Are You Under Investigation For Fraud Or Employee Theft?

Most people think of white collar crimes as those committed by high-profile corporate executives or Wall Street investment brokers. However, anyone with access to individual or corporate financial records could be held accountable when the books do not add up.

If you or someone you know has become the target of a financial fraud investigation or has been charged with a white collar crime, Thole Law Firm can help. Attorney Eric Thole provides sophisticated and detail-oriented criminal defense for clients throughout the St. Croix River Valley in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Defending Clients Against Complex Financial Fraud Charges In Stillwater And Beyond

Most people accused of white collar crimes do not intend or did not originally intend to commit criminal acts. Washington County white collar crime lawyer Eric Thole provides experienced, ethical and nonjudgmental representation in helping clients defend their rights against white collar charges such as:

• Employee theft
• Embezzlement
• Credit card fraud
• Bank or check fraud
• Health care fraud
• Other financial fraud
• Tax evasion
• Identity theft
• Forgery
• Petty theft

Whether retained during the investigation process or after charges have been filed, attorney Thole will take immediate steps to protect your rights. While he prepares every case as though it will proceed to trial, he explores every option thoroughly to develop the most effective strategy for protecting your rights and minimizing the long-term effects on your reputation and future.

Attorney Thole served Washington County for 20 years as a criminal prosecutor. He is likely familiar with the judges and prosecutors handling your case, and he is well-regarded for his honest and dedicated criminal representation.

Understanding White Collar Crime Penalties In Minnesota And Wisconsin

White collar crime convictions can have serious consequences on your freedom, finances and professional standing. The severity of these penalties varies based on factors such as:

• The amount of money involved
• The duration of the criminal activity
• Whether the case is handled at the state or federal level

In Minnesota and Wisconsin, misdemeanor theft usually involves less than $1,000. These charges can lead to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The punishment for more serious financial crimes is much harsher, ranging from one to 20 years in prison. The specific penalty can depend on certain aggravating factors such as if the victim is elderly or vulnerable or if there’s a breach of fiduciary duty.

When authorities prosecute white collar crimes at the federal level, the penalties are often stricter. There are mandatory minimum sentences for some fraud cases, and fines can reach millions of dollars. Federal guidelines often recommend longer prison terms than state courts do.

Besides the legal penalties, a conviction for a white collar crime can seriously harm a person’s career. They might lose their professional license permanently or face a ban from working in their field. Finding a new job becomes challenging. In some cases, restitution payments may exceed the amount initially involved in the crime. Attorney Thole strives to lessen these impacts whenever possible.

The Investigation Process For White Collar Crimes

Understanding white collar crime investigations helps you protect your rights from the start. Specific agencies handle these cases at the state and federal levels. In Minnesota, the Financial Crimes Task Force may lead the investigation. In Wisconsin, the Department of Justice may take charge. If the case is on a federal level, the FBI and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division often participate.

While every case is different, most white collar investigations generally follow these stages:

• It starts with an initial complaint, often from internal audits or whistleblowers.
• This leads to a preliminary investigation to gather basic information and assess the complaint’s validity.
• If warranted, a formal investigation follows, involving search warrants and subpoenas to collect more evidence.
• Authorities then decide on charges based on the evidence’s strength and the likelihood of conviction.
• The case proceeds to pretrial, where both parties prepare, file motions and may negotiate plea deals.

Finally, the case goes to trial or is resolved through plea negotiation, where the defendant might plead guilty to lesser charges for a reduced sentence. Each stage is critical, and early legal representation proves crucial. A lawyer can help you avoid self-incrimination and challenge searches. They can also negotiate with prosecutors and preserve critical evidence. Attorney Thole uses his experience as a former prosecutor to guide clients through these processes effectively.

Defense Strategies For Financial Crime Allegations

Defending against white collar crime charges requires both legal expertise and a solid grasp of financial matters. Attorney Thole uses tailored strategies for each client’s situation.

In many white collar cases, it’s important to prove that there was no criminal intent. This means proving that mistakes were honest errors rather than attempts to defraud. Demonstrating a good faith belief that one’s actions were legitimate or authorized can be crucial. This can involve proving that the defendant was acting on advice from accountants, lawyers or other professionals.

A defense strategy may also involve:

• Clarifying financial irregularities
• Proving authority for transactions
• Ensuring charges are timely
• Challenging improperly obtained evidence

Attorney Thole collaborates with forensic accountants to clarify complex transactions. He seeks pretrial diversion, deferred prosecution or favorable plea deals when suitable. Moreover, he negotiates restitution plans that can protect your financial interests. He will also work to present evidence of your character, community contributions and potential for rehabilitation – all of which may help reduce consequences.

Learn More In A Free Initial Consultation

For experienced white collar crime defense, call 651-300-7389 today. You can also send a message through this online form. Attorney Thole strives to help clients maintain their dignity and regain peace of mind during a time when neither seems certain.