New York
White Collar crimes attorneys
New York White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers
White collar crimes refer to a broad range of activities which are all linked by a willingness on the part of those perpetrating the crimes to defraud, mislead, or otherwise manipulate. In general these are very challenging crimes to prosecute given the complexity of the schemes and transactions involved. In many cases, these crimes do not come to the light of day without the assistance of internal actors known as whistleblowers who alert the public or authorities that wrongdoing is taking place. Many of those accused of these crimes require a White Collar Crimes Attorney in New York knowledgeable in federal crimes.
Defense Strategies for White Collar Charges in New York City
Common defense strategies include challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, demonstrating lack of criminal intent, and exposing flaws in the government’s forensic accounting. Many white collar cases hinge on whether the defendant acted knowingly and willfully to defraud others. Defense counsel may present evidence showing the defendant relied on professional advice, lacked knowledge of wrongdoing, or made good-faith business decisions that later proved unsuccessful. Attacking the credibility of cooperating witnesses and exposing inconsistencies in their testimony is another critical component of defense strategy.
Pretrial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case. In appropriate circumstances, negotiation with prosecutors may result in reduced charges, deferred prosecution agreements, or cooperation arrangements that minimize exposure. The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC employs a comprehensive defense approach that protects clients’ rights at every stage while working toward the most favorable resolution possible.
Some of the most common white collar crimes include:
- Bribery
- Racketeering
- Money Laundering
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Fraud
- Credit Card Fraud
- Computer and Internet Fraud
- Medicaid Fraud
- Tax Evasion
- Public Corruption
- Embezzlement
NYC White-Collar & Financial Case Results
Felony Falsifying Business Records & Financial Crimes
Where Handled: Queens County Supreme Court, New York
The Challenge: The client was facing felony charges for falsifying business records, carrying the threat of state prison and a restitution demand of more than $1,000,000.
The Defense: Counsel vigorously litigated pretrial motions and conducted a comprehensive review of grand jury materials. The defense team managed complex restitution logistics, facilitated the liquidation of assets, and ensured the court was provided with continuous compliance reports.
Timeline: Approximately 3.5 years
The Outcome: Following the satisfaction of full restitution, the client received a two-year conditional discharge with no incarceration, successfully concluding a high-stakes felony case.
Complicated Legal Matters
White collar crimes are increasingly being viewed by New York state prosecutors as serious crimes and can result in extensive fines, forfeiture of assets, the necessity to pay restitution, conditional supervised release, and even imprisonment. There is absolutely no reason not to take these crimes seriously. If convicted, there is a strong likelihood that some or all of these penalties will be imposed.
If you have any questions related to white collar crimes, reach out to the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC and get the answers you need. Speaking with a New York criminal defense lawyer can bring you the peace of mind you seek.
Understanding Federal vs State White Collar Prosecutions
White collar crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, and the distinction significantly affects the severity of penalties and procedural rules. State prosecutors typically handle white collar crime cases involving local victims or schemes confined to New York, while federal prosecutors pursue cases with interstate or international elements.
Federal white collar prosecutions generally carry harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences under the federal sentencing guidelines. Federal investigators also have broader powers and more extensive resources for tracking financial transactions across jurisdictions. Cases involving wire fraud, mail fraud, or crimes affecting federally insured banks almost always proceed in federal court.
State prosecutions in New York often focus on crimes like grand larceny, falsifying business records, and insurance fraud that primarily affect local businesses or residents. State prosecutors may coordinate with federal authorities to determine which jurisdiction is most appropriate for a given case. Dual prosecution remains possible, though rare, when conduct violates both state and federal laws. Your defense strategy must account for which system is handling your case.
Penalties for White Collar Crimes in New York
White collar crimes carry severe penalties that can permanently alter your life. These offenses can result in substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, restitution orders, and asset forfeiture. In New York, penalties vary widely depending on the specific charge, the amount of money involved, and the defendant’s criminal history.
Felony-level white collar crimes in New York can result in sentences ranging from probation to 25 years in state prison. Grand larceny charges, for instance, escalate from a Class E felony to a Class B felony as the value of stolen property increases. Falsifying business records becomes a felony when committed with intent to commit or conceal another crime. Judges increasingly impose incarceration even for first-time offenders when the schemes are sophisticated or the financial harm is significant.
Beyond prison, convicted individuals face mandatory restitution to victims, forfeiture of assets derived from criminal activity, and substantial fines. Professional licenses may be revoked, employment opportunities disappear, and civil lawsuits often follow criminal convictions. The collateral consequences of a white collar conviction extend far beyond the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crimes in New York
What should I do if federal agents contact me about a white collar investigation?
