White Collar Crimes Lawyers in Passaic County, NJ

Federal and State Charges for White Collar Crimes Demand Experienced Defense Attorneys in New Jersey

The actions considered by the New Jersey criminal justice system to be crimes vary in degree and type. Some such crimes are known broadly as “white collar crimes,” and their nature differs substantially from crimes of passion and other felonies that tend to color the media on a regular basis. Still, white collar crimes lead to serious charges that carry steep penalties in both state and federal courts. If you have been accused of any of the different forms of white collar crimes in New Jersey, we strongly recommend contacting an experienced defense attorney with proven experience representing people in these types of complex criminal prosecutions, which may be investigated by both state and federal agencies. Our white collar team of attorneys at the Montanari Law Group is prepared to protect your rights, your reputation, your finances, and your liberty when facing white collar accusations in New Jersey.

If you were charged with a white collar crime or your case is under investigation, it’s time for you to take a step ahead. Sit down with the experienced white collar crimes lawyers at our Passaic County firm and let us go over your top options. If you retain our firm, you can trust over 20 years of experience in criminal defense on your side, protecting you and guiding you along the way to ensure you don’t make one false move when so much of your future is at stake. We represent clients in white collar criminal cases in Totowa, Clifton, Paterson, Little Falls, Woodland Park, Wayne, and towns throughout Passaic County and Northern New Jersey. To schedule your free case assessment and consultation to learn how we can help, please call 973-233-4396 or fill out our online contact form.

The Scope of White Collar Crimes in New Jersey

The term “white collar crime” refers to a non-violent criminal offense that often involves illegal acts intended for financial gain. The term white collar crime creates a contrast to the types of crimes known as “blue collar crimes” that often do not happen with much presentiment or planning and are often done in the heat of passion or rage. White collar crimes are often found in the business sector and involve an underhanded, illegal approaches to get financially ahead or to avoid financial losses.

Most Common Types of White Collar Crimes in New Jersey

Common examples of white collar crimes include identity theft, tax evasion, fraud such as credit card fraud or insurance fraud, money laundering, insider trading, extortion, cyber crimes, embezzlement, and counterfeiting.

How White Collar Investigations Often Happen in NJ

There are a number of ways that financial activities end up on the radar of both New Jersey and federal investigative entities. One common source is anonymous tips, as are “Suspicious Activity Reports” filed by financial institutions. Lawsuits are another source of information that may lead to a deeper investigation into possible white collar crimes. In addition to New Jersey state authorities, the Financial and Computer Crimes Bureau, federal authorities such as the Federal Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), today known as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) are charged with investigating white collar crimes nationally.

Potential Penalties for White Collar Crimes in New Jersey

Though white collar crimes are generally non-violent, they often involve massive and ongoing deceit and financial illegality, and could involve both state and federal criminal action. As a result, their penalties can be severe. Possible penalties include fines amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars, decades of time in prison, house arrest and ongoing monitoring by authorities, restitution to the victims for the losses they incurred, extensive amounts of community service, and lengthy periods of probation.

Importance of Distinguishing Between NJ State and Federal Charges for White Collar Crimes

Strictly speaking, a white collar crime investigated by the New Jersey Financial and Computer Crimes Bureau generally remains a state matter tried by the Superior Court unless the crime involved a federal government entity or crossed state lines. For example, a case of tax evasion will be investigated by both state and federal agencies, as it involves a crime committed against the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s Division of Taxation, as well as the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Crimes that involve federal funds or involve such federal entities as the US Postal Service are also subject to federal investigation and may be investigated by the FBI, the SEC, or the NASD, depending on the nature of the crime.

Sometimes, however, the federal agencies will become involved even in the case of a state crime if the level of the crime is far enough in-depth that it requires resources not readily available to the state government. Or, if a high-profile player in the financial industry is charged with committing a New Jersey white collar crime or is being investigated, the federal government may become involved. Those facing state and federal charges risk much steeper penalties, as well as the potential of having to serve time in a federal prison.

Contact Our Little Falls NJ White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers to Assist with Your Case

White collar crime charges are some of the most serious and difficult to defend. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to have a well-qualified criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in both state and federal white collar criminal prosecutions. You need a talented white collar crime lawyer who can investigate the charges against you, defend against the evidence provided by the prosecution in order to protect your reputation and freedom, and fight to secure a plea deal if necessary to ensure that you receive the least-severe ramifications of a conviction possible.

If you are being investigated for a non-violent white collar crime or have already been charged with these types of offenses in New Jersey, get immediate assistance from the team of lawyers at The Montanari Law Group. Our Passaic County, New Jersey criminal attorneys have a solid record assisting clients with their best defenses in West Milford, Ringwood, Prospect Park, Haledon, Wanaque, Hawthorne, and elsewhere in Northern New Jersey. It is our goal every time to know the facts and the unknowns to plan ahead for while ensuring that our clients’ businesses and their personal freedoms are protected from claims of illegal activity. Contact us at 973-233-4396 for a confidential free consultation today.