White Collar Crimes

White collar crime broadly refers to many nonviolent, financially motivated offenses committed by employees and business professionals. Since these cases are notoriously complex, finding qualified legal representation is an important part of defending against the prosecution. Reno white collar crime lawyer William J. Routsis has represented individuals in many criminal defense matters, including charges of embezzlement and fraud, over the last 25 years. No matter how complicated the situation, he has the resources and legal skill to defend Nevada and California residents who are facing prosecution.

Generally, embezzlement may be charged when someone wrongfully takes ownership of money or property that he or she is in possession of legally. Typical scenarios include employee theft and fraud. They can be as straightforward as when a store employee steals the nightly cash deposit instead of bringing it to the bank, or they may involve a more intricate system of accounting practices. A conviction for embezzlement may lead to penalties such as incarceration and fines, and it will likely make future employment difficult.

Although embezzlement charges are serious, there are many defenses that can potentially be argued in fighting the prosecution. As in any criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proving that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of each element of the crime of which you are accused. White collar crimes, including embezzlement, can be extremely complex, and there are many legal techniques, experts, and types of evidence that a white collar crime attorney in Reno might use in rebutting the prosecution’s case against you. A potential defense might be if you had a good-faith, reasonable belief that you were using the money or property in the manner that the owner authorized. In addition, if you did not intend to steal the money or property, you did not embezzle it. An example of this would be if you simply forgot to make the bank deposit and left it in your car.

Fraud is broadly defined as making intentional misrepresentations in order to obtain something. In Nevada, the crime of obtaining money, property, rent, or labor by false pretenses is defined as knowingly and designedly obtaining any valuable thing from someone, including both tangible and intangible goods, with the intent to cheat or defraud that person. In white collar crime, however, the fraud generally occurs within the workplace or in relation to one’s employment. It includes securities fraud, which consists of defrauding investors in connection with the sale, offer, or purchase of a security. It can also include identity theft, when another’s personal information is obtained and used to commit fraud.

As a Reno white collar crime attorney can explain, there are many defenses available to fraud, the most significant of which is lacking the requisite intent. The prosecution must prove that you intended to make a misrepresentation and that you intended to defraud that person. If the situation occurred as the result of a misunderstanding, for example, and you did not intend to defraud anyone, this might be a valid defense to the charge. An attorney experienced in white collar criminal defense would be able to further explain any other defenses that may be applicable, depending on the facts of your case.

If you are looking for a seasoned lawyer to defend you in a criminal case, William J. Routsis has an impressive legal background, an impeccable reputation, and ample experience representing people in the Reno area. From white collar crimes to drug charges, attorney William J. Routsis has handed a variety of criminal cases during his 25-year legal career. He represents individuals in many California and Nevada communities, including Carson City, Winnemucca, and Lake Tahoe. To schedule an appointment with Mr. Routsis, call (775) 337-2609 or contact us online.