Do not speak with agents without an attorney present, regardless of whether you believe you are a witness or a target. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a white collar defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and investigators are trained to elicit incriminating statements even from innocent parties.
Can I be charged with a white collar crime if I didn’t personally benefit financially?
Yes, criminal liability for white collar offenses does not always require personal financial gain. You can be charged if you participated in a fraudulent scheme, helped conceal wrongdoing, or failed to report illegal activity when legally obligated to do so. Aiding and abetting charges or conspiracy charges can apply even when another party received the direct benefit.
How long do white collar crime investigations typically take?
White collar investigations can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on the complexity of the alleged scheme and the number of individuals involved. Federal investigations tend to be more lengthy than state investigations due to the extensive resources devoted to financial analysis and witness cooperation agreements. The extended timeline makes early legal representation particularly valuable.
Will I lose my professional license if convicted of a white collar crime?
Many professional licenses are subject to revocation or suspension following a white collar crime conviction, particularly when the offense involves dishonesty, fraud, or breach of fiduciary duty. Licensing boards for attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and healthcare professionals typically have their own disciplinary proceedings separate from the criminal case. An experienced attorney can coordinate both defenses to protect your career.
What is the difference between restitution and fines in white collar cases?
Restitution is money paid directly to victims to compensate them for their actual financial losses, while fines are penalties paid to the government as punishment for the crime. Courts can order both in white collar cases. Restitution is typically mandatory when victims suffer quantifiable losses, and failure to pay restitution can result in extended supervision or additional criminal charges.
When to Hire a White Collar Defense Attorney
Retaining a white collar defense attorney should happen the moment you learn you are under investigation or have been contacted by law enforcement. Many individuals make the critical mistake of believing they can explain their way out of suspicion without legal representation. Anything you say to investigators can be used against you, and early statements often form the foundation of the prosecution’s case.
Prosecutors begin building cases long before formal charges are filed. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze financial records to establish patterns of wrongdoing. Having an attorney early in this process allows you to protect your rights, avoid self-incrimination, and potentially prevent charges from being filed altogether.
The Criminal Justice Act recognizes the constitutional right to counsel at all critical stages of a criminal proceeding. Early representation is particularly important in white collar cases where the factual and legal complexity demands immediate strategic action. An experienced NYC white collar crime lawyer can assess the strength of the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop a comprehensive defense before the situation escalates.
Trust the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
If you have questions, reach our New York white collar crimes attorney today to schedule a confidential consultation. We are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Representing Clients Across NYC
- Brooklyn White-Collar Crime Defense
- Queens White-Collar Crime Defense
- Staten Island White-Collar Crime Defense
- Manhattan White-Collar Crime Defense
- Bronx White-Collar Crime Defense
Criminal Defense
White Collar Results
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We Set the Bar Others Strive to Reach
If you were wrongly accused of committing a crime in the state of New York, then you want to get a lawyer that is going to fight for your rights. You want a lawyer that will hear you out, and get you the results that you deserve.
Robert Tsigler offers a risk free consultation to all potential clients. The fees that are charged are highly reasonable as well, and they also offer payment plans. During the initial consultation, this firm answer any and every question that clients may have. Robert Tsigler and his team discuss all of the aspects of the case and the possible repercussions. The Tsigler team helps clients to learn how to fight against their accusations, and they investigate all of the possible ways to get the case dismissed. At the firm of Robert Tsigler, they realize that time is of the essence, so they have 24/7 availability. The Robert Tsigler team makes sure to return all of their emails and calls within hours, and they have results that are completely and totally unbeatable.
Robert Tsigler is an individual who has lived in New York for all of his life. He works in courts in New Jersey, New York and an all throughout the United States. Robert Tsigler works with civil and criminal law, and he has been able to help in the prosecution of hundreds of different cases. Robert Tsigler graduated from the University of New York with a bachelors in Arts of Criminal Justice and Psychology. Tsigler also received his Jurist Doctorate from The New York Law School. Robert Tsigler has received the following awards and honors: The National Trial Lawyers Association, The National Academy of Conference Attorneys: Top 10 under 40, Super lawyers 2017, and The American Institute of Legal Counsel: 10 Best Attorneys of 2017. Robert Tsigler is a person who has been able to gain the respect and trust of thousands of individuals. He is a well known name because of all of the time and effort that he has put into each and every one of his cases. Robert Tsigler does not stop until he is able to get his clients what they deserve; that is the reason why he is an award-winning lawyer.
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