White-collar crime is an umbrella term for types of crime committed by individuals or businesses that are non-violent.

In the movies, white-collar crime is often portrayed as a sophisticated, perhaps even glamorous, form of criminal activity, especially when contrasted with violent “street” crimes. What entertainment media often does not address is that laws, such as those imposed in New York State or by the federal government, take white-collar crime offenses very seriously. White-collar crimes are not victimless crimes, and the criminal justice system will aggressively prosecute anyone accused of committing these types of crimes.

If you or a family member is accused of a white-collar crime or believes you are under investigation, take it seriously. It is essential to seek legal advice and have a strong legal advocate by your side. The experienced white-collar crime attorney at The Law Offices of Scott Gross, P.C. will protect your rights and tirelessly fight on your behalf by building a strong defense strategy.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Scott Gross, P.C.?

Clients who select The Law Offices of Scott Gross, P.C., for legal representation in their criminal case know they will receive customized legal services. The criminal defense attorney at our law firm understands the stress and uncertainty that accompany being accused of a crime. Your job, reputation, and other factors affecting both your personal and professional life are at stake.

As a former prosecutor at the Assistant District Attorney’s Office in Suffolk County, Mr. Gross has managed a wide range of criminal cases from both sides, gaining a profound understanding of the intricate workings of New York’s criminal justice system.

If you choose to work with our law firm, rest assured that we will attentively listen to your story and take the time to truly understand the situation, enabling us to develop a robust defensive strategy for you. The attorney-client relationship is crucial to us. Our attorneys will advocate strongly in the courtroom to pursue the most favorable outcome based on your case.

Testimonials

“As our attorney, Scott Gross was the only solace we found during the most difficult legal encounter of our lives. Our situation was unique and escalated quickly, Scott never used any of the attention of this matter for his own recognition- he has always done what was best for us. Even after the fact, he truly cares and has never left us with a question unanswered. Our outcome was favorable and we are so grateful for his counsel. This is the attorney you want on your side!!! Scott- we wish you all the success in the world, it is well deserved. We are so grateful to you.” — Amelia.

“I cannot say enough good things about Scott Gross. From the moment I met him in his office, he was extremely professional and straightforward. I had gone into my case expecting a certain outcome, one that Scott said was a very likely possibility. At my first court date with Scott he settled my case and got me a marginally better deal [than] we had both anticipated. Scott even reduced my fee when it turned out it would take less time then we both originally expected. His levels of professionalism, honesty, and intelligence are truly remarkable. After having met with a couple of lawyers before Scott Gross, I can honestly say his ethic and knowledge make him one of the best lawyers on Long Island.” — Rich.

“Cannot recommend Scott Gross highly enough. He was very professional throughout the entire process and came through with everything he said he would. Most importantly, he was always available for my questions (big or small) and never made me feel as if I was a bother to him. He was clearly very busy, but I always felt I was getting his full attention and his best efforts. I can assure you that is not always the case with attorneys. I would certainly use his firm again in the future.” — Jared.

What Are White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crime is a broad term for several different types of criminal offenses that are typically non-violent and committed for financial gain. Under its criminal law statutes, the state of New York categorizes several types of offenses as white-collar crimes.

Common Types of White-Collar Crimes in Long Island, New York

Our law firm is prepared to offer its clients white-collar criminal defense for a variety of charges. Our practice areas include:

• Bank fraud
• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Securities fraud
• Tax evasion and criminal tax fraud
• Bribery and corruption
• Forgery
• Falsifying business records
• Identity theft
• Wire/mail fraud
• Conspiracy
• Credit card fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Welfare fraud
• Medicare fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Insider trading
• Enterprise corruption (similar to racketeering, which involves organized crime)
• Perjury

Generally speaking, any method or scheme to defraud or garner profits from illegal activities that do not involve violence may fall under the white-collar crime umbrella.

