Skilled, Sophisticated Defense Against White Collar Crime Charges In Hawai‘i
Allegations of employee theft can be ruinous to a business professional’s career. In many sorts of business and financial dealings, both large and small, one simple mistake or misunderstanding can lead to a great amount of emotional hardship. It’s difficult enough to run a successful business without being saddled with allegations of fraud or financial crimes. If you have been charged with a white collar crime anywhere in Hawai‘i, including Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai, you should immediately contact Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation, in Honolulu and schedule a free consultation.
I am firm founder Bill Harrison, a white collar crime attorney with more than 40 years of legal experience. As your lawyer, I will utilize my extensive trial experience, investigative skills, and network of legal professionals to defend your freedom and clear your good name.
What Is A White Collar Crime?
“White collar crime” refers to a wide variety of crimes, typically nonviolent offenses committed through deceit and motivated by financial gain. Here’s a list of typical crimes that could be committed by business or government professionals, thus deeming them to be white collar (which are different from crimes involving physical force such as robbery or assault):
- Anti-trust violations
- Conspiracy
- Embezzlement
- Computer and internet crimes
- Forgery
- Fraud of all types (including mail fraud, wire fraud)
- Ponzi schemes
- Securities fraud
- Gambling
- Insurance fraud
- Operation of illegal businesses
- Money laundering
- Tax fraud and evasion
- Identity theft
- Public corruption
White collar criminal activity is becoming more common. If you learn that you are accused of such a crime, it is important to consult an experienced defense lawyer about the details of your case as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. The sooner your attorney can safeguard exculpatory evidence, enter into plea negotiations with prosecutors, or prepare your case at trial, the better off you and your business will be. At Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation in Honolulu, I approach each case with proactive attention to detail and a willingness to advocate zealously for you with the hope that you won’t need to go to trial. However, if a trial is necessary or proves to be the best way to resolve your criminal charges, I won’t hesitate to vigorously defend you in court.
What Is Fraud?
Before ever stepping foot in a courtroom, so much needs to happen behind the scenes. When you approach your attorney at the start of this process, it’s important to have a grasp of the basic idea of fraud. Fraud, broadly defined, refers to acts intended to deceive someone for monetary or personal gain. Thousands of people each year fall victim to it. With fraud, there will be a false statement, misrepresentation, or deceitful conduct of some kind.
The purpose of fraud is to gain something of value (usually money) by misleading someone into believing something that the perpetrator knows to be untrue. It’s a serious allegation. With white-collar offenses like fraud, it is possible for a person who is accused of committing fraud to be both criminally prosecuted and sued in a civil action. Don’t wait for your situation to escalate to that point. Contact my firm instead.
What Role Can Intent Play In Your White Collar Crime Case?
Because white collar crime is a broad category, the necessary elements of each case also vary. There are some crimes which require prosecutors to prove criminal intent (a concept known as “mens rea,” or guilty mind) and some which do not (known as “strict liability” offenses).
Generally, it is easier to defend against a crime that requires proof of intent because the prosecutors have a higher burden to meet.
Could A White Collar Crime Conviction Affect Your Career?
Being convicted of a white collar offense can end your career if you work in certain industries. If your job requires a professional license, you may find it difficult or impossible to be approved for renewal or re-licensure. If you previously worked in a job that allowed access to money, a financial crime on your record could disqualify from similar positions in the future, or at least make most employers very hesitant to hire you.
The bottom line is that white collar criminal charges could have a lifelong impact that goes beyond potential fines or jail time. For this and other reasons, it is important to fight these charges with the help of an experienced attorney.
Learn How My Firm Can Help You During A Free Initial Consultation
If you have been charged with money laundering, embezzlement or any other kind of white collar crime, you have options. You don’t need to strain to save your personal and business reputation all by yourself. As soon as you become aware that you are under investigation, it’s important to reach out and let an experienced lawyer help you with the rest. Contact Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation, in Honolulu and schedule a free consultation to review your options and create a strategic plan. Just call 808-501-0408 or reach out online.