Austin White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer
Facing criminal charges resulting from white-collar crimes is a daunting event in anyone’s life. You may be facing the possibility of many years in prison, which could leave your family members in a desperate if not destitute situation.
Austin, TX business defense lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP have successfully represented their clients in these types of cases on the state and federal levels:
- Fraud (including forgery, contract fraud, legal documents fraud, and mail fraud)
- Corruption
- Embezzlement
- Falsification of financial statements to banks or other federally insured institutions
- Bribery
- Extortion
- Kickbacks
- Misapplication of funds
- Political campaign funds violations
- Shoplifting
- Employee theft
- Securities fraud
- Pension fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Stock fraud
- Tax fraud
- Passport fraud
- Visa fraud
Who Prosecutes White-Collar Crimes?
White-collar crimes are typically prosecuted by attorneys from the United States Justice Department. Known as Assistant United States Attorneys, these special prosecutors investigate, build evidence, and prosecute individuals and companies accused of violating state or federal laws.
Are White-Collar Defendants at Risk of Being Placed in Prison with Violent Criminals?
People found guilty of white-collar crimes may be sentenced to prison. Those who are sentenced to prison are often placed in the general population. However, prison time for white-collar crimes is uncommon. According to the Bureau of Prison Systems, only seven percent of incarcerated individuals in the federal prison system are there for white-collar crimes. More often, fines, home detention, community service, forfeitures, and restitution are the penalties for a guilty verdict.
Can I Defend Myself Against White-Collar Criminal Charges?
As with any criminal defendant, those accused of white-collar crimes have the option of defending themselves. However, similar to other criminal proceedings, this is never a good idea.
White-collar crime defendants face federal prosecutors with legal teams and resources that demand professional defense. If you are facing charges, use the contact form on this page or call our Austin or San Antonio office immediately to learn how we can help.
How Difficult is Finding a Job After Being Accused of a White-Collar Crime?
Most white-collar crimes are felonies. Individuals convicted of a felony may be required to disclose their charges when applying for employment. A felony conviction can create barriers to finding gainful employment.
Texas law does not limit the use of criminal records in determining a prospective employee’s candidacy for a position. It may be challenging to find gainful employment following a conviction for a white-collar crime.
What Happens if I’m Found Guilty of a White-Collar Crime?
Conviction of a white-collar crime may result in:
- Prison time
- Community confinement
- Home detention
- Supervised release
- Probation
- Fines
- Court and Prosecution Fees
- Forfeitures
- Restitution
- Community service
An experienced white-collar criminal defense attorney may be able to help you avoid the most severe of these penalties. If you are being accused of a crime, get in touch right away to schedule a complimentary case review and learn more about your options.
What People Say About Us!
Ethan Shaw is the best attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to our family members in terms we could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. His staff was very friendly, helpful, and thorough as we moved through the legal process. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney with excellent communication, Ethan Shaw is your attorney.
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Austin White-Collar Crime Attorney
Shaw Cowart has a team of white-collar business defense Lawyers with the court room experience clients find invaluable when facing criminal charges. We do not simply represent our clients, we partner with them and our team of expert witnesses to ensure the best possible defense and outcome for our clients. We have seasoned and experienced investigators that have many years of experience investigating white-collar crimes, and who understand the intricacies of finding the expert witnesses, and evidence so valuable in a trial setting. Our team of white-collar business defense lawyers are also skilled negotiators, and have often resolved these types of cases without going to trial, or at the very least, resulted in reduced charges. Juries are unpredictable, and in the case of a conviction, our attorneys have typically and successfully negotiated probation, or reduction of penalties.
Our team of business defense attorneys at Shaw Cowart will work with you to ensure public perception of you and the charges brought against you do not destroy your reputation or your career. We will act as your advocate in talking with the press, and all news organizations, and we encourage all of our clients to refer all questions to us for appropriate responses.
If you are facing white-collar crime charges, contact Shaw Cowart LLP at our Austin or Houston office by calling 512-499-8900 today or contact us online, and allow us to partner with you for your best defense.