According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, white-collar crimes are nonviolent but not victimless, such as mortgage fraud and healthcare fraud. These crimes are often accompanied by harsh penalties that can be very challenging to deal with. Your life, your financial security, and your reputation can all be irreparably damaged if you are convicted.  

In recent years, judges have become stricter when handling white-collar crime cases. They can impose severe penalties, such as costly administrative fees, court fines, and lengthy jail sentences. Other consequences include losing your career, hurting personal relationships, and facing financial ruin.

Being convicted of a white-collar crime also creates a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. Getting a white-collar criminal defense lawyer involved as early as possible in a white-collar case can be a huge advantage, since aggressive investigation and negotiation could help you circumvent any criminal charges.

If you’re facing criminal charges, you already know you have certain rights. Unfortunately, protecting them during a criminal investigation isn’t always easy. Partnering with a skilled white-collar criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible helps ensure your rights are protected and gives you a better chance at a positive resolution to your case. 

The Criminal Investigation Process

A criminal investigation begins when law enforcement suspects criminal activity and begins the process of gathering evidence and identifying the parties involved.

If probable cause can be established, meaning law enforcement feels they have reasonable grounds to move forward, the investigation can result in any of the following outcomes:

• Being summoned to appear in court
• Being taken into custody
• Being arrested

Since your rights can directly influence your case results, you need to protect them during every stage of the investigation.

Unreasonable Search and Seizure

Before the police can search your person, car, or home, they must have:

• They have a valid warrant.
• They have probable cause, meaning they reasonably believe you’ve committed a specific crime.
• You give consent, though it’s best to withhold it unless your criminal defense attorney advises otherwise.

If the prosecution illegally compiles evidence against you, the judge presiding over your case can have it thrown out, meaning it will not be admissible in a court of law.

Right to an Attorney

If you think you are under investigation, have been taken into custody, or have been charged with a crime, you have the right to an attorney, and protecting yourself usually means invoking this right immediately. The sooner you have an experienced white-collar criminal defense lawyer on your side, the sooner your rights will be protected, which can lead to a successful resolution to your case. 

Right to Remain Silent

During a criminal investigation, exercising your right to remain silent is one of the best ways to protect yourself. If law enforcement is questioning you about a suspected crime, you are only obligated to give officers your basic identifying information. Criminal investigators are trained to gather more information than you intended to share, and your stress makes their job that much easier. Since “anything you do say can be given in evidence,” you should restrict your commentary to requesting a white-collar criminal defense lawyer. 

Talk to an Experienced White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you’re under investigation for a crime, the seasoned white-collar criminal defense lawyers at Ryan Willis Law, PLLC, have a well-earned track record of fiercely advocating for the rights of our clients. The outcome of your case will have a major impact on your future, so don’t wait! Call us at (919) 341-6294 or fill out our simple online contact form and find out how we can help you.