive preferential treatment from a person of authority, including public officials, elected officials, juries, corporate employees or managers and other authoritative figures.

Michigan considers charges of bribery a felony. Depending on the amounts involved and the level of influence sought, it is punishable by varying amounts of jail time and fines. If your offer is refused, you may also be charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.

In our many years of experience, the attorneys at Gentry Nalley have found that business relationships can be misconstrued to the point that a charge of bribery may be leveled, and understand how to neutralize these incorrect charges.

Fraud

Michigan considers fraud as cheating, defrauding or using a false pretense to obtain funds or property. Some examples of fraud include mortgage fraud, securities fraud, food stamp fraud, home improvement fraud, and real estate fraud.

Since fraud is a general term that encompasses a wide variety of crimes, it is no surprise that it’s also a relatively broad charge that may carry misdemeanor or felony consequences, depending on the circumstances and amounts involved.

As experienced attorneys, we understand that many friendly interactions can be construed as fraud without a full knowledge of the facts. Contact us today to discuss how we can help correct matters involving fraud for you.

What You Should Do When Facing Michigan White Collar Crime Charges

When you are facing white collar crime charges in Michigan, don’t assume these are ‘lesser’ charges that will not warrant scrutiny or a strong defense. Follow these recommendations to protect your rights and your future:

1. Do not talk to anyone without your attorney present. Be polite and cooperative, but only say, “I would like to see my attorney.”
2. Do not share details of the case with anyone, verbally or in writing or electronically, including co-workers, alleged co-conspirators, board members, stakeholders or family.
3. Do not consent to anything without the advice of an attorney. This includes searches, DNA samples or surrendering any records or computer passwords.
4. Do not resist arrest. Comply willingly with law enforcement and inform them at the earliest possible moment that you require an attorney.
5. The only information you should provide to law enforcement officials is your name, address, contact information, fingerprints and the name of your attorney.
6. Contact a white collar crime attorney at Gentry Nalley as soon as you are granted access to a phone. You may also ask law enforcement to contact us for you.

What to Know if You’re Under Investigation for a White Collar Crime

Many are surprised to learn that they are being investigated for a white collar crime. They may be contacted by a police officer, have federal agents search their home or office, or take other, more covert actions that alert the person under investigation of what’s happening.

If this has happened to you, you can be certain that these entities are looking for every piece of information they can find to use against you.

Knowing this is taking place, it’s crucial that you hire a law firm that has significant experience handling white collar crimes and knows how to mount a solid defense. Gentry Nalley has over 20 years of experience handling these matters and is ready to help you.

White Collar Crime Charges Deserve White Collar Crime Lawyers

There’s a lot at stake for anyone charged with a white collar crime. The fact is, even those who are innocent can still suffer damage to their professional and personal reputation, along with suffering negative effects on into the future.

Gentry Nalley has a thorough understanding of white collar crimes and how to provide a defense against them. With our experienced legal team on your side, we can help uncover the facts, clearly communicate your options, and then strategize to ensure you receive the best possible defense.

Superior Investigation and Legal Defense From White Collar Crime Attorneys

Gentry Nalley firmly believes the facts of your case are your best defense. We know accurate documentation of the events and circumstances surrounding your charges are often enough to dismiss them. Misunderstandings regarding business dealings are common, and sometimes those who are misinformed might assume a crime has been committed.

Our in-house investigators have the skills and insight needed to comb through necessary documents and records to help prove your innocence or reveal mitigating circumstances crucial for your case.

We also carefully review the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, errors, and lack of evidence, all of which we can use as leverage in your defense.