Potential Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Long Island, New York

The penalties for white-collar crimes committed on Long Island will vary and be based on the severity and classification of the offense, such as the following:

• Class B misdemeanors: Up to three months in jail and/or $500 in fines
• Class A misdemeanors: Up to one year in prison and fines not exceeding $1,000
• Class E felonies: Up to four years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000
• Class D felonies: Up to seven years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000
• Class C felonies: Up to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000

Additional consequences may include:

• Civil penalties (restitution payments or asset forfeiture)
• Social and professional repercussions (difficulty finding employment)
• Potential federal charges with stricter penalties

White-collar crimes typically involve one person taking unlawful advantage of another person’s or entity’s assets/property for their benefit. As a result, most of these crimes are treated as felonies, often classified as forms of larceny and theft.

Prosecutors will often start by imposing the harshest penalties permitted by New York state law, but an experienced attorney can often get charges reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence or whether any improper actions were taken during the investigation or arrest.

Is a White-Collar Crime Considered a Federal Offense?

White-collar crimes are some of the most serious federal offenses a person can be charged with committing. These crimes are also known as economic crimes because they affect the economic condition of a person, a business, or the government.

Federal Agencies Investigating White-Collar Crimes

Penalties for white-collar crimes can be quite severe, especially if they are taken to the federal court level. This means that federal agencies, instead of local police, will investigate you.

These agencies may include:

• FBI
• SEC
• IRS
• United States Treasury

If convicted of a white-collar crime, you could be charged with hefty fines and face a lengthy sentence in federal prison. With so much at stake, you need a Long Island white-collar crime attorney with the experience and determination to fight your charges.

How Can White-Collar Allegations Affect My Business and Professional Life?

Individuals convicted of white-collar crimes face more than just legal penalties. The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom, including:

• Damage to your reputation, which can make it challenging to gain the trust of clients and conduct business effectively
• Difficulty in securing employment within your field, especially with a white-collar crime conviction on your record
• Potential severing of previously strong business relationships, along with challenges in networking with new contacts
• The lingering perception of wrongdoing can affect you and your business for a long time, possibly even permanently, despite any acquittal

Most investigations begin well before an arrest occurs. Being proactive is essential, which is why it’s crucial to work with a skilled attorney experienced in white-collar crimes. A skilled attorney can help minimize reputational damage or even avoid charges altogether by demonstrating that the allegations are unfounded.

What Are the Legal Steps Involved if I Am Charged With a White-Collar Crime?

When a criminal charge is filed for a white-collar crime in Long Island, NY, several steps are involved. Every case is different, so the number of steps may vary depending on the situation.

Investigation

Law enforcement agents will investigate allegations, obtain search warrants, and use other investigative tools. This can be a long process, and it may take some time before an individual learns they are even being suspected of a white-collar crime.

Charge of a Crime

Once law enforcement completes its investigation, the prosecutor will review the evidence and decide whether to pursue a case against the accused person(s). Anyone being accused will receive notice of the charge.

Initial Hearing/Arraignment

Once a charge is made, the accused will be brought before a judge for an initial hearing. Here, the defendant will hear the charges, have their rights explained, and bail or no-bail terms will be set.

Discovery/Motions

The defendant’s attorney will get access to any evidence the prosecution has against the accused. This includes any documents or other physical evidence included in the case. The defense attorney can also make motions, like requesting evidence suppression or case dismissal. The prosecution may ask for alibis or other details related to the case.

Plea Bargaining

The defense attorney in the case will seek to determine if the prosecution is willing to reduce charges (with lower penalties) in exchange for a guilty plea. Whether this occurs will likely depend on the quality of the evidence the prosecution has against the defendant.

Preliminary Hearing

Preliminary hearings take place before a case goes to trial. In this step, the prosecution will present the evidence and strive to prove they have a strong case against the defendant. Defendants can opt to waive this step, but it is always advisable to seek the advice of an attorney.

Trial

This process begins with jury selection. Once a jury is established, the trial can commence. Attorneys on both sides of the aisle will make opening statements, present evidence, question witnesses, and summarize their cases. The jury will then consider the case and make a decision.

Post-Trial Motions

If a guilty verdict is found, the defense attorney can file motions to get a new trial, acquittal, or other relevant motions.

Sentencing

Sentencing will be determined by the exact crime for which the defendant was found guilty. The judge will ultimately decide on penalties and may take into account the defendant’s prior record (or lack thereof) and whether they have expressed remorse.

Appeal

Often, defendants will file an appeal to a higher court. In this scenario, the defense attorney can argue that the trial was unfair or contained violations. If successful, sentences can be reversed or altered, or a new trial can be scheduled.

Actions to Take if You’re Suspected of a White-Collar Crime in Long Island, New York

You should act immediately if you discover you are under suspicion for a white-collar crime in Long Island. The following are steps you should take:

• Refuse to answer police questions
• Do not turn over devices without a search warrant
• Preserve evidence by not destroying anything, including shredding documents (as this may lead to further legal implications)
• Do not delete emails, as this can be considered tampering with evidence
• Be careful what you say in digital communications
• Never attempt to cover up evidence, alter accounting records, or engage in similar conduct

It is crucial to contact an experienced white-collar crime attorney immediately. Your attorney can advise you on what to do and what not to do.

White-Collar Crimes We Defend Against

Some of the most common white-collar crimes our law firm can defend against include, but are not limited to:

• Bank fraud
• Blackmail
• Bribery
• Check fraud
• Computer crimes
• Counterfeiting
• Credit card fraud
• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Money laundering
• Racketeering
• Wire fraud

Have you been accused of a white-collar crime? Call The Law Offices of Scott Gross, P.C., today at 516-500-9068 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Long Island white-collar crime lawyer.

Criminal Defense Strategies We Will Use to Fight Your White-Collar Charges

Establishing a strong defense strategy is essential in white-collar cases. The Law Office of Scott Gross, P.C., will create a tailored defense strategy by considering the unique circumstances in your case. Some of the defense strategies we can use to fight your white-collar charges include:

• Lack of intent: Prosecuting attorneys will often argue that a defendant acted with intent to defraud or otherwise obtain money illegally. If the prosecutor cannot effectively argue this point, we can push for a dismissal.
• Entrapment: In some cases, law enforcement goes undercover to investigate, but in the process, they try to lure the individual into committing a crime. Our attorneys can argue that you would not have committed the crime without the interference/influence of the undercover agents.
• Challenging the evidence: In some cases, a prosecutor will push for a case despite a lack of evidence. We can argue that there is insufficient evidence if they cannot produce proof and motive against you.
• Illegal search or seizure: If there is an indication that law enforcement performed an illegal search or seizure on you or your property, we can challenge this procedure and argue against it.
• Coercion: Individuals are sometimes subjected to physical or verbal threats to get them to commit a white-collar crime. We can argue that you wouldn’t have committed the crime without coercion.
• Plea negotiations: If the evidence is strong enough to show guilt, try to negotiate with the prosecution. In some cases, we can highlight flaws in the prosecutor’s case to negotiate a more favorable resolution. In others, a guilty plea for a lesser charge would reduce the harsh consequences that would come with a guilty verdict.

Contact Our White-Collar Crime Lawyer in Long Island Today

Are you or a loved one facing white-collar criminal charges? Do not take chances when it comes to your defense. If convicted of a white-collar crime, you will suffer damage to your reputation and career as well as to your criminal record.

The Law Offices of Scott Gross, P.C. can handle your case skillfully to have your charges reduced or dropped, or your case dismissed. We have extensive experience, including having handled high-profile cases. Contact the criminal defense lawyer at our law firm to obtain a free initial consultation at 516-500-9068 or fill out our online contact form.