White Collar Charges Demand a Defense Built on Documents, Not Just Argument.

Charges Scott handles.

Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, tax offenses, identity theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, theft and embezzlement, money laundering, securities offenses, and conspiracy charges in state and federal court.

Pre-charge representation.

Many white collar matters begin with a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or a regulatory inquiry months before any charge is filed. The window before indictment is often the most important period in the case. The firm represents clients in pre-charge investigations, negotiates with prosecutors before charges are brought, and where appropriate, makes a presentation aimed at declination.

Defenses.

Lack of intent to defraud is the most common defense in fraud prosecutions. Good faith reliance on counsel or accountants, ambiguity in the alleged misrepresentation, and challenges to the materiality of the conduct are also common. Where the case involves cooperating witnesses, the defense focuses on their credibility, motives, and prior statements.

Sentencing.

Federal white collar sentencing is governed by the Sentencing Guidelines, which calculate exposure largely based on the loss amount. Aggressive litigation over loss calculation, role in the offense, and mitigating factors can produce significant differences in the recommended sentence.