Delaware County Embezzlement & White-Collar Crimes Attorney

White-collar crime can describe many serious offenses that typically involve financial schemes, including embezzlement. A conviction for embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, money laundering, cybercrime or other white-collar crimes in Delaware County (DELCO), Pennsylvania could come with life-changing penalties.

The criminal defense attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices want you to have the best representation during a serious white-collar criminal case. A premier defense lawyer by your side could change the course of your case. Our embezzlement and white-collar crime lawyers are ready to fight on your behalf. Call us today at (610) 692-8700 to discuss your case for free.

Why Choose Us?

• We have a proven record of success in litigating complex and high profile criminal cases, including stopping a felony embezzlement case before any charges were filed.
• We will work around the clock to achieve the best case results possible. Our white-collar crime lawyers understand how much is on the line. We want a positive outcome as much as you do.
• We take a group approach to criminal defense, assigning multiple aggressive attorneys to each case. A team effort makes for the strongest possible defense.

How Can Our DELCO Attorney Help?

Contacting a DELCO attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices to take over your embezzlement criminal defense case will protect your rights. Our attorneys will look out for your best interests from the very beginning, advising you on what to say and what not to say during police interrogations. We will find out what evidence the prosecution has against you and build our own case defending you. Our lawyers will do everything we can to provide effective counsel during this difficult time.

What Are White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crime is a crime a business professional commits, usually to turn a profit. Most white-collar crimes occur internally, from an employee or insider within the business. White-collar crimes can cost businesses and investors billions of dollars. For this reason, the U.S. government and state lawmakers tend to punish defendants in embezzlement and other such cases harshly.

White-Collar Crime Penalties in DELCO

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania take white-collar crimes seriously. A conviction for a crime such as embezzlement could have life-changing consequences. As a first-time offender in Delaware County, you could face serious sentences depending on the severity of the crime.

• Summary offense. Up to 90 days in jail and/or $300 in fines.
• Third-degree misdemeanor. Up to one year in jail and/or $2,000 in fines.
• Second-degree misdemeanor. Up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
• First-degree misdemeanor. Up to five years in jail and/or $10,000 in fines.

If your white-collar crime meets the definition of a felony, the consequences could increase to seven to ten years in state prison, along with $15,000 to $25,000 in fines. Most criminal defendants also have to pay restitution in the amount the victim lost.

Common Types of White-Collar Crimes in Delaware County

White-collar crimes can come in several forms. While white-collar offenses may not be violent, they are in no way victimless. In fact, it is often the elderly or those struggling financially who are taken advantage of by fraudsters and scams across the world. Here are some of the most common types of white-collar offenses Ciccarelli Law Offices has defended against:

Embezzlement

Embezzlement can be tried under 18 Pa. Section 3927. It occurs when one party misappropriates funds or steals assets that were entrusted to them. Embezzlement charges should only apply if the district attorney believes the evidence suggests that you intentionally used someone else’s money or assets for your personal gain. If convicted, you could be fined up to $25,000 and spend up to 20 years in prison.

Identity Theft

You may be charged with identity theft under 18 Pa. Section 4120 if you are accused of intentionally using or possessing someone else’s identifying information without their consent to commit a criminal offense or for any other unlawful reason. Generally, identity theft is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison. 

However, depending on the value of the money, services, or goods, charges could be elevated to the felony level. A felony-level identity theft conviction is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Our goal will be to introduce reasonable doubt before the jury so they have no other choice but to return a not guilty verdict in your favor. If we can show the elements of the offense have not been met, the charges against you should be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Money Laundering

Under 18 Pa. Section 5111, money laundering charges will apply if you are accused of handling the finances or revenue of a criminal enterprise or event. Money laundering charges are often charged alongside organized crime or racketeering offenses. If you intentionally promoted criminal activities and knew these activities generated money, you may be found guilty in a court of law. You could be fined up to $100,000 and spend up to 20 years in prison if you are convicted of this first-degree felony.

Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes are also commonly described as multi-level marketing scams and pyramid schemes. Here, the “manager” or “director” solicits investors with a guaranteed given return rate on their investments. Ponzi schemes can be advertised as hedge funds,securities, or even mutual funds. Ponzi schemes also frequently involve:

• Lottery fraud
• Wire fraud
• Commodities fraud
• Real estate fraud

They are often investigated by federal government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If convicted, you could be sentenced to years in prison and be required to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fines depending on the circumstances of the case.

Mortgage Fraud

It may surprise you to learn that mortgage fraud is one of the most common white-collar crimes that are prosecuted in federal court. If the district attorney can prove that you intentionally and willfully deceived someone you were borrowing money from or a financial institution, you can face criminal charges. Generally, mortgage fraud charges are stacked with conspiracy, mail fraud, bank fraud, and even wire fraud charges. If you are convicted of multiple mortgage fraud and other white-collar crimes, you could expect harsher penalties.

Extortion

Theft by extortion is one of the most serious types of white-collar crimes. The law prohibiting extortion can be found under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3923. Here, you could be charged with theft by extortion if you deprive someone else of their property, money, or assets while threatening to:

• Expose secrets
• Commit another crime
• Accuse someone else of a criminal offense
• Withhold or take action in an official capacity
• Inflict harm

The charges you will face will vary depending on the level of your theft by extortion charges. This is considered a wobbler offense, meaning it can be graded as a misdemeanor or felony crime. Some of the factors that will determine whether you are charged at the misdemeanor or felony level include:

• Whether you allegedly threatened anyone to commit the crime
• Whether you owed the alleged victim a fiduciary duty
• Whether the item is a vehicle, firearm, or anhydrous ammonia
• The total amount of money or value involved

Possible penalties based on the level of the charges against you could include:

• Third-degree misdemeanor – If you are convicted of a third-degree misdemeanor theft by extortion offense, it will be because you are accused of breaching fiduciary duty, took property but not by threat or from the alleged victim, or the valued property or cash is less than $50. A third-degree misdemeanor is punishable by $2,000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment. 
• Second-degree misdemeanor – Second-degree misdemeanor theft by extortion charges will apply if the value of the money or items reached $50 but was less than $200, or the property was not taken by threat or from an individual. If convicted, you could spend up to two years in prison and pay $5,000 in fines.
• First-degree misdemeanor – When the valued property or money is greater than $200 but less than $2,000, first-degree misdemeanor charges may apply. If convicted, you could be fined $10,000 and spend up to five years in prison.
• Third-degree felony – Third-degree felony charges apply when the money or property is valued greater than $2,000 but less than $100,000. A third-degree felony is punishable by $15,000 in fines and up to seven years incarceration.
• Second-degree felony – If the value of the property or money reaches $100,000 but is less than $500,000, second-degree felony charges may apply. If convicted, you could face up to $25,000 in fines and up to 10 years in a Pennsylvania state prison. Second-degree felony theft by extortion charges may also apply if the property stolen was a firearm or anhydrous ammonia.
• First-degree felony – This level of theft by extortion charges will apply if the amount of money or value involved is $500,000 or more. First-degree felonies are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines not to exceed $25,000.

Defenses for Embezzlement and White-Collar Crimes

Crafting a strong defense for your embezzlement or white-collar crime case will take a review of the facts of the case, the evidence against you and your criminal record. Your attorney can personalize a legal strategy for your case to optimize the odds of a favorable outcome. The right defense for you will depend on the unique circumstances.

• No fraud occurred
• Lack of criminal intent
• Entrapment
• Duress or coercion
• Intoxication or incapacity
• Insufficient evidence

Your Delaware County criminal defense lawyer may be able to convince the courts in DELCO to dismiss the charges against you or accept a plea deal that gives you a lesser sentence. If you have no criminal record, for example, your attorney may be able to argue a felony down to a misdemeanor charge. Hiring an attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices could maximize your odds of positive case results.

Contact Our White-Collar Crime Attorneys Today

Embezzlement and white-collar crimes are serious breaches of the law in Pennsylvania. Your future could be in jeopardy if someone has accused you of a white-collar crime. Contact the DELCO criminal defense attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices today for a free and confidential consultation about your case. Call (610) 692-8700 or submit an express inquiry online.