Georgia White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney

An experienced Georgia white-collar crimes defense attorney at Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson has successfully defended many high-powered company executives, professionals, and elected officials nationwide.

We have the well-honed skills to protect you through government investigations, subpoenas, and litigation. 

Contact us immediately if you have been arrested, received a target letter from the Department of Justice, or served with a summons notifying you of an indictment or criminal complaint. We can begin taking the necessary steps to protect your rights.

One of our Georgia white-collar crime defense attorneys is standing by to consult on your case. Call us now at (404) 891-9150 for the Atlanta area or (912) 867-9140 for Savannah.

What Is White-Collar Crime?

“white collar crime” describes alleged criminal conduct in business, professions, or government. These allegations often involve fraud, theft, or some violation of trust.

White-collar criminal investigations are different from other types of criminal investigations. Prosecutors are generally specialists who can draw on a nearly limitless pool of investigators, auditors, and examiners. 

Below are some of the types of white-collar crime we deal with regularly: 

  • Antitrust Crimes (e.g., fixing prices, rigging bids)- Antitrust crimes concern companies’ activities and interactions in the open market. 
  • Bank Fraud- Bank fraud can involve various activities, from forging checks to using false identification to access accounts one is not entitled to access. 
  • Bankruptcy Fraud- Bankruptcy is a legal process through which a company claims that it cannot cover the cost of its debts and, in exchange, is given forgiveness on some debts and the ability to create payment plans and arrangements with others. 
  • Cyber Crime (phishing scams, cyberstalking, computer trespass)- You or someone you know might have already experienced cybercrime in the form of identity theft from a computer virus or phishing email. 
  • Defense Procurement Fraud- This is when the procurement process is manipulated by a party involved to acquire contracts, goods, or services or to obtain an advantage during the procurement process. This can include misrepresentation of the quality of products or fraud concerning the company’s ability. 
  • Embezzlement- Embezzlement is the theft of funds from an organization. It can happen when someone takes too liberally from a company’s “petty cash” or when sales amounts are manipulated to allow for the taking of a portion of the sum. 
  • Identity Theft- Identity theft is the improper use of a person’s identity to gain some benefits, financial or otherwise. Identify theft can occur when your social security number is taken to create a fake ID or your bank account information is stolen and your accounts are emptied. 
  • Insider Trading- Insider trading occurs when public company employees use their knowledge to generate a profit before that knowledge is available to the public. Generally, insider trading suits are brought by shareholders who have lost value in their stocks due to insider trading in the company. 
  • Misbranding- Misbranding claims that a particular product or service originates from a brand that it does not. 
  • Money Laundering- Money laundering is when funds made by engaging in criminal activity are processed through legal businesses to hide the initial source of the money. 
  • Public Corruption- Public corruption is perpetrated by local, state, or federal officials and abetted by private citizens. Politicians are not always as honest as they claim during their campaigns, and corruption can and does happen more often than you might think. 
  • RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act) Violations- RICO allows the government to use very intrusive and highly technological surveillance techniques. They listen to your phone calls and communications to determine if you are involved in criminal activity or the organization of criminal activity. 
  • Securities Fraud- Securities are investment instruments like stocks or bonds. When securities fraud happens, investors may lose value by purchasing falsely valued stocks. 
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Fraud- The SBA offers businesses some particular loans and opportunities. When companies make false claims or assertions to gain access to these benefits, they have engaged in SBA fraud. 
  • Tax fraud occurs when a person or entity manipulates their earnings to avoid paying taxes or to gain benefits through filing taxes. This can include failing to claim income or claiming dependents on a tax return that does not exist. 
  • Mail Fraud/Wire Fraud- Mail or wire fraud is concerned with requesting and sending fraudulent transactions. 

What Goes Into A White Collar Investigation?

Attorneys with Griffin Durham have a long history of persuading prosecutors and agencies to quietly end government crime investigations without filing charges against their clients.

Often, an individual will not know they are under investigation until it has progressed to an advanced stage. When the government shifts from a “covert” investigation to an “overt” investigation, they can use several tools, including:

  • Search warrants
  • Target letters
  • Grand jury subpoenas
  • Administrative subpoenas
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) Subpoenas
  • Requests for interview

If you receive this or any other form of notice from the Department of Justice or other state or federal law enforcement agencies, you need immediate and experienced representation. We will immediately devise a strategy to protect you or your business. 

Early intervention allows us to persuade the government to cease its investigation or, if necessary, negotiate favorable resolutions and settlements before the government brings formal charges.

What Are The Consequences Of White-Collar Crime?

If you are convicted of a white-collar crime, your life will be seriously impacted. It would help if you had a Georgia white-collar crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.

The lawyers of Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson know all too well the harsh penalties you face. Financial crimes are investigated by agencies like the FBI, the IRS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Secret Service — agencies that don’t fool around. 

Convictions for white-collar crime can result in the following:

  • Imprisonment for up to 30 years
  • Heavy fines 
  • Court costs and legal fees
  • Restitution and forfeiture

Beyond these legal consequences, white collar crime convictions frequently affect:

  • Present and future employment
  • Professional licensing
  • Immigration status
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Reputation 

The consequences of a conviction for a white collar crime can damage nearly every aspect of your life. It would help if you had aggressive advocacy by our Georgia White Collar crimes defense attorneys with outstanding litigation skills.

What Steps Will Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson Take to Defend You?

Depending on the complexities of your case and the weight of evidence against you, a favorable outcome may consist of: 

Prevent charges from being filed.

By negotiating with the prosecutor to discuss the evidence, we may be able to clear your case before it is filed. 

Having all charges dismissed.

By challenging the evidence, we have effectively had all charges dismissed against our clients. 

Negotiate a plea agreement.

If the evidence could go against you in court, we can negotiate a plea agreement to minimize the impact on your life and your record. 

Going to trial.

If the state will not be reasonable, we will go to trial and advocate for your rights and best interests in court. 

Contact An Experienced Georgia White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney Today

A Georgia White Collar crimes defense attorney at Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson has tried major white-collar criminal cases – we will never shy away from a fight to protect your interests. Whatever the circumstances, we are dedicated to taking your side and fighting with all our strength to bring your case to a favorable conclusion. 

Contact us online to schedule your case consultation. You may also call (404) 891-9150 for our Atlanta office and (912) 867-9140 for Savannah.