White Collar Crime Attorney in Grand Rapids

Experienced Defense Against White Collar Crimes in Michigan

White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses, yet they remain serious legal violations. These crimes are often committed by individuals in positions of power, such as politicians, business executives, or professionals. Because white collar crimes frequently involve fraud, they are typically executed by people in upper-level management or those with access to sensitive financial information. 

While these offenses may not involve physical violence, they can lead to significant legal repercussions. If accused of such crimes, it's imperative to consult an attorney who understands the nuances of these cases and can effectively guide you through the legal system.

At Tanis Schultz, we possess the experience and skills necessary to help you combat accusations of white collar crimes. Our attorneys have served as state prosecutors and have faced these cases from both sides of the courtroom. Their unique insights into governmental operations empower us to help our clients avoid avoidable pitfalls that could escalate charges. Contact us today to discover how we can assist you in your defense.

Schedule a free consultation with our white collar crime attorney in Grand Rapids by calling (616) 227-3737 or contact us online.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses typically perpetrated by individuals in positions of authority. These crimes often involve access to confidential information and can include fraudulent activities. Commonly associated with upper-level management or those with financial oversight, white collar crimes can have substantial legal consequences.

White collar crimes include:

• Identity theft – Using someone else's identity for fraudulent purposes.
• Credit card fraud – Illegally using someone else's credit card information.
• Embezzlement – Misappropriating funds or assets entrusted to one's care.
• Forgery – Falsifying documents for personal gain.
• Money laundering – Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money.
• Mail fraud – Using the postal service to commit fraud.
• Tax evasion – Illegally avoiding paying taxes owed.
• Bank fraud – Engaging in deceptive practices to secure banking advances.
• Business fraud – Misleading practices within a business setting.
• Securities fraud – Manipulating financial markets or information.
• Investment fraud – Using deceptive practices in investment decisions.
• Extortion – Obtaining money or property through threats.
• Loan fraud – Misrepresenting information to secure loans.
• Wire fraud – Engaging in schemes to defraud via electronic communications.

Such crimes require significant legal and financial knowledge to address comprehensively, emphasizing the need for skilled legal defense.

What are the Penalties of White Collar Crime Convictions in Michigan?

A conviction for a white collar crime in Michigan, whether state or federal, can lead to profound and lasting consequences that extend far beyond incarceration.

• Incarceration: Ranging from up to 93 days in county jail (for lowest-value misdemeanors) to decades in state or federal prison for serious felony offenses (e.g., up to 20 years for high-value fraud/embezzlement, or money laundering).
• Fines: Can range from hundreds of dollars to millions of dollars, often calculated as a multiple of the amount defrauded or laundered (e.g., 3x the value).
• Restitution: Mandatory order to pay full restitution to victims for financial losses.
• Probation/Parole (Michigan Department of Corrections): For eligible misdemeanor and felony convictions, probation is possible (up to 5 years for felonies), with strict conditions (e.g., regular reporting, community service, financial monitoring, restitution payments). Felony prison sentences are followed by a period of parole. Violating probation or parole can lead to serving the original jail or prison sentence.
• Asset Forfeiture: State (MCL 333.7521) and federal laws allow for the seizure of assets (money, vehicles, real estate, bank accounts, businesses) that are believed to be the proceeds of unlawful activity or were used to facilitate the crime. This can lead to significant financial ruin, even before a conviction. A Grand Rapids white collar crime lawyer will actively work to protect your assets from forfeiture.

A white-collar crime conviction leads to severe and lasting consequences beyond direct legal penalties. It results in a permanent criminal record (even if expungement is possible for some, it's limited for felonies), significantly hindering future employment opportunities (especially in finance or government) and often causing the suspension or permanent revocation of professional licenses, effectively ending careers. 

Accusations and convictions also inflict profound reputational damage, potentially leading to financial ruin through high legal costs, fines, restitution, and extensive asset forfeiture. For non-U.S. citizens, such convictions trigger severe immigration consequences, including deportation, while all felons face the loss of civil rights like voting and firearm possession, and may be subject to parallel civil lawsuits from victims.

What are Common Defenses for White Collar Crimes?

Defending against white collar crimes requires an in-depth understanding of legal principles and the accused's purported activities. Effective defense tactics include disproving intent and establishing compliance with business norms. This often involves a detailed examination of financial documents and communications.

Defense teams may also uncover procedural errors or violations in evidence handling, which could invalidate the prosecution's case. For instance, improperly obtained evidence due to a lack of a warrant can challenge the integrity of the evidence. Through strategic defense, attorneys work to affirm that the defendant's actions adhere to lawful standards.

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