Huntersville White Collar Crime Lawyer

Huntersville White Collar Crime Attorney

A white-collar crime charge can feel daunting, even though white-collar crimes are nonviolent. Charges for a white-collar crime in Huntersville may not only carry a hefty financial penalty but may also result in substantial prison time. Hiring a Huntersville white-collar crime lawyer is an essential step in avoiding a loss of reputation, potential forfeiture of professional licenses, and loss of freedom.

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, our white-collar crime lawyer has extensive experience in navigating the laws governing white-collar crimes, including embezzlement, fraud, tax evasion, and others. As a criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Barnett knows how to develop a defense strategy to gain back control of your life.

Common White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes are labeled as such because they are mainly financial crimes committed through fraud or deceit. They conjure an image of a financial investor in a suit and tie because they are often committed by high-level employees with access to financial systems.

Some of the most common white-collar crimes include:

• Embezzlement: Theft of money from an employer or company
• Insider trading: Buying or selling stock based on material information that is not available to the public. This can incur substantial fines and prison time
• Fraud: The intent to mislead a person, company, or other entity for monetary gain. Fraud that crosses state lines is a federal offense and is charged as a felony.
  • Wire fraud: Intending to defraud through the use of interstate wire communications, for example, phishing scams. There were 315 reported phishing scams in North Carolina in 2024.
  • Bank fraud: Intent to defraud a financial institution
  • Mail fraud: Use of the mail for perpetrating a fraudulent act

In a white-collar crime case, a skilled defense includes challenging evidence and evidence-collection methods, hiring private investigators and forensic accountants, and, perhaps most importantly, challenging the intent.

The Importance of Intent in White-Collar Crimes

In white-collar crimes, the burden is on the prosecution to prove intent. The intent to commit the crime is a central tenet of a white-collar case.

Without evidence of the intent of wrongdoing, many white-collar crimes do not meet the legal bar for prosecution. In North Carolina, the four basic elements of a fraudulent white-collar crime are:

1. Scheme to commit the crime.
2. Intent to commit the crime.
3. Use of interstate infrastructure (internet, email, etc).
4. Crime was committed.

While the crime can potentially be proven, intent is much harder to prove. Hiring a white-collar lawyer who understands the law and its requirements can mean the difference between saving your reputation and losing your freedom.

Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer

When you face an investigation for a white-collar crime, it’s critical to hire a white-collar crime lawyer as soon as possible. Building a white-collar crime defense takes time and resources, and the prosecutor will likely need months to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The sooner you hire a Huntersville white-collar crime lawyer, the more time they have to interview witnesses, consult professionals, and build your defense.

The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett works with forensic computer analysts, private investigators, and other industry professionals to challenge evidence. Mr. Barnett understands the value of questioning the integrity of evidence collection and the evidence itself. His negotiation skills and efficient litigation are well-known in North Carolina courts, including the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, located at 401 West Trade Street in Charlotte.

Working with our team gives you the distinct advantage of a well-established North Carolina defense lawyer who has familiarity with the judges and courts, their preferences, and their likelihood to dismiss a case or settle for lesser charges when necessary. When you hire the right attorney, you are hiring the lawyer who can advocate for the rights you deserve and defend your reputation with integrity.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Punishment for Embezzlement in North Carolina?

A: Embezzlement as a state crime is a felony, classified by both the amount stolen and how it was allegedly stolen.

Over $100,000, Class C felony; Under $100,000, Class H felony:

• Embezzlement of property from an employer
• Funds by treasurers of charitable organizations
• Partnership funds by a partner for personal use or by a surviving partner

Over $100,000, Class C felony; Under $100,000, Class F felony:

• State property or funds by public officers/employees
• Taxes by officers

Q: What Is the Most Common Form of White-Collar Crime?

A: The most common form of white-collar crime is fraud. Fraud exists in many forms, including mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, phishing scams, credit or debit card theft, or mortgage fraud. No matter the type of fraud, if you are accused of fraud in North Carolina, it’s wise to hire a white-collar crime lawyer as soon as possible.

Fraud defense requires a great deal of preparation, and the earlier you hire an attorney, the better.

Q: Who Mostly Commits White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina?

A: Most white-collar crimes are committed by married, middle-aged white men with steady employment. In Fiscal Year 2024, seventy-nine percent of those sentenced for money laundering were men. They are often CEOs, influential professionals, or government officials. Their crimes are typically nonviolent, using manipulation and access to commit them. They often exploit loopholes in the financial system.

Q: How Are White-Collar Crimes Investigated in North Carolina?

A: White-collar crimes involve both state and federal agencies, often working together. Depending on the type of white-collar crime, investigations may include the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

With so many government agencies working together, hiring a dedicated white-collar attorney who shows the attention to detail needed to defend against these allegations is critical.

The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, you have a strong legal ally in your corner. With over 35 years of legal experience focused primarily on criminal law, Mr. Barnett can explain your charges and options, allowing you to make an informed decision about the direction of your defense.

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar crime, contact our office today.