WHITE COLLAR CRIMES

White collar cases and investigations are among the most complex matters that we see in our criminal justice system. Typically, these crimes occur in the course of running a business or engaging in some form of financial activity. In addition, the federal government and/or state agencies often initiate these investigations against business owners, bank officers, elected officials, and licensed professionals, such as attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. White collar cases can also arise in the context of government benefit programs, government contract awards, or government loans or grants. These government program cases often arise in the aftermath of an economic downturn, in situations where the government has formed the belief that an individual or business received government funds that they were not entitled to receive. 

When a federal or state law enforcement agency conducts a white collar investigation, they will bring to bear all of the resources and tools at their disposal, including the use of grand jury subpoenas, search warrants, undercover agents and informants, and agent interviews. These investigations can last several months or even years. 

There are numerous pitfalls for any individual or business that has been entangled in a white collar investigation. Often times, significant reputational harm can result simply by being named a target, subject, or witness in one of these investigations. Moreover, even an individual, who is completely innocent of the underlying criminal allegations, can still find themselves accused of a very serious crime if the government or state reaches the conclusion that such an individual, during the investigation, made false statements to law enforcement or testified untruthfully before a court or grand jury. Further still, seemingly unintentional conduct by an individual or business under investigation can give rise to obstruction of justice or other “process crimes.”

For all of these reasons, it is critically important for a person accused of a white collar crime to hire a skilled and experienced attorney at the earliest possible juncture. Hiring the right attorney early can greatly increase your chances of receiving a more favorable outcome from the government, including possibly avoiding criminal charges altogether. Because of Andrew Searle’s prior experience as both a state and federal prosecutor, Andrew has the skills to act as your advocate and intermediary with the government. Andrew can discreetly communicate with the government before charges are filed, in an effort to persuade the prosecutor not to bring criminal charges. In the event that charges are filed, Andrew can use his extensive trial and courtroom experience to try to mitigate a client’s sentence, which is of critical importance in federal criminal cases. Lastly, in the event that a trial is necessary, Andrew Searle has the skills and experience to defend your case all the way to trial and appeal. He will zealously argue and fight the government on every issue and point to ensure that your rights are protected.
 

Andrew handles the following types of white collar cases and investigations: 

• Access device/Credit card fraud 

• Asset forfeiture 

• Bank fraud

• Bankruptcy fraud

• Bribery/kickbacks 

• Conspiracy

• Counterfeiting 

• Embezzlement 

• False statements to law enforcement

• Federal program fraud

• Federal contracting fraud 

• FEMA fraud

• Health care fraud

• Identity theft 

• Investment fraud 

• Mail fraud 

• Money laundering

• Mortgage fraud

• Obstruction of justice 

• Ponzi schemes 

• Wire fraud