Lake Charles White Collar Crimes Attorneys
Defending Against White Collar Crime Charges in Calcasieu Parish
White collar crimes are often referred to as some of the most meticulous and difficult cases to analyze due, in large part, to the influx of information that is present, experts that are needed, and mathematic and financial information that can be confusing. If an alleged offender is found guilty of a white collar crime, they could be facing serious jail time and fines.
Have you been accused of a white collar crime? Call Sudduth & Associates, LLC today at (337) 282-9003 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our white collar crimes lawyer in Lake Charles.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
A white-collar crime is defined as a non-violent crime typically committed by a person in a position of authority, trust, or responsibility within a business or government setting. The act of this crime generally involves the manipulation, deception, or other illegal means of gaining financial or economic gain. Individuals, businesses, and society as a whole may suffer substantial financial harm from these crimes.
It is often difficult to detect and prosecute white-collar crimes due to their complex schemes or techniques to conceal illegal activities. Several parties may be involved, including those within the organization and external collaborators, such as accountants. Penalties for a conviction can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment due to the nature of these crimes.
Types of White Collar Crimes
Some of the typical charges that fall under the scope of white collar crimes are:
- Money Laundering
- Fraud (Corporate, Loan, Mortgage, Bank, Health Care)
- Embezzlement
- Corruption
- Conspiracy
- Bribery
- Antitrust Violations
Defenses Against White Collar Crime Charges
Defenses against white collar crimes may include:
- Lack of Intent: One of the key aspects in many white collar crime cases is intent. The prosecution must prove that you knowingly and willfully engaged in illegal activities. If your actions resulted from a mistake, misunderstanding, or lack of intent to deceive, this could be a strong defense.
- Insufficient Evidence: The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who will need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence against you is circumstantial, incomplete, or improperly obtained, we can challenge its admissibility and argue that it does not meet the necessary standard to convict.
- Entrapment: This could be a valid defense if law enforcement officers induced or persuaded you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed. Entrapment occurs when the government’s actions go beyond delivering an opportunity to commit a crime and instead actively encourage it.
- Duress or Coercion: If you were forced or threatened into committing the alleged crime, this may serve as a defense. Duress involves a situation where you were compelled to act against your will due to the fear of harm to yourself or others.
- Violation of Constitutional Rights: White collar crime investigations often involve complex procedures, including searches, seizures, and interrogations. Any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court if your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation—for example, through an illegal search or seizure or denial of your right to counsel.
- Corporate Liability: In cases where the charges involve corporate activities, it may be possible to argue that the actions in question were conducted by the company rather than an individual or that you were unaware of the illegal activities. This defense may shift liability away from you as an individual.
- Alibi or Mistaken Identity: If you can prove that you were not present when the crime was committed or that you were wrongly identified, this could exonerate you from the charges.
Why Choose Sudduth & Associates, LLC for Your Defense
Mr. Sudduth entered the legal profession with a financial background and is proud to offer this service to his clients. Very few criminal defense firms want or have the skill to handle white collar crime cases because of their financial nature and complexity. At Sudduth & Associates, we are not only happy to take the cases, but we thrive in defending them. Regardless of your status or job title, protecting your reputation is essential, and discretion is paramount; therefore, you need a firm that is willing to protect you every step of the way.
While we never guarantee outcomes because each case is so different and unique, we have seen much success over time in aggressively defending our clients. Those results include lesser jail sentences, probation in lieu of jail time, reduced conditions and time on probation, deferred adjudication and diversion of charges, and even outright dismissal of charges. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed by anyone, but at Sudduth and Associates, we pride ourselves on guaranteeing to our clients our heart, our passion, and our every effort.
Work with Our Lake Charles White Collar Crime Lawyers
Having the experienced team of paralegals, investigators, and attorneys at Sudduth & Associates, LLC on your side is invaluable to you receiving the best possible outcome.Call our white collar crimes attorney in Lake Charles today to see how we can help you level the playing field to get the best possible outcome in your case!
Contact Sudduth & Associates, LLC today to get started on your defense with our Lake Charles white collar crimes attorneys.
The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side Client Reviews
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"Overall, I had an extremely positive experience and am grateful for Ryan Smith help."Mr Smith was quick to respond, helpful in answering all my questions, understanding in my needs/situation and patient in dealing with me. Even after a misread of the contract price on my part, he quickly corrected my misunderstanding and handle the situati- Ana R.
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"He was able to take my case that I had no hope for and get an outcome that was better than I could've ever anticipated."He was a perfect mix of humble and confident. He was able to take my case that I had no hope for and get an outcome that was better than I could've ever anticipated. I am so thankful for him and his entire staff.- Former Client
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"Superior to all other attorneys in Lake Charles and his Staff is well-above par."James Sudduth is a brilliant legal mind and a premier up and coming attorney. Highly recommend him. Superior to all other attorneys in Lake Charles and his Staff is well-above par.- Former Client
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"My case definitely ended in my favor. I can't thank them enough."From day one Ryan took the time to explain every step to me. I had so many questions and he was so patient to answer everything for me. They were very professional and I knew that I was in good hands.- Former Client
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"This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing."These guys are thorough, competent, confident, knowledgable, and so much more. This is a law firm that cares about what they're doing. Highly recommended, and respected. Thank you!- Dakota
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"Mr. Sudduth was an amazing lawyer and an amazing person."Mr. Sudduth was an amazing lawyer and an amazing person. He actually cared and you could tell. His staff was equally amazing, compassionate and accommodating. I am beyond pleased.- Aaron
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"Fantastic attorney !"Extremely professional. Honest. Ethical. James is a fantastic attorney and I would recommend him to anyone.- Joseph
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"He and his associates took on the job with full confidence, transparency, and above all- due diligence."I was at my wits end to find someone in the Calcasieu parish of a professional nature, dedicated to take my case. Mr. Sudduth was the answer. He and his associates took on the job with full confidence, transparency, and above all- due diligence.- Former Client
