Lexington White Collar Crimes Lawyer
Have you been arrested for a white collar crime in Lexington, Kentucky? The time to begin defending yourself starts now. You deserve to have an experienced Lexington white collar crimes lawyer in your corner. Make Oakley & Oakley, LLC, your first call at to arrange a free consultation with me, attorney Jay Oakley. There’s simply too much at stake for you to take on this fight alone.
How I Can Help You Fight Charges For A White Collar Crime
In Kentucky, white collar crimes carry harsh penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and high fines. The stigma of a conviction can also ruin your reputation and turn your world upside down. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and avoid these harsh realities. Hiring me to represent you during your criminal white collar crimes case can tip the scales of justice in your favor. I have more than 15 years of experience representing clients against the most serious criminal allegations – including white collar criminal offenses like fraud, money laundering and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. I fully understand that your future is on the line, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to help you secure the very best outcome in your criminal white collar case. When you turn to my law firm for help, you can expect me to:
- Coordinate an in-depth, independent investigation into the allegations against you
- Conduct an exhaustive canvassing campaign to gather all relevant evidence
- Analyze evidence with the aid of industry experts and specialists
- Go over the government’s evidence and the prosecution’s case against you carefully, in search of weaknesses and issues that could potentially be used as leverage in your favor
- Handle all communication with the state and/or federal government on your behalf
- Staunchly defend your civil rights
- Conduct savvy negotiations with the prosecution, if a plea bargain is in your best interest
I will work hard to get your case dismissed, have evidence thrown out and/or negotiate reduced charges or sentencing on your behalf. However, I will always prepare your case as if a trial is inevitable. If and when we get to the trial phase, I will be more than ready to argue your defense in front of a Fayette County jury. Call my criminal defense law firm in Lexington to discuss your legal rights and options. Your initial case evaluation is 100% free.
What Is White Collar Crime?
The term “white collar crime” is typically used to describe criminal offenses that involve deceit and fraud and are nonviolent. Commonly charged white collar crimes in Lexington include:
- Identity theft and bank fraud
- Money laundering and embezzlement
- Tax evasion and insurance fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Health care fraud
- Welfare fraud
- Forgery
- Mail fraud
- RICO violations
- Extortion
If you’re accused of committing a white collar crime, you could potentially face both state and federal criminal charges. Many times, however, white collar criminal offenses fall under the jurisdiction of federal agencies.
Are White Collar Crimes Misdemeanors Or Felonies?
It depends. At the federal level, white collar crimes are always felonies. At the state level, white collar crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or a felonies, depending on the circumstances of the specific offense. Mitigating and aggravating factors can influence the level of a charge, too. Mitigating factors are those that warrant a lesser charge or reduced penalty. For instance, the fact that you have no prior arrests or convictions on your criminal record might be considered a mitigating factor when you are placed under arrest for a white collar crime in Lexington. Aggravating factors are those that warrant a more serious charge and/or the application of harsher penalties. For instance, the value of money or goods secured through fraud is often considered when determining a charge for a white collar offense. The higher the value, the higher the charge.
What Are The Penalties For A White Collar Criminal Conviction In Lexington?
White collar crimes are serious. In turn, the penalties that accompany a conviction tend to be quite harsh. However, ultimately, the penalties for a conviction will depend on the level of the charge (misdemeanor versus felony) and whether you’ve been convicted of a state crime or a federal offense. As a misdemeanor, a white collar criminal conviction can result in one, some or all of the following penalties:
- A maximum of 12 months in a Fayette County jail
- Fines of up to $500
- Restitution (repayment of funds or the value property secured as a result of a white collar crime)
- Probation
As a felony, a white collar criminal conviction can result in one, some or all of the following penalties:
- Imprisonment in a state or federal prison, for possibly 20 years or more under Federal Sentencing Guidelines
- Fines of up to $500,000
- Probation
- Home confinement
- Restitution
A white collar criminal conviction in Lexington won’t just trigger criminal consequences. You’ll face a multitude of collateral consequences as well. Collateral consequences are penalties that aren’t directly linked to your specific crime. Instead, these are civil and social “disabilities” that arise because you have a criminal record. Some potential collateral consequences include:
- Job loss and difficulty finding employment
- Loss of professional licenses
- Loss of government benefits
- Loss of voting and gun rights, depending on the level of the charge
- Inability to secure a loan or financial assistance
Another thing to consider is the toll that a white collar conviction can take on your reputation – both personally and professionally.
Defending Against White Collar Criminal Charges In Lexington
White collar crimes are inherently complicated. Many times (but not always), these crimes involve multiple parties and have many layers to them. It takes time for the government to investigate these offenses and build criminal cases in support of prosecution. At the federal level, the government often needs a grand jury investigation and approval before charges can be formally brought against a defendant. This complexity can work in your favor. The government must be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to get a conviction. It can be very difficult for the prosecution to explain the crime and all the elements to a jury in a way that’s easy to understand. It can be more challenging to present evidence to show (without reasonable doubt) how the law was violated. Asserting a strong and smart defense strategy can make it nearly impossible for the government to satisfy its burden of proof. At Oakley & Oakley, LLC, that’s exactly what I strive to do. I put together compelling defense campaigns that both cast doubt on my clients’ guilt and challenge and undermine the government’s case whenever possible. This dynamic approach makes it incredibly difficult for the state or federal prosecutors to do their job. Often, as a result, prosecutors are forced to consider pleas or drop charges against my clients altogether. Some defense strategies I employ in white collar criminal cases include:
- Showing lack of evidence
- Attacking witness credibility or motivation
- Proving violations of Kentucky or United States Constitutional rights (e.g., unlawful arrest, illegal search and seizure, failure to provide an appropriate Miranda warning)
You can count on me to fight for you and your future. Call my law office in Lexington to get started on your defense today.
Schedule A Free Consultation With Me
Have you been accused of committing a white collar crime in Lexington? Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call Oakley & Oakley, LLC, for immediate assistance. Whether you’re facing charges in state court or federal court, the prosecution will put a great deal of effort into getting a conviction. You have the right to fight back, and I can help. I’m ready to put my more than 15 years of criminal defense experience to work for you. All you have to do is give my law office a call to get started. Your first consultation is 100% free. When you sit down with me, I will carefully review the charges against you, help you understand your rights and offer some preliminary guidance to help you make the best decision for your future.
