White Collar Criminal Defense Attorneys in New York, New Jersey & Federal Court

Accused of a White Collar Crime? Protect Your Career, Reputation, and Freedom.

White collar crimes are non-violent offenses that typically involve financial misconduct, fraud, or deception. Because these crimes often occur in professional or business settings, they are prosecuted aggressively in both state and federal courts. A conviction can mean years in prison, massive fines, restitution, loss of professional licenses, and permanent damage to your reputation and livelihood.

Our firm provides skilled defense for clients in New York, New Jersey, and federal court who are facing complex white collar investigations and charges.

Common White Collar Crimes We Defend

  • Fraud Offenses: Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, insurance fraud, tax fraud.
  • Financial Crimes: Embezzlement, money laundering, theft by deception, Ponzi schemes.
  • Forgery & Identity Crimes: Forgery, identity theft, credit card fraud, falsification of records.
  • Corporate & Business Crimes: Bribery, kickbacks, procurement fraud, accounting fraud.
  • Tax Crimes: Tax evasion, filing false returns, payroll tax violations, IRS criminal investigations.
  • RICO & Organized Crime: Enterprise corruption, racketeering, conspiracy charges.

White Collar Crimes in New York

New York prosecutors pursue white collar cases under various statutes, including Penal Law Article 155 (larceny), Article 170 (forgery), Article 175 (false statements & records), and Article 180 (commercial bribery). Penalties range from misdemeanors to Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years in prison. New York also has specialized enforcement units focused on securities fraud, tax fraud, and public corruption.

White Collar Crimes in New Jersey

New Jersey prosecutes financial and business crimes under statutes including N.J.S.A. §2C:20 (theft & deception), §2C:21 (fraud & forgery), and §2C:27 (bribery & corruption). Penalties range from disorderly persons offenses (less than $200) to first-degree crimes carrying 10–20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000.

Federal White Collar Crimes

Federal prosecutors often pursue white collar cases when conduct involves interstate commerce, financial institutions, or federal programs. Common statutes include:

  • Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1343) – up to 20 years, or 30 years if involving banks or disaster relief.
  • Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1341) – up to 20 years.
  • Securities Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1348) – up to 25 years.
  • Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. §1344) – up to 30 years.
  • RICO (18 U.S.C. §§1961–1968) – up to 20 years per count (life for certain predicate crimes).
  • Tax Crimes (26 U.S.C. §7201, §7206) – up to 5 years for evasion, 3 years for false returns.
  • Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. §§1956–1957) – up to 20 years.

Federal cases are especially dangerous because prosecutors have broad investigative tools, including subpoenas, wiretaps, and cooperation agreements.

Collateral Consequences of a White Collar Conviction

  • Permanent felony record for fraud or dishonesty
  • Restitution orders, fines, and forfeiture of assets
  • Loss of professional licenses and certifications (law, accounting, medicine, finance, real estate, etc.)
  • Ineligibility for government contracts or regulated industries
  • Immigration removal proceedings for non-citizens
  • Severe reputational and career damage

Defense Strategies for White Collar Cases

White collar cases are document-heavy and complex, requiring strategic defense. Common approaches include:

  • Challenging Intent: Showing that errors or negligence do not amount to fraud.
  • Attacking the Evidence: Contesting financial records, witness credibility, or forensic analysis.
  • Procedural Defenses: Suppressing unlawfully obtained emails, financial documents, or wiretap evidence.
  • Good Faith Reliance: Arguing reliance on accountants, advisors, or legal counsel.
  • Negotiated Settlements: Pursuing restitution or civil resolutions instead of criminal penalties.
  • Trial Defense: For cases that proceed to trial, building a strong narrative that undermines the prosecution’s theory.

Why Legal Representation Matters

White collar prosecutions are often led by highly specialized state and federal units with unlimited resources. Defendants without strong counsel risk being overwhelmed by government investigations, subpoenas, and financial scrutiny.

A skilled white collar defense attorney in New York, New Jersey, and federal court can level the playing field, protect your rights, and pursue every available defense to safeguard your freedom, career, and reputation.