Being informed that you are under investigation for a possible white-collar crime can be extremely stressful. You may not know what investigators are looking for, what your status is, or what steps you should take next.
Alsobrook Law Group represents individuals under criminal investigation and those charged with crimes in federal, state, and municipal courts throughout Alabama. The firm’s white-collar criminal defense practice specifically addresses situations in which individuals have been informed that they are being investigated.
What Is a White-Collar Criminal Investigation?
White-collar crimes are generally nonviolent offenses that can involve fraud, concealment, or deceit for financial gain, avoiding losses, obtaining assets, or gaining business advantages.
Alsobrook Law Group identifies several types of white-collar crimes, including:
- Forgery
- Bank and check fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Securities fraud
- Wire and mail fraud
- Embezzlement
- Identity theft
- Counterfeiting
- Money laundering
- Insurance fraud
- Racketeering
The firm emphasizes that this list is not exhaustive.
What Should You Do If Law Enforcement Contacts You?
Alsobrook Law Group advises individuals who are approached by law enforcement about a potential white-collar investigation to speak with a trusted defense lawyer.
The firm’s website explains that many people mistakenly give authorities access to financial records or speak with investigators without first consulting an attorney because they believe that refusing to do so would automatically indicate guilt.
The firm recommends speaking with an experienced Auburn white-collar crime defense lawyer even when charges have not yet been filed.
Do You Need an Attorney Before Charges Are Filed?
According to Alsobrook Law Group, individuals can benefit from legal representation even when they have not been formally charged.
The firm’s attorneys represent people who may be witnesses, targets, or persons of interest in an investigation. The firm explains that its involvement can help ensure government agents follow the law and that clients understand their rights.
In some circumstances, the firm states that early involvement may help halt an investigation or reduce its effect through negotiations with prosecutors that avoid formal charges.
Why Early Legal Guidance Matters
A federal investigation can involve significant government resources.
Alsobrook Law Group explains that federal authorities can aggressively deploy resources when investigating and prosecuting suspects. The firm’s white collar defense attorney use their experience and resources to develop defense strategies for clients facing these high-stakes cases.
Seeking legal advice early can therefore give you an opportunity to understand the circumstances before making decisions about how to respond.
What If You Are a Witness?
Being involved in an investigation does not necessarily mean that you have been charged with a crime.
Alsobrook Law Group states that its attorneys represent witnesses, targets, and persons of interest in investigations. The firm can educate clients about their rights and work to ensure that government agents comply with the law.
Understanding your role in an investigation can be important when determining how to proceed.
What If Your Financial Records Are Involved?
White-collar investigations frequently involve financial matters.
Alsobrook Law Group explains that individuals may mistakenly give investigators access to financial records without consulting an attorney first.
Because financial information can be important in a white-collar case, speaking with a qualified attorney before responding to investigative requests can help you understand your legal position.
What If Your Assets Are Frozen?
Asset restrictions can create serious concerns for individuals facing white-collar investigations or charges.
Alsobrook Law Group states that government actions involving frozen or seized assets can sometimes be challenged. The firm explains that it has represented clients seeking to reverse improper restrictions on their property.
If your assets have been frozen, an attorney can review the circumstances and explain the legal options that may be available.
Why Are White-Collar Charges Serious?
Although white-collar crimes are generally nonviolent, they can have significant consequences.
Alsobrook Law Group explains that individuals facing white-collar charges may face incarceration and substantial fines. A conviction can also negatively affect personal and professional reputation.
The firm also has experience protecting professional licenses for clients whose careers depend on remaining out of prison and continuing to work in their chosen fields.
How Can a White Collar Criminal Attorney Help?
A white collar criminal attorney can help an individual understand the investigation and develop a defense strategy.
Alsobrook Law Group explains that its attorneys can:
- Educate clients about their rights
- Investigate the circumstances
- Challenge government actions
- Develop defense strategies
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Prepare cases for trial
- Represent clients in federal, state, and municipal courts
The appropriate approach depends on the facts and circumstances of the investigation.
Federal Criminal Defense Experience
Alsobrook Law Group has experience representing clients in federal courts.
The firm’s broader criminal practice explains that it represents clients in Alabama state and federal courts and also handles white-collar crimes in Auburn.
The firm’s white-collar practice also includes federal appeals and complex criminal cases.
What If Charges Are Eventually Filed?
If an investigation results in criminal charges, the case may proceed through the criminal justice system.
Alsobrook Law Group’s criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout the legal process. The firm’s attorneys investigate cases, advise clients about available options, negotiate when appropriate, and take cases to trial when necessary.
The firm’s white-collar attorneys also prepare robust defenses and use negotiation strategies when appropriate to attempt to resolve cases without trial.
Contact Alsobrook Law Group
If you have been informed that you are under investigation for a white-collar crime, obtaining legal guidance early can help you understand your rights and available options.
Alsobrook Law Group represents clients in federal, state, and municipal courts and handles white-collar criminal defense matters in Auburn and throughout Alabama. The firm invites potential clients to call 334-360-9534 or contact the firm online to schedule a discreet and confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am contacted by federal investigators?
Alsobrook Law Group recommends speaking with an experienced defense attorney if law enforcement approaches you regarding a potential white-collar investigation, even if you have not been charged.
Can I hire an attorney before I am charged?
Yes. Alsobrook Law Group represents individuals who are under investigation before formal charges are filed.
What types of white-collar crimes does Alsobrook Law Group handle?
The firm’s website identifies forgery, bank and check fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, wire and mail fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, counterfeiting, money laundering, insurance fraud, and racketeering among the white-collar crimes it handles.
Can an attorney help if I am a witness or person of interest?
Yes. Alsobrook Law Group states that its attorneys represent witnesses, targets, and persons of interest during investigations.
Can frozen assets be challenged?
Alsobrook Law Group states that it can challenge certain government actions involving frozen or seized assets and seek to reverse improper restrictions.
