Morgantown White Collar Crime Lawyer

Morgantown White Collar Crime Attorney

When you find yourself facing criminal charges for white collar crimes in Morgantown, your entire life can change for the worse. Not only can you face severe legal penalties, such as jail time or fines, but your employment at places like West Virginia University or WVU Medicine can be threatened. Whatever the circumstances of your charge, it is essential to have a Morgantown white collar crime lawyer on your side who can work to protect your rights.

At Crowe Law, LLC, we have years of experience fighting for the rights of our clients in many criminal cases, including those involving white collar crime charges. Facing these charges can feel hopeless and make your future appear bleak. Thankfully, with our experience in the local court system and our familiarity with the judges and prosecutors who often handle these cases, we can defend your case and work toward a positive outcome.

Defining Against White Collar Crime Allegations in Morgantown

In Morgantown, a white collar crime is usually an act of nonviolence that involves a breach of trust or deceitful behavior to secure some kind of financial and personal gain. These crimes most often happen in the business sector, and they are often committed by professionals who have been trusted to handle financial matters.

In 2023, white collar crime filings increased by 50%. This may seem like a drastic increase, and it can make anyone facing these charges feel as if there is no hope for them. Thankfully, with the help of an attorney, there is. To better understand the legal options you may have in a white collar crime case, it can be helpful to understand the actual charges themselves. The common white collar crimes that occur in Morgantown include the following:

• Fraud. This happens when an individual has allegedly deceived another for their own financial gain. There are many kinds of fraud, including mail fraud, wire fraud, and insurance fraud. Acts of fraud can be committed against government agencies, businesses, corporations, nonprofits, or other individuals. In fact, people in West Virginia lost more than $27 million to scams in 2024.
• Cybercrime. This charge can arise if an individual commits fraud through the use of computers and the Internet. One example of this crime can include wire fraud, where an individual uses their email to commit an act of fraud against another party.
• Insider trading. This charge can occur when an individual is allegedly guilty of selling or buying stocks based on material information about that stock, which has not been made available to the general public.
• Embezzlement. This is a common crime in many business sectors, but it can also happen in schools or the government. Embezzlement occurs when an individual, usually someone who has been given control and authority over financial systems, misappropriates those funds for their own personal gain.
• Petty cash theft. This can occur when an individual allegedly steals a small amount of money from the petty cash fund of a business or organization. Typically, a petty cash fund is put aside to deal with minor business expenses.
• Money laundering. In West Virginia, money laundering can occur when an individual allegedly makes illegally gained funds appear legal by disguising the actual origin of those funds. This is usually accomplished by transferring them through a series of complicated banking transfers or other financial maneuvers.
• Identity theft. This white collar crime can occur when an individual illegally uses another person’s financial information to secure funds for their own financial gain.
• Ponzi schemes. This charge can arise when an individual or organization is allegedly guilty of creating a fraudulent investment scam. This promises investors high return rates with little to no risk, but it uses the funds of previous investors to pay out new investors.

Common Defenses Against Morgantown White Collar Crime Charges

When facing white collar crime charges in Morgantown, it is important to remember that you do have legal options. Yes, there is a lot at stake, such as your freedoms and future rights. However, through the work of an attorney, these penalties can be mitigated. When you hire a defense lawyer, they can employ the following defenses in a white collar crime case:

• You have a lack of knowledge or intent.
• You were acting under coercion or duress.
• There is a lack of evidence.
• You have been the victim of police entrapment.

Your case will likely be tried at the Monongalia County Justice Center.

FAQs

How Long Does a White Collar Crime Case Take?

How long it might take a white collar crime case to process through the West Virginia courts varies. There are often several variables involved in the case that can impact the overall timeline. These can include the complexity of the case, the availability of the evidence, and the current caseload of the courts.

What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crime in WV?

Depending on the nature and circumstances surrounding the white collar crime you are being charged with, several penalties may apply. The most common in West Virginia can include:

• Prison time
• Probation
• Criminal fines
• Forfeiture of funds or assets
• Restitution payments to the victims
• The loss of your professional licenses and future employment

What Is Securities Fraud?

Securities fraud is a kind of fraud that is usually charged at the federal level. It is also known as stock or investment fraud and is a very serious crime. Typically, this crime occurs when an individual, such as a stockbroker or brokerage firm, misrepresents certain information to make personal financial gain. This is done at the expense of someone who trusts them to handle their stocks or other financials.

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of a White Collar Crime?

If you find yourself accused of a white collar crime in Morgantown, there are several actions you will want to take that can mitigate the potential penalties. These steps include:

• Staying silent
• Hiring an attorney who can defend you
• Preserving evidence that can support your innocence, such as emails or bank records
• Avoiding posting about your case on social media

Speak With a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love is facing charges of white collar crimes in Morgantown, it is vital that you reach out to Crowe Law, LLC, to learn more about our legal services and schedule your consultation with our team.