Providing Vigorous Criminal Defense And Personalized Attention For 30 Years

Experienced White Collar Crime Attorney In Marietta And Atlanta

White collar crime is a big problem, and thanks to technology, these types of crimes are becoming more common and more sophisticated. White collar crime can have far-reaching consequences for businesses, their employees and their investors. If you have been accused of a white collar crime, you need an experienced attorney like Stephen Katz, who serves clients in Marietta and Atlanta, to defend you.

White collar crimes take many forms, including:

While white collar crimes are generally not considered violent crimes, they do have serious repercussions for the victims. For example, a victim of identity theft can spend years trying to reclaim their life and embezzlement can drive companies out of business.

Penalties for white collar crimes can be severe. But even being accused of this type of crime can damage your reputation as well as your job prospects. Attorney Katz will vigorously defend you against these charges. Because he values providing personalized service, you can be assured your case will get his full attention.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement can take many forms. The simplest type of embezzlement is the employee who fabricates bills for services never provided and then uses the money from those payments for personal use. This can include the business traveler who pads their expense account or misuses their company credit card. Ponzi schemes are also considered a type of embezzlement.

Embezzlement can be tried as a state or federal crime. Either way, the penalties for embezzling are severe and can include up to 10 years in prison and fines equal to the value of the embezzled property. Attorney Katz will work to mitigate the effect of charges and eventual verdict. He understands that judges have a lot of leeway during sentencing and he will use that knowledge for your benefit.

Money Laundering

Anyone who has watched a television police drama understands the concept of money laundering. It involves making illegally obtained money look like it came from a legitimate source. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including by transfers involving foreign banks or by running the money through a legitimate business or a shell corporation. The advent of online banking and cryptocurrency has made money laundering even easier and harder to trace.

Money laundering is a federal crime and penalties can include up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved. If you are accused of money laundering, you need to contact an attorney immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crimes In Georgia

The following are answers to some of the many concerns attorney Katz handles to help you make informed decisions after being charged with a white collar crime.

What steps should I take after being accused or when under investigation for a white collar crime?

If you are accused of a white collar crime, consult a white collar crime defense lawyer immediately. These allegations are serious, and what you do now is critical. You should:

Stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent: Acting impulsively and without proper guidance can create additional legal exposure. Under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Georgia law, you have the right to remain silent until you consult a lawyer.
Do not tamper with evidence: Destroying financial records or deleting emails can result in additional felony charges.
Limit discussions: Avoid conversations about the charge with friends, co-workers, family members or posting on social media. The information you share may be misinterpreted.

Mr. Katz is a skilled white collar defense attorney who can intervene early to protect your legal rights and your professional license.

How can a white collar crime conviction affect my professional license or career?

A conviction for a white collar crime in Georgia can result in the immediate suspension or revocation of your professional license. These crimes involve dishonesty, and Georgia law imposes severe punishments.

Professional license suspension or revocation: Georgia’s professional licensing authorities may suspend or permanently revoke your license after a conviction.
Career barriers: If you seek new licenses afterward, the licensing authorities may deny you based on a prior conviction.
Permanent criminal record: In Georgia, most criminal convictions remain on record and are visible during background checks.

Early legal intervention after a white collar crime charge is essential. A defense attorney can work to minimize charges or pursue outcomes that help preserve your professional license.

How do I know if my white collar crime case is state or federal?

Your white collar crime case may be federal if it impacts federal programs such as Medicare, or state if it involves smaller dollar amounts. Federal cases often involve federal agencies such as the FBI, SEC, DEA or the IRS and are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys in U.S. District Courts. On the other hand, Georgia white collar crime cases involve local police and are handled in Georgia Superior Courts.

Internet And Cyber Crimes

Cyber crimes can target individuals, businesses, public institutions like schools and even the government. If you have received a scam email asking for your bank information or your social security number, you have been a potential victim of a cybercrime.

Stalking, sex-related offenses and online bullying are also cyber crimes, as are intellectual property theft and defamation. The United States has some of the world’s strictest laws against cyber crimes. Penalties vary, but typically involve prison time. If you have been charged with committing a cybercrime, you need an attorney with experience in this arena to defend you.

Attorney Stephen Katz has the knowledge and persistence to defend you. Call him in Marietta and Atlanta at 770-988-8181 or use this email form to contact his office.