Shreveport White Collar Crime Attorney Handling State and Federal Cases in Louisiana
When we hear about criminal defendants, our minds often conjure images of murderers, drug dealers, or armed robbers—stereotypical “bad guys” from TV shows. Yet, there’s another category of crime known as “White Collar” offenses. These are serious offenses that carry serious penalties, and avoiding unnecessary consequences in such cases requires representation by an experienced Shreveport White Collar crime attorney.
White Collar crimes aren’t just reserved for large corporations or international criminal organizations; everyday citizens can also find themselves facing such charges. Whether it’s tax fraud, bank fraud, insurance fraud, or healthcare fraud related to routine financial transactions or claims, anyone can become entangled in these complex legal matters.
High-Stakes White Collar Cases Require Experienced Legal Representation
When facing White Collar charges, it’s crucial to have someone standing with you from start to finish—who understands how to navigate the intricacies of these cases. You’ll need an attorney who can effectively tell your story, analyze voluminous documents, and advise you on when and how to communicate with government investigators. You’ll also need someone experienced in gathering evidence, questioning witnesses, and hiring experts to bolster your defense.
Lee Harville has advised clients on when to cooperate and when to fight back in such investigations, and he’s successfully tried cases involving allegations of healthcare/insurance fraud and other White-Collar offenses.
White Collar Cases We Handle
Shreveport White Collar crime attorney Lee Harville represents clients who are facing government investigations and criminal charges at the state and federal levels. He handles all types of high-stakes White Collar cases, including (but not limited to) those involving allegations of:
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud allegations can range from submitting false information in support of loan applications to engaging in credit card fraud and check kiting schemes. Bank fraud is a serious offense under both state and federal law, and individuals and businesses targeted in these cases can face substantial penalties.
Bankruptcy Fraud
Lee provides experienced defense representation for clients facing bankruptcy fraud allegations in Louisiana. These are typically federal cases, and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regularly pursues charges against business owners and other defendants suspected of committing fraud during Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings.
Healthcare Fraud
Lee represents patients, healthcare providers, and other clients accused of healthcare fraud under state and federal law. This includes accusations of defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and other government healthcare benefit programs, as well as private healthcare insurance companies through fraudulent billings and other means.
Money Laundering
Money laundering charges carry substantial penalties under both Louisiana and federal law. Prosecutors can pursue money laundering charges in a wide range of circumstances, and, in many cases, they can pursue charges against multiple individuals and entities accused of working together to conceal the source of funds obtained through illegal means.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud, tax evasion, and other tax crimes also carry substantial penalties, and holding tax cheats accountable is among state and federal prosecutors’ top law enforcement priorities in Louisiana. If you are under investigation or facing charges related to your state or federal filings (or lack thereof), it is imperative that you engage an experienced Shreveport White Collar crime attorney promptly.
Theft of Government Funds
If you have been accused of stealing government funds, it is imperative that you engage an experienced Shreveport white collar crime attorney promptly in this scenario as well. Attorney Lee Harville represents clients who are facing investigations and charges related to allegations of stealing funds under all state and federal contracts, grants, and programs.
Other State and Federal Fraud Charges
Lee defends clients who are facing other state and federal White Collar charges as well. This includes common types of fraud charges, such as:
- Consumer Fraud
- Elder Fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Investment Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
In some (but by no means all) cases, negotiating with the government will be the best approach. If a conviction at trial appears likely, targeting a plea bargain might be your best option under the circumstances at hand. Should negotiations with the government become necessary, you’ll want an attorney who can skillfully navigate these discussions to potentially avoid criminal charges or to secure reduced penalties.
Likewise, if charges are filed, you’ll need an attorney with extensive experience in challenging complex federal cases and crafting a robust defense strategy. Lee Harville has this experience, having successfully represented numerous clients in White Collar investigations, guilty pleas, sentencings, and trials.
Why It’s Important to Have an Experienced White Collar Defense Attorney on Your Side
Regardless of the specific charges you are facing, defending against a White Collar criminal case in Louisiana requires experienced legal representation. Here are just some of the reasons why it’s important to have an experienced White Collar defense attorney on your side:
- Making Sure You Know What is At Stake in Your Case – Making informed decisions starts with understanding what is at stake. This includes understanding the charges you face and the penalties on the table.
- Avoiding Mistakes that Could Jeopardize Your Defense – If you are facing White Collar criminal charges, you need to be very careful. In both state and federal cases, even seemingly minor mistakes can have serious consequences.
- Identifying All Viable Defense Strategies – From asserting your constitutional rights to exposing shortcomings in the prosecution’s case, you may have a variety of defense strategies available. Your attorney can identify all viable defense strategies and advise you accordingly.
- Avoiding White Collar Criminal Charges if Possible – If possible, your attorney will focus on resolving your case before charges are filed. If you aren’t charged, you can’t face a conviction at trial.
- Targeting a Resolution that Minimizes the Consequences of Your Case – Regardless of the circumstances of your case, your attorney will target a resolution that minimizes the consequences of the government’s investigation.
FAQs: Facing White Collar Criminal Charges in Louisiana
What is considered a “White Collar” crime in Louisiana?
The term “White Collar” refers to crimes of a financial nature. Common examples include money laundering, theft of government property, bank fraud, and other forms of fraud.
Will my case be handled in state or federal court?
Whether your case will be handled in state or federal court depends on the law enforcement agency (or agencies) involved. With that said, many White Collar cases are handled at the federal level, and strategically defending against federal charges requires extensive relevant experience.
Can I be charged if I just made a mistake at work?
If you made a mistake at work, you generally shouldn’t be at risk of facing criminal charges. But that won’t necessarily stop state or federal authorities from investigating and seeking an indictment. As a result, regardless of the facts of your case, you need to be prepared to defend yourself by all means available.
What are the potential penalties in White Collar criminal cases?
The potential penalties in White Collar cases depend on the specific charges involved. However, these are felony-level offenses in most cases, which means that they carry substantial fines and prison time.
When do I need to hire a White Collar defense attorney?
We strongly recommend hiring a White Collar defense attorney as soon as you find out that you are under investigation or facing charges. This will help ensure that your attorney has every available opportunity to protect you.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Shreveport White Collar Crime Attorney Lee Harville
If you find yourself facing White Collar charges, don’t face them alone. Contact us today to see how Lee can be there for you from the beginning to the end, providing the expert guidance and representation you need during this challenging time. Call 318-222-1700 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.