White-Collar Crimes
White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers in Des Moines
In the post-Enron world, state and federal prosecutors like to make examples of white-collar criminals by handing out long prison sentences. However, most of the people who pay the price are not greedy corporate executives. They are average people who have never been in legal trouble before: accountants, realtors, bank loan officers, doctors, contractors and small business owners who see their lives crumble around them.
If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it's important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to minimize the damage to your life. At the law firm of Kragnes & Associates in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer a free case evaluation to discuss the charges and possible defenses.
Examples of White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes almost always involve money and an accusation of some type of fraud. Examples include:
- Embezzling money from an employer
- Mortgage fraud, which usually consists of making false statements on a mortgage application or real estate closing document
- Health care fraud such as submitting fraudulent bills to Medicare
- Insurance fraud such as submitting a false claim
- Money laundering, which is usually an additional charge when proceeds from a criminal enterprise are invested in a business. You can also be charged with money laundering if you pay someone large amounts of cash (over $10,000) without reporting the transaction to the Internal Revenue Service.
- Tax fraud
Prosecutors often charge a person with multiple counts to raise the stakes and force defendants to plea bargain. For example, if you embezzled money from your employer on five separate occasions, you can be charged with five separate offenses resulting in a very long prison sentence if you are convicted.
Defenses against White-Collar Crime Allegations
Depending on the facts of your case and what prosecutors can prove, our lawyers will create a strategy that puts you in the best possible position at the end of your case.
In many cases, the victim is more interested in getting his or her money back than convicting you of a crime. However, it's important to let your lawyer handle all negotiations. Anything you say to a victim or to police can be held against you in a court of law.
Free Initial Attorney Consultation
To discuss your white-collar case with one of our lawyers, call (866) 409-0221 toll free or fill out the contact form on this site. We serve clients in Des Moines and throughout Iowa.
