While white-collar crimes usually do not carry the same strict punishments as their crime counterparts, there is a misunderstanding that you can get off easy. In reality, it is not that simple. White-collar crimes often involve complicated business investments and schemes that require a legal professional with specific training to navigate effectively.
You need someone on your side who knows how to fight for your rights. White-collar crimes include but are not limited to income tax evasion, mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, involuntary bankruptcy, perjury, obstruction of justice, bribery of public officials, witness tampering, money laundering, securities fraud, and the list goes on. If you are charged with a white-collar crime, finding the right defense attorney is paramount to the outcome of your case. The following tips can help you find this person who will protect your interests and get you the best possible result.
Referrals
You may know several people who have been involved in white-collar crimes. If possible, talk to them to see if they are willing to make a referral. Most people are well aware of which lawyers worked best on their case and if they were happy with the result. Even if you receive just one name, it is better than having to start from scratch.
You can also enquire from other legal professionals such as your estate lawyer or accountant. They may know of someone who specializes in white-collar crimes and can make a personal reference.
Review Online Attorney Websites
One of the best, free ways to find a lawyer is to review independent attorney websites. In many cases, white-collar defense attorneys will have a profile page on their website where they describe their experience and success rate. These pages are often very well-designed and include photos as well as customer testimonials. While it may be tempting to choose a lawyer based solely on their online presence, you should still make an appointment for a consultation as some sites may contain only partial information or false claims.
Hire A Lawyer With The Right Experience
When choosing a white-collar crime attorney, it is essential to look at their education and experience level. This will vary greatly depending on the type of case you’re facing. You’ll want someone who has several years of successful experience defending clients in your exact case. The attorney should tell you about previous cases they’ve taken on and what the outcome was. If possible, ask for hard copies of their references so that you can contact them directly.
Just because a lawyer advertises using the words “aggressive” or “experienced” does not mean that they are best suited for your case. If you are convicted, there could be enormous financial effects, and it can affect your reputation. Make sure that you talk to your lawyer and that they understand the complexities of the case.
Check Their Fee Structure And Payment Plans
Be sure to ask about any potential fees and payment plans for your consultation and representation in court. Remember, you do not have to work with a specific attorney simply because they can offer you a good deal. You will want to trust your lawyer, which starts with knowing they are highly qualified for the position. Otherwise, you may want to search for a different firm.
If you don’t feel that an attorney is right for you, the chances are that they will not be the best choice for your case either. Ask as many questions as needed to ensure that you can rest easy knowing your legal fees and possible penalties will be handled by professionals who know how to get results.
Seek The Reputation Of The Lawyer And The Firm
It is vital to find out about the white-collar crime lawyer’s reputation. If you ask around, you will find out if their peers admire them or not. This may help you decide on choosing that particular law firm or giving it a miss. You should also know about their success rate and how often they win cases. Based on these factors, you should be able to make a decision.
Determine Their Specialty And Dedication
Unlike other fields, legal presentation success is a combination of specialty and dedication. While there are many lawyers you will find, getting the best lawyer for your needs is determined by their passion for serving you perfectly from start to end.
Also, because criminal law exclusively covers different crimes, be sure you’ve determined if the attorney you work with specializes in your charges and more. In a nutshell, remember, the decision you make regarding which lawyer will handle your case is a big one. You want to ensure that it goes well for you and does not end in any penalties or stress. If you do some research and put in the time to find the right white-collar crime attorney for you, you can prevent costly mistakes down the road.
