Lake County, IL White Collar Crimes Lawyer

Experienced White Collar Crime Defense Attorney Serving Waukegan, Northbrook Areas

Non-violent acts involving deception are categorized under white collar crime. The crime is generally perpetrated by a public official or a person in the business world, and often the evidence used to prosecute the person accused includes a paper trail—or computer trail. Although most people do not assign the same level of seriousness to white collar crimes as to other criminal offenses, if you have been charged with a white collar crime you may be weighed down by the potential consequences those charges can bring.

Hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney who has significant experience defending those charged with white collar crimes is extremely important. A call to the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. could be the best decision you make at a time like this. We passionately represent those who are bogged down in the Illinois criminal justice system, likely defending themselves against not only the government but a large corporation as well. Our Northbrook, Illinois white collar crimes attorney will tirelessly work to ensure your rights are fully protected during this difficult time.

What are White Collar Crimes?

The term white collar crime is an umbrella term which encompasses non-violent crimes motivated by personal gain. The term was coined, based on the assumption that this type of crime is typically committed by executive-types who wear white shirts and ties. The most common crimes which fall under this term include:

• Embezzlement;
• Organized Crime (which does not include acts of violence);
• Money Laundering;
• Extortion;
• Bad Checks;
• Insider Stock Trading;
• Public Corruption;
• Counterfeiting;
• Credit Card Fraud;
• Identity Theft;
• Tax Evasion;
• Fraud;
• Bribery;
• Violations of Environmental Laws;
• Intellectual Property Fraud; and
• Mortgage Fraud

The white collar crime most often committed is by far the crime of embezzlement. Embezzlement is the theft of money or other property by a person who was entrusted with that money or property. The other commonly committed white collar crimes are fraud and extortion. Fraud charges can relate to tax fraud, health care fraud, or any type of dishonesty calculated to gain an advantage. Real estate transactions or the buying and selling of stocks and bonds are areas where fraud often exists. Other less-common forms of white collar crimes include racketeering, computer fraud, securities fraud, and price fixing.

How White Collar Crimes are Prosecuted

How your case will proceed can depend on whether a state or federal law has been broken. Most of those convicted of a white collar crime will spend time in jail and will be responsible for providing restitution to the victim or entity. It is essential that you have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side who will craft an early trial strategy. Whenever possible, your Illinois white collar crime attorney will focus on having your criminal charges dismissed; if that proves to be unobtainable, then your attorney will prepare an aggressive defense to present at your trial. It is important that you not talk to law enforcement, the prosecution, employers or anyone else without your attorney being present.

Contact an Attorney Who Can Help You Today

Your honesty and reputation are on the line, and the damages to your reputation and relationships with others can be difficult to recover from, particularly if you are convicted. Attorney Matthew R. Gebhardt will not leave your future to chance, but will work hard on your behalf to ensure your rights are fully protected. Attorney Gebhardt understands that the evidence against you can be questionable, and may not come close to proving your guilt. Our Lake County white collar crimes attorney will use all the skills and resources he possesses to find the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. Attorney Gebhardt has an advantage in this area as he served as Cook County prosecutor for five years before becoming a criminal defense attorney. Contact Matthew R. Gebhardt today for a free consultation at 773-383-8745 or 847-239-4703.