Fort Myers Attorneys Describe How to Beat White Collar Crime Allegations

White collar crime allegations can be scary and stressful to deal with. But having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. Fort Myers attorneys regularly defend clients against white collar accusations like fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, money laundering, and more. Here are some of their best tips for beating these types of allegations:

Understand the Charges

The first step is to fully understand what you’ve been charged with. White collar crimes encompass a wide range of financial and corporate offenses. Make sure you know exactly what statutes and regulations you’re accused of violating. Your Fort Myers defense lawyer can analyze the charges and evidence and explain the potential penalties if convicted. Knowing the specifics will help shape your defense strategy[1].

Don’t Destroy Evidence

You may be tempted to shred documents or delete files once you realize you’re under investigation. But destroying or tampering with evidence can lead to serious obstruction of justice charges. Your Fort Myers attorney can file motions to preserve the evidence so nothing gets destroyed as the case proceeds[3]. Let your lawyer handle document production – don’t withhold or conceal anything.

Get Character Witnesses

For white collar accusations like fraud and embezzlement, your reputation and credibility will be on trial. Gather character references from people willing to testify about your honesty and integrity. Your Fort Myers attorney can prepare these witnesses to highlight your good qualities and history of ethics[4]. Their testimony as third-party supporters could raise reasonable doubt.

Challenge How the Investigation Began

In some cases, defendants can get charges dismissed by challenging how the investigation started. If the search warrants, surveillance orders, or subpoenas were unjustified or improper, the evidence gathered could be inadmissible[5]. Your Fort Myers lawyer will scrutinize the investigation’s origins to see if this defense can defeat the allegations pre-trial.

Request a Diversion Program

First-time white collar offenders may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs. These involve fulfilling certain conditions like restitution, community service, fines, or probation. If completed, the charges can be dismissed. Diversion is a chance to avoid a conviction on your record. Your Fort Myers lawyer will petition for this resolution if you qualify.

Explore Technicalities

In some cases, defendants avoid convictions because of a technicality like the statute of limitations expiring or evidence obtained illegally. Your Fort Myers attorney will explore every technical argument conceivable to get charges dismissed pre-trial. Even minor technical flaws can sometimes lead to full acquittals.

The bottom line is – don’t go through white collar charges without an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Fort Myers attorneys deal with these complex cases routinely and know how to build the strongest defense. With their guidance, you have an excellent chance of beating the allegations and avoiding harsh penalties. The peace of mind of having expert representation is invaluable.