Were you recently accused of committing a white collar crime in Chester County, PA? Don’t make the mistake of thinking these crimes aren’t prosecuted harshly. Contact DiCindio Law and hire an experienced West Chester white collar crimes lawyer, call us at (610) 430-3535.
Our lawyers have years of experience prosecuting and defending clients accused of white collar crimes. We’ll do everything possible to prevent your arrest from becoming a conviction, and can help when you’re facing jail time, financial penalties, and damage to your reputation.
Are you ready to learn more about how a lawyer can improve your chances of avoiding a criminal record? Call our law offices in West Chester, Pennsylvania to schedule a free consultation today or contact us here.
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How DiCindio Law, LLC Can Help Me if I Was Arrested for a White Collar Crime in Chester County, PA?
Everyone who is charged with a crime deserves an aggressive defense. At DiCindio Law, LLC, we’ve been providing clients with the strongest possible defense for years.
We were founded by a former prosecutor who knows the ropes–and knows how to fight back against prosecutorial scare tactics.
When you hire our West Chester criminal defense attorneys, you’ll have a team who will:
- Comprehensively investigate the circumstances of your arrest
- Protect your constitutional rights
- Identify and exploit any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Locate witnesses who can testify on your behalf
- Hire expert witnesses as necessary
- Negotiate to get your charges downgraded or dismissed if possible
When the prosecutor puts a plea bargain on the table, you shouldn’t automatically accept. First, you should speak with an experienced West Chester criminal defense attorney who can help you understand all of your rights and options.
Our lawyers have years of experience. Over the years, we’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and maintained a perfect-10 AVVO rating. To learn more about how we’ll put our skills and resources to work for you, call today.
Overview of White Collar Crimes in Pennsylvania
Most white collar crimes are financial crimes. Both Pennsylvania state and federal criminal laws often apply in these cases.
At DiCindio Law, LLC, our white collar criminal defense lawyers handle all types of white collar criminal cases in Chester County, including:
- Fraud or theft by deception
- Forgery
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Bribery
- Insider trading
- Money laundering
- Credit card fraud
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud or tax evasion
- Healthcare fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Computer crimes
- Mail and wire fraud
- Bank fraud
- Medicare or Medicaid fraud
If you’ve been charged with a white collar offense, don’t hesitate to get the legal advice you deserve. The only way to beat the charges is by fighting back.
Our Chester County white collar crimes attorneys at DiCindio Law, LLC have years of experience handling complex criminal cases. To learn more about how we can help, contact our law firm to schedule a free case review as soon as possible.
Below is a brief description of the types of white collar criminal cases we handle.
Theft by Deception
Fraud is illegal in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in every other U.S. state. Theft by deception is a type of fraud.
Under Pennsylvania law, prosecutors can convict you on fraud charges if they can prove that you:
- Created or reinforced some type of false impression, including false impressions about the law, value, intention, or other state of mind
- Prevented another from acquiring information that would affect his judgment of a transaction
- Failed to correct a false impression that you previously created or reinforced, or that you know is influencing another if you have a fiduciary or confidential relationship with that person
These are complicated elements that often require extensive witness testimony to establish.
Forgery
A person can be found guilty of forgery under Pennsylvania state law in many different circumstances. The prosecution must prove that you had the intent to defraud or injure another person (or acted with knowledge that someone else will be defrauded or injured).
Examples of forgery include:
- Signing someone else’s name on a check without permission
- Creating fictitious legal documents
- Presenting a forged document for payment
- Signing a doctor’s name on a prescription
Forgery can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, third-degree felony, or second-degree felony, depending on the circumstances.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is defined as using someone else’s personal or financial information without their permission. A person is guilty of identity theft under Pennsylvania state law if they possess or use another person’s identifying information for unlawful purposes.
Examples of identity theft include:
- Using someone else’s credit card to make purchases
- Obtaining a new credit card in someone else’s name
- Stealing tax refunds from others
- Using someone else’s health insurance for medical treatment
Every incidence of identity theft is treated as a separate crime. However, the value of any services, property, or money obtained can be aggregated when determining your punishment.
If the total value involved is less than $2,000, identity theft is a first-degree misdemeanor. If over $2,000, the crime is a third-degree felony.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is taking someone else’s money or property. However, embezzlement is different from traditional theft. While the person does not have legal ownership rights in the property, they do have legal access to what they have stolen.
Examples of embezzlement include:
- A store cashier keeping money from the cash register
- Investment bankers keeping clients’ funds instead of investing them
- Taking money from a relative who has put you in charge of handling their finances
- Bookkeepers who forge the books to keep money for themselves
Like any other theft crime, the penalties for embezzlement depend on the value of the money or property that is stolen. If the value of the property stolen is less than $2,000, you’ll face misdemeanor charges. If the property is valued at at least $2,000, felony charges apply.
You could also face charges in federal court under the United States Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Extortion
The prosecution can convict you of extortion if they can prove you intentionally took or withheld someone else’s property by threatening to:
- Commit another criminal offense
- Accuse someone else of a criminal offense
- Expose some type of embarrassing or harmful secret
- Take or withhold action as an official
- Cause an official to take or withhold action
- Bring about or continue a strike, boycott, or other collective unofficial action, if the property is not demanded or received for the benefit of the group in whose interest the actor purports to act
- Testify or provide information or withhold testimony or information with respect to the legal claim or defense of another
- Inflict any other harm
Extortion is a theft crime committed under specific types of circumstances that coerce someone to hand over money or property against their will.
What are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes in West Chester, Pennsylvania?
Sentencing is a complex process in Pennsylvania. Under the basic sentencing guidelines in Pennsylvania, the following penalties may apply:
- Third-degree misdemeanor: up to one year jail and up to $2,500 in fines
- Second-degree misdemeanor: up to two years in jail and up to $5,000 in fines
- First-degree misdemeanor: up to five years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines
- Third-degree felony: up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
- Second-degree felony: up to ten years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
It’s possible that some white collar crimes will be graded as a first-degree felony. For example, if embezzled property was worth at least $500,000, you could face first-degree felony charges carrying up to 25 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
People who are found guilty of white collar crimes can also be subject to:
- Asset forfeitures
- Restitution
- Loss of professional licensing
- Inability to work in certain fields
- A permanent criminal record
At DiCindio Law, LLC, we know that your reputation is on the line. We’ll do everything possible to protect you. If you’ve been accused of committing a white collar offense, don’t hesitate to call for a free case evaluation today.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of a White Collar Crime?
White collar criminal cases are notoriously complex. You’ll need a strong and effective defense to fight the charges.
The elements of that defense strategy can vary widely, depending on the circumstances. You can count on our lawyers to explore every option, including:
- Lack of intent to commit a crime
- Insufficient evidence to prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt
- Illegal search and seizure of evidence
- Other constitutional violations
- Lack of the required fiduciary responsibility
At DiCindio Law, LLC, we know how to build the strong defense you need and deserve. We’ll review your case carefully to identify the defense strategies that will be most effective in your specific criminal case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a West Chester White Collar Crimes Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a white collar crime in Lancaster County, Montgomery County, Delaware County or Chester County, you need legal help today. Call DiCindio Law, LLC to speak with an experienced West Chester white collar crimes lawyer who can defend your rights today.