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 Hire Sudduth & Associates, LLC
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.
Contact Our White Collar Crimes Lawyers in Lake Charles Today
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
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If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.
“If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.”
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They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.'
“James & his caring team of professionals are a cut above the rest. They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.' It's been a tremendous help during this transitional period in my life to have Jame”
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His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area.
“Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.”
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If you're looking for an attorney to fight for you, call James.
“Throughout the entire ordeal, James could not have been more professional, courteous and knowledgeable regarding my employment issue. He was prompt with his responses and could not have shown more compassion for the issue.”
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