White Collar Crimes
PRACTICE AREAS
Prince William County White Collar Crime Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers for White Collar Crime Charges in Prince William County, Virginia
When individuals, businesses, or other organizations abuse their power for financial gain, they can be charged with what are often referred to as white-collar crimes. White-collar criminal convictions can lead to hefty fines, imprisonment, and irreparable damage to one’s reputation, which is why it’s so important to have a strong defense against these allegations.
If you have been accused of a white-collar crime in Prince William County, you need a criminal lawyer who can help defend you against these charges. At Manassas Law Group, our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers possesses the knowledge, resources, and courtroom experience necessary to mount a strong defense and achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Our Prince William County criminal defense attorneys at Manassas Law Group have a proven track record of success handling criminal cases in the area and can help protect your rights and fight for your future. We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges, which is why we are committed to providing compassionate support and personalized attention every step of the way.
Don’t let white-collar crime allegations jeopardize your future. Call (703) 361-8246 or schedule a free consultation online today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney at our law firm.
Case Types
What is a White Collar Crime?
In Virginia, a white-collar crime is any non-violent crime that involves using deceit, manipulation, or breach of trust to achieve financial gain or other advantages. These kinds of crimes are called “white-collar” crimes because they are typically committed by individuals who work in professional or business settings and often wear white-collar attire to work.
Examples of White Collar Crimes in Virginia
In Virginia, white-collar criminal charges fall under the category of “crimes involving fraud,” some of which include:
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Identity Theft
- Impersonation
- Making false representations
- Issuing bad checks
- Money Laundering
Common White Collar Crime Cases We Handle
At Manassas Law Group, we have experience defending the residents of Prince William County against a variety of criminal offenses, including white-collar crimes. Below are some of the most common white-collar crime cases we handle.
False Pretenses
In Virginia, it is illegal to obtain money or valuables from others under false pretenses, which is a common form of fraud. According to VA Code § 18.2-178, this includes acts such as:
- Obtaining money through false pretenses
- Exploiting vulnerable adults for money
- Exploiting others through the use of an agent
- Using fake coins (slugs) on a coin box machine (payphone, parking meter, vending machine, etc.)
- Making slugs for unlawful use
Depending on the crime committed, the penalties for fraud through the use of false pretenses can range from moderate to severe. For example, if someone uses forgery to obtain money, they can be charged with a Class 4 felony and face up to 10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Credit Card Theft
Another common form of fraud we defend against is credit card theft. Virginia law outlines credit card theft under VA Code § 18.2-192 and defines it as taking a person’s physical credit card or their credit card information to use it, sell it, or transfer it to someone other than the cardholder. It also outlaws buying someone else’s credit card or credit card information from someone other than the cardholder.
In Virginia, credit card theft is charged as grand larceny, which can potentially result in punishments of up to 20 years in prison.
Embezzlement
Under VA Code § 18.2-111, embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of money or property by someone entrusted with its care. There are a number of criminal charges in Virginia that are considered acts of embezzlement, including:
- Embezzling from an employer
- Embezzling public funds
- Misusing public assets
- Embezzling through fraudulent account entries
- Unlawfully subleasing a motor vehicle
- Failing to return property to its owner
Depending on the nature of the crime, individuals charged with embezzlement can face a range of punishments. The most severe punishments are for those who misuse public funds and assets or those who alter accounts within financial institutions in order to defraud. Those offenses can result in a Class 4 felony charge, which can be punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Consequences of a White Collar Crime Conviction in Virginia
Different white-collar crimes have different punishments, ranging from low-level misdemeanors to serious felony charges. Below are some of the legal punishments associated with white-collar crimes, ranging from most to least severe:
- Class 4 Felony: up to 10 years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, or both.
- Class 5 Felony: up to 10 years in prison, up to $2,500 in fines, or both.
- Class 6 Felony: up to 5 years in prison, up to $2,500 in fines, or both.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: up to 12 months in prison, up to $2,500 in fines, or both.
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: up to 6 months in prison, up to $1,000 in fines, or both.
- Class 3 Misdemeanor: up to $500 in fines.
It’s important to note that the consequences of a criminal conviction extend far past these legal punishments. Even a minor criminal conviction could affect a person’s ability to find housing, employment, and educational opportunities, even after they’ve served their sentence. Additionally, a felony conviction can limit a person’s ability to vote and own firearms in the future.
If you have been charged with a white-collar criminal offense, it’s important to understand what offense you’ve been accused of so you can understand what punishments you may be facing. A Prince William County theft lawyer like those at MLG can help you understand the penalties associated with your criminal charge so you know what the potential punishments may be.
The Importance of Having an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in White Collar Crime Cases
If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, one of the most important things you can do is contact a local criminal defense attorney who can help fight for your freedom, both in and out of the courtroom.
A criminal defense lawyer will be able to provide you with experienced legal advice and guidance throughout every stage of the case, from the initial investigation to the trial and beyond. They’ll be able to use their knowledge of Virginia criminal law and their experience in the Prince William County court system to make the process as easy as possible, ensuring your rights are protected throughout.
They will thoroughly review the evidence against you and identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies to build a strong defense strategy on your behalf. This will allow them to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or a favorable plea agreement, and effectively advocate for your innocence in court.
A skilled defense attorney will also keep you informed on the progress of your case, helping you understand the potential punishments and allowing you to make informed decisions about aspects of the case.
Contact Us
We offer a free case evaluation for new clients seeking criminal defense legal counsel. Call our Prince William County office today. Call 703-361-8246
Why Choose Manassas Law Group?
If you’re looking for comprehensive and compassionate criminal defense in Prince William County, VA, look no further than Manassas Law Group. Our law firm boasts a team of highly skilled attorneys with extensive experience in Virginia criminal defense law, including experience handling white-collar crime cases.
With plenty of experience providing both state-level and federal criminal defense, we offer personalized and strategic legal representation tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. We’re committed to protecting the rights of our clients and will do what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome, every single time.
Defending Your Rights and Protecting Your Future
In Virginia, a white-collar criminal conviction can have a significant impact on many aspects of your life, altering your freedoms and affecting your personal and professional reputation. If you are facing white-collar criminal charges in Prince William County, we at Manassas Law Group are prepared to provide you with the legal representation you deserve.
We understand how devastating a criminal conviction can be, which is why we provide our clients with personalized and dedicated legal support in the face of serious criminal charges. Our Prince William County attorneys have experience handling a variety of criminal cases as well as a deep understanding of the local court system.
With a focus on meticulous case analysis and tailored legal strategies, we work tirelessly to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate for favorable outcomes, aiming to mitigate or dismiss your charges altogether. When you trust Manassas Law Group with your white-collar criminal case, you can rest assured that your case and your future are in capable hands.
Call Manassas Law Group To Speak With a Prince William County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love is facing allegations of a white-collar crime in Prince William County, don’t face the legal system alone. A white-collar criminal conviction could result in lifelong consequences that span far beyond a prison sentence. It’s important to have experienced legal counsel on your side to ensure you receive the best outcome possible in your case.
The Prince William County criminal defense attorneys at Manassas Law Group are here to provide you with the knowledgeable guidance and aggressive legal advocacy you need during this time. Your future is too important to leave to chance, so don’t wait until it’s too late–reach out to an experienced white-collar crime lawyer on our team to discuss your case.
Simply give us a call at (703) 361-8246 or contact us via our website to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team today!
