White Collar Crimes

Grand Rapids White Collar Crimes Lawyers

Being accused of a crime is stressful not only for you, but also for your business associates and loved ones. Emotions can run even higher when you are being accused of a white-collar crime. If you are a professional such as a business owner, doctor, lawyer, stockbroker, or official, actions must be immediately taken to protect your career and reputation. The legal team at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office zealously does whatever it takes to fight the criminal charges, but we also do whatever is possible to protect your family, career, and reputation.

Experience in Defending a Variety of Fraud Crimes

White-collar crimes generally involve some form of fraud or deceit used for monetary gain. Fraud crimes are often very serious felonies and may be charged as state or federal crimes. Depending upon what person or entity is affected by the crime, a defendant accused of fraud may face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. Examples of fraud crimes we defend are:

• Bank fraud
• Forgery or falsifying records
• Government fraud
• Identity theft
• Internet fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Investment fraud
• Mail fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Tax evasion
• Wire fraud

Fraud crimes cover a number of different areas that impact a variety of individuals or organizations. Additionally, several different means or methods may be utilized to carry out the intended offense. It is crucial to dispute these charges to avoid the penalties that can be faced if you are sentenced. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide you the guidance and advice you need when facing allegations of a fraud crime.

Providing Successful Defenses to Financial Crimes

A financial crime is any crime that involves money. Examples of white-collar crimes in Michigan include:

• Bribery
• Credit card fraud
• Insider trading
• Internet crimes involving financial transactions
• Money laundering

If you or your business has been implicated in any financial crime, it is imperative that you retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer to help mitigate the damage and minimize the consequences by negotiating to reduce or eliminate the charges.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the act of theft by misusing funds one has been entrusted to handle. That is the difference between embezzlement and other types of theft: when the thief has legal access, but not legal ownership, of the stolen property, embezzlement has occurred. Because individuals in this position are generally well educated and entrusted with this money because of their professions, embezzlement is considered to be a white-collar crime. White-collar crimes are differentiated from other types of criminal offenses by the level of privilege required to complete them.

Being charged with embezzlement will not only put you at risk of facing criminal penalties, but it can also destroy your career. Work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight the charge and stigma that comes with an embezzlement accusation.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Michigan

In Michigan, how an incidence of alleged embezzlement is charged depends on multiple factors. These include the value of the money or items taken and the alleged offender’s professional position as well as his or her previous criminal record.

• For the embezzlement of money or valuables worth less than $200, a first-time offender faces up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 or up to three times the value of the money stolen, whichever is greater;
• If the money or valuables were worth between $200 and $1,000, the defendant faces up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 or three times the value of the property or money stolen;
• Defendants found guilty of embezzling $1,000 to $20,000 face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 or three times the value of the property stolen; and
• If the value of the assets embezzled was $20,000 or greater, a convicted defendant may face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 or three times the value of the assets.

Contact an Experienced White Collar Crime Defense Attorney

The legal team at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office is focused, experienced and accessible to assist with defending white-collar criminal charges against you or your business. Contact us at 616-698-0000 or online. We are also available on Skype by appointment.