Greeley & Erie White-Collar Crime Attorneys
Helping Clients Defend Against Complicated Charges
Peek Goldstone is a trusted law firm, established in 1989, that has extensive experience helping individuals defend against State and Federal White Collar crime allegations. Our dedicated criminal and White Collar defense attorneys are prepared to handle the most complicated matters, including allegations involving any type of fraud, money laundering, violations of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) statute violations. Our attorneys, including Amanda Peek and Brian Klein, are committed and equipped to handle the most complex and serious matters and work closely with their paralegal and client to come up with the best possible defense. Our attorneys possess the highest ethical standards and will scrutinize and ensure that law enforcement and the government comply with their Constitutional obligations and “play by the rules” in accordance with the law. Amanda is a former prosecutor and knows how the government builds a case. Brian has been a criminal defense attorney for over fifteen years and knows how to dismantle and find weaknesses the government’s case. Together, our team works with the client to determine the best possible defense.
We strive to obtain the best possible outcome in every matter and pride ourselves on conducting thorough investigations and “leaving no stone unturned” when reviewing discovery in the case. Our attorneys implement a client-centered approach and provide personalized representation in every situation.
Our Criminal and White Collar Defense team is knowledgeable, attentive, thorough and tenacious. But most importantly, we care about our clients and their families, and we strive to be by their side every step of the way. We provide zealous representation and are committed to our clients and protecting their legal rights and interests.
Call (970) 352-8611 today to request a consultation with our Greeley & Erie white collar defense lawyers.
What Is White-Collar Crime?
White Collar crime encompasses non-violent criminal activities typically committed by individuals, businesses, or government officials in professional environments. These offenses often involve allegations of fraud, deceit, concealment of assets, or violation of trust and are often viewed as individuals and/or entities motivated by financial gain. However, many times there are nuances and decisions that are the result of negligent or poor business practices.
Unlike other types of crime, White Collar crimes are characterized by their complexity and the use of sophisticated means to manipulate financial systems, often making detection and prosecution challenging. The impact of White Collar crime also extends beyond the immediate financial loss to victims, and it can undermine public trust in financial institutions and government entities.
Examples of White-Collar Crime
White Collar crime covers a broad range of illegal activities typically alleged in professional settings by individuals or business entities or representatives involving fraud.
Common examples of white-collar crime include the following:
- Fraud: Deceptive practices to secure an unfair or unlawful financial gain, such as securities fraud, credit card fraud, and mortgage fraud.
- Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds entrusted to an individual or their organization, often occurring in corporate or governmental contexts.
- Insider trading: Illegal trading of a company’s stocks or other securities by individuals with access to confidential information about the company.
- Money laundering: Process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source.
- Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of power.
- Tax evasion: Illegal practices to avoid paying taxes, such as underreporting income or inflating deductions.
- Health care fraud: Submitting multiple claims for the same service, billing for services that weren't provided, or using someone else's medical insurance information to get services.
- Insurance fraud: Submitting a claim for an injury or damage that never occurred or padding a claim with false information to obtain a greater payout.
- Bankruptcy fraud: Attempting to use the bankruptcy process to defraud creditors, hiding assets from the bankruptcy court, making false statements in bankruptcy filings, and engaging in spending behavior with the intent to file for bankruptcy.
If you or a loved one are being investigated or are charged with any of the above offenses (or a similar offense not listed here), consult with our experienced Criminal and White Collar defense attorneys to learn more about your legal options.
State vs. Federal Jurisdiction for White Collar Crime
Whether Colorado or the federal government prosecutes White Collar crime charges depends on the location and/or circumstances of the alleged offense.
Generally, state jurisdiction applies when the alleged activity violates state laws, involves local businesses or people, or has a limited geographical scope. For example, a case of embezzlement within a small, locally owned company might be handled by state prosecutors.
Federal jurisdiction, on the other hand, is relevant when the alleged criminal activity crossed state lines, involves federal institutions, or violates federal statutes. Many White Collar crimes, such as securities fraud or large-scale Ponzi schemes, fall under federal jurisdiction because they often affect multiple states or involve federal agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Jurisdiction matters because the elements of a crime and its potential penalties may differ between Colorado and the federal government. These can have consequences when it comes to how your attorney builds your defense and the potential impact of a conviction.
What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crime?
The penalties for white collar crimes vary significantly depending on the specific offense, the amount of money or value involved, and whether the crime is prosecuted at the state or federal level.
White Collar crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, and forgery, are typically charged as felonies, although some may be treated as misdemeanors if the financial damage is relatively minor. The penalties can include fines, restitution, probation, and imprisonment, with the severity increasing in cases involving larger sums of money or multiple victims.
For example, a conviction for fraud or embezzlement in Colorado can result in substantial fines ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the amount stolen or defrauded. Imprisonment is also a potential penalty, with sentences varying from a few months to several years.
In cases where the crime involves significant financial loss or affects many victims, state and federal courts may impose harsher sentences, including mandatory prison time.
We Can Help You Understand What’s at Stake
When you’re facing criminal charges, you may not fully understand what’s at stake. In this case, you can consult with one of our attorneys at Peek Goldstone. As highly experienced criminal defense lawyers, we can offer the guidance you need to understand your charges and the potential consequences of a conviction.
Importantly, we can also explain the ways in which you can fight your charges. It may be possible to avoid conviction or mitigate the consequences of one. While some convictions can carry penalties involving many years in prison, such outcomes are never certain—especially when you have dedicated legal support on your side.
The Aggressive Legal Defense You Need
Allegations of White Collar crime are serious, and convictions for these offenses can result in severe consequences. With our experienced White Collar defense lawyers in Greeley and Erie on your side, you don’t have to face your accusers alone. Peek Goldstone can provide the tenacious advocacy that you need most right now.
You can benefit from a personalized defense strategy crafted by our legal team at Peek Goldstone. We have more than three decades of experience that we can apply to your defense, ensuring that we pursue all viable options that can lead to the best possible outcome. If you need legal assistance to defend against white collar crime charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help.
Send us a message today to request an initial consultation.
