Charged with a White-Collar Crime in Tennessee? Here's What You Need to Know

White-collar crimes involve deception to gain unlawful financial benefit. These are non-violent but serious offenses that can lead to harsh penalties and long-term damage to your career and reputation. If you are facing these charges, you need strong legal defense.

At Burks & Ogle, we are here to guide you through this complex process and fight for your future.

Common White-Collar Crimes in Tennessee

White-collar crimes are typically financially motivated and include:

• Antitrust violations (e.g., bid rigging, monopolies, price fixing)
• Bank and check fraud
• Bribery
• Computer and intellectual property crimes
• Counterfeiting
• Embezzlement
• Environmental violations
• Export/Import violations
• Forgery
• Healthcare and Medicare fraud
• Insider trading
• Mail and wire fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Money laundering
• Securities fraud
• Tax evasion

These crimes are often committed by professionals with access to large financial resources. Most are prosecuted at the federal level and carry significant penalties.

Penalties for White-Collar Crimes

Convictions can result in:

• Fines
• Probation
• Imprisonment

For example, mail and wire fraud convictions can lead to fines up to $250,000 and up to 20 years in prison.

Other financial penalties may include:

• Prosecution costs
• Restitution to victims
• Asset forfeiture

Beyond legal penalties, you may face:

• Loss of professional licenses
• Barriers to employment
• Damage to your personal and professional reputation

Common Defenses to White-Collar Crimes

Your defense will depend on your specific situation, but common strategies include:

• Lack of Intent: If you did not intend to commit a crime, the charges may not stand.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, you may have a valid defense.
• Duress: If you were forced to act due to immediate threats of harm, you may argue coercion.
• Incapacity: If you lacked the mental capacity to understand your actions, this may be a defense.

Defense Strategy

Our defense approach includes:

• Investigating whether your 4th Amendment rights were violated.
• Challenging any unlawful searches, seizures, or questioning.
• Scrutinizing the validity of warrants.

Remember, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We aim to challenge their case and create the doubt needed for your defense.

Contact a White-Collar Crime Defense Attorney in Knoxville Today

White-collar charges can impact your freedom and livelihood. Immediate legal action is critical. At Burks & Ogle, we will review your case and explore all possible defenses.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online today for your Free Consultation.