White Collar Crime Lawyer in Columbia, SC

The Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey is dedicated to helping clients who are facing federal charges for white-collar crimes. Do not be mistaken; the government is still aggressive in prosecuting white collar offenders.

These complex cases require knowledgeable representation. When you hire me, you are hiring an advocate who will fight against charges brought against you.

White Collar Crimes

A white-collar crime involves illegal business dealings that are made for financial gain or profit. These are coined “white-collar crimes” since the illegal activity is performed by people in higher-level positions, such as business executives and government officials.

The following are types of white-collar crimes:

• Bank fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Medicaid fraud
• Identify theft
• Forgery
• Bribery
• Money laundering
• Mortgage fraud
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Computer crimes

Who Investigates White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crimes prosecuted at the federal level are often investigated by the following government agencies:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• Commodity Future Trading Commission
• Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

Federal Sentencing Guidelines

A federal sentencing being determined by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Developed by the United States Sentencing Commission, these standards can impose harsh prison sentences on offenders. Although federal judges are not bound by the guidelines, they must provide a reason if they choose to stray from them.

Sentencing guidelines are based on the following criteria:

• Offense severity
• Base level offense (including statutory mandatory offenses)
• Specific circumstances of the offense
• Aggravating and mitigating factors
• Criminal History of a defendant

Federal Offenses and Penalties

Money Laundering

If you are convicted for money laundering under 18 U.S.C. §1956, you could be forced to pay $500,000, or twice the value of the laundered funds (whichever is greater). You could also be imprisoned for up to 20 years or be both fined and imprisoned.

Identity Theft

If you falsify a document or generate false identification, you will be charged with identity theft. Under 18 U.S.C. §1028, you could be fined, incarcerated for 15 years, or both fined and imprisoned.

If your crime was in connection with certain crimes, such as drug trafficking or a violent crime, you could be fined, sentenced to 20 years in prison, or both fined and imprisoned. If the offense was performed to facilitate an act of terrorism, you could be fined, sentenced to 30 years in prison, or both fined and imprisoned.

Computer Crimes

18 U.S.C. § 1030 prohibits anyone from accessing a government computer, bank computer, or any computer with internet access for the purpose of stealing sensitive information. First-time offenders may be sentenced to 10 years in jail. Second-time offenders may be sentenced to 20 years in jail. If anyone suffered serious harm or died in the commission of the act, you may be sentenced to life in prison.

Reliable Representation You Can Count On

In hiring me, you are hiring an attorney who has experience as both a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor. I know what tactics the prosecution will employ and will prepare a cast iron defense to combat these strategies. Contact my office today online or by calling 803-779-3363 to schedule your free consultation.