Athens White Collar Crime Lawyer

White Collar Crime Attorney in Athens, GA

White collar crime accusations can have long-term negative consequences for your personal and professional lives. Even when accusations are unfounded or charges are later dismissed, your reputation can still be damaged. It can be overwhelming to face a law enforcement investigation. An Athens white collar crime lawyer can guide you through the criminal process, offer advice on your next steps, and formulate a successful defense for your case.

Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer

Facing a white collar crime charge can be confusing. Whether you run your own company or work for a large corporation, it is possible to unknowingly get caught up in a white collar crime scheme. Before talking with law enforcement officers or prosecutors, you need to hire a white collar crime lawyer who can make sure your rights are being upheld. At the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, you benefit from over 20 years of client-focused experience.

The Prevalence of White Collar Crime in the United States

White collar crimes are typically non-violent crimes committed for personal financial gain. This category of crime can be committed by an individual or a company. Common types of white collar crime charges include:

• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Tax evasion
• Bribery
• Cybercrime

The Justice Department tracks 30 types of white collar crime cases in the United States. White collar crimes can be prosecuted by the state or federal government, and they are investigated by a number of state and federal agencies. Many of these offenses may be charged as a Felony depending on the circumstances. The latest data, from July 2025, showed 422 convictions that month, an increase of 10.4% from the previous month and an increase of 49.1% over the preceding five-year period. The agencies responsible for investigating these offenses include:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The Internal Revenue Service
• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• The Postal Service
• The U.S. Secret Service

White collar crimes are heard in the State Superior Court for state charges or the Federal District Court for federal charges. For residents of