Our experienced 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 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 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 the following.
Prevent charges from being filed.
In cases of white collar crime, it is possible to prevent charges from being filed by engaging in proactive negotiations with the prosecutor. By discussing the evidence early on, we can identify weaknesses in the case or find mitigating factors that could lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges. This approach allows us to resolve the matter before it escalates, potentially saving you from a lengthy legal battle and a criminal record.
Having all charges dismissed.
By carefully challenging the evidence presented, we have successfully secured the dismissal of all charges against our clients. This strategic approach has allowed us to highlight inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. As a result, our clients have avoided the serious consequences of a criminal conviction, preserving their reputation and future.
Negotiate a plea agreement.
If the evidence works against you in court, we can negotiate a plea agreement to reduce the severity of the charges. This strategy aims to minimize the impact on your life and protect your criminal record from long-term consequences. By reaching a favorable plea deal, we can help you avoid a lengthy trial and ensure a more manageable resolution to your case.
Going to trial.
If the state refuses to offer a reasonable resolution, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial. In court, we will vigorously advocate for your rights and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that your case is presented in the strongest possible light, protecting your interests at every step of the legal process.
Our recent wins speak for themselves
Our recent wins include:
- Obtained dismissal of felony white collar crime indictment. Case closed.
- Obtained “declinations” for over twenty “targets” of federal white collar investigations involving the Department of Justice, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and various U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
- Obtained probation-only sentences in white collar criminal cases with seven-figure and eight-figure loss amounts.
Here’s what our clients have to say
“An absolute juggernaut—we work with some of the largest law firms in the world and the GDTC team is as talented as any firm we have encountered.” – former client
“Jim [Durham] helped me during what was probably the most difficult time in my life…Jim was relentless in his defense of me and compassionately empathetic to my situation. I could not have asked for a better outcome or a better defense attorney.” – former client
“Danny [Griffin] is an excellent attorney – he’s smart, detail-oriented, practical, and tenacious.”
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.
These allegations are often more complex, requiring detailed investigation into financial records, transactions, and business practices. Unlike other criminal investigations, white-collar crime cases are usually handled by specialized prosecutors who have access to an extensive network of investigators, auditors, and financial examiners to uncover the full scope of the alleged wrongdoing.
Below are some of the types of white-collar crime we deal with regularly:
Antitrust crimes concern companies’ activities and interactions in the open market.
Bank fraud can involve various activities, from forging checks to using false identification to access accounts one is not entitled to access.
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.
You or someone you know might have already experienced cybercrime in the form of identity theft from a computer virus or phishing email.
Occurs when a party manipulates the procurement process to acquire contracts, goods, or services or to obtain an advantage. This can include misrepresenting the quality of products or fraud concerning the company’s ability to perform.
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 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 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 claims that a particular product or service originates from a brand that it does not.
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 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 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 are investment instruments like stocks or bonds. When securities fraud happens, investors may lose value by purchasing falsely valued stocks.
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.
This 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 or wire fraud is concerned with requesting and sending fraudulent transactions.
What Goes Into A White Collar Investigation?
Griffin Durham attorneys have a proven track record of persuading prosecutors and agencies to quietly end government crime investigations before charges are ever filed.
In many cases, individuals may not realize they are under investigation until it has reached an advanced stage. Once the government transitions from a “covert” investigation to an “overt” one, they can utilize a range of investigative 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, the impact on your life can be severe and long-lasting. It’s crucial to enlist the help of a white-collar crimes defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your future.
The attorneys at Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson fully understand the harsh penalties that come with a conviction. Financial crimes are often investigated by powerful agencies like the FBI, the IRS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Secret Service — agencies with significant resources and no tolerance for criminal activity. With their thorough and aggressive investigative techniques, these agencies will stop at nothing to pursue charges, making early legal intervention vital to your defense.
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 white collar crimes defense attorneys with outstanding litigation skills.
Contact Our Experienced White-Collar Crimes Defense Attorney, Today
A white-collar crimes defense attorney with 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.