Bridgeport White Collar Crime Lawyer

Bridgeport White Collar Crime Attorney

Facing white collar crime charges can be a frightening and confusing time. White-collar crimes are often complex and legally dense matters that are challenging to handle on your own. A Bridgeport white collar crime lawyer can help defend you against any accusations and be by your side for every stage of your case.

Our Background

At Crowe Law, LLC, we’ve been helping the people of Bridgeport, Morgantown, and surrounding Northeast West Virginia for years in their criminal and personal injury cases. Our founder and lead attorney, Patrick Crowe, graduated from West Virginia University and has a strong dedication to defending the rights of this community.

What Is White Collar Crime?

White collar crime is a broad term used to refer to various non-violent offenses involving fraud, deception, or other thefts from individuals or businesses. It is a pressing concern in West Virginia. In 2022, the rate of white collar cases filed by the US Attorney’s Office more than doubled.

A common misconception is that white collar crime involves only major corporations. In reality, it affects many everyday people. A recent high-profile case involved a man known as the “Wolf of West Virginia,” who was ordered to pay $398,533.52 in damages for defrauding over 180 people.

Common Types of White Collar Crimes

White collar crime can take many forms in West Virginia. The following are a few of the most common types of cases Crowe Law, LLC handles:

• Fraud. Fraud is one of the most common types of white collar crime. In 2024 alone, it is estimated that more than $27 million was taken from West Virginians in various scams. It is defined as using deliberate deception to gain something from another. Common uses include wire, mail, bank, insurance, and investment fraud.
• Embezzlement. Embezzlement is defined as a person using their position in an organization to take or misappropriate funds entrusted to them for other purposes. West Virginia state law classifies most embezzlement cases as larceny, with potential jail or prison time ranging from one to ten years, depending on the amount taken.
• Money laundering. Money laundering occurs when someone knowingly accepts funds earned from unlawful activities and attempts to use a legitimate business to conceal the source of those funds. These cases are often handled at the federal level and can carry fines of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for up to twenty years.
• Ponzi Schemes. Ponzi schemes are a specific type of fraud that occurs when someone uses funds from new investors to pay off old ones, making an organization appear successful.
• Insider trading. Insider trading is when someone buys or sells a stock based on non-public information about a business. If handled as a criminal case, the penalties for insider trading can include up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $5 million.
• Identity theft. This is a particular type of fraud where someone uses another person’s financial or personal information to impersonate them. If no other crimes are committed, the state’s punishment is a five-year maximum prison sentence and a $1,000 fine.

Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer

It can be especially challenging to handle white collar crime laws on your own. The extensive paperwork and required knowledge to push back against accusations can be overwhelming. Hire a white collar crime lawyer who can help you with your case. Your Bridgeport white collar crime attorney can look over the evidence and defend you against any wrongful accusations.

If you feel guilty of the charges or the arguments against you seem strong, your Bridgeport white collar crime lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to find a plea bargain. These deals can mitigate the impact on your life, including reduced convictions, lower prison sentences, and more affordable fines.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a White Collar Crime in West Virginia?

What qualifies as a white collar crime in West Virginia depends on the details of the case. The term lacks a formal legal definition and is used to categorize crimes with similar characteristics. Generally, white collar crimes are financially motivated, nonviolent, and typically occur in offices or other places of business. Common examples are various types of fraud, embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, insider trading, and identity theft.

How Much Does a White Collar Crime Lawyer Cost in West Virginia?

How much your white collar crime lawyer costs depends on the complexity of your case, the work hours it requires, and the severity of charges. One count of identity theft tends to be cheaper than cases involving widespread fraud and an extensive network. Another factor is the billing structure, with attorneys often charging by the hour, by retainer, or using flat fee models. Your white collar crime lawyer can provide an estimate for how much your case may cost.

How Do Courts Handle White Collar Crimes in Bridgeport, West Virginia?

White collar crime cases in West Virginia are handled either at the state or federal level, depending on the charges. A white collar crime, such as embezzlement from a local school, is generally handled at the Harrison County Circuit Court. A similar case that crosses state boundaries may be handled at the federal level through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. The nearest courtrooms for both state and federal cases are located in Clarksburg.

Will You Go to Jail for White Collar Crimes in West Virginia?

Whether you go to jail for your white collar crime depends on your criminal history, the circumstances of your case, and the parties affected. A first-time offender convicted of one count of tax evasion is less likely to go to jail than a repeat offender accused of defrauding dozens of people. Your white collar crime attorney can discuss the details of white collar crime penalties with you.

Meet With a Bridgeport White Collar Crime Attorney Today

At Crowe Law, LLC, we have the knowledge and experience to make a positive impact on your case. Contact us today for a consultation, where we can learn the details of your situation and begin supporting you in your white collar crime case. You may also visit our Morgantown office, located in Clear Lake on Fortress Boulevard, off Exit 1 on the Mon-Fayette Expressway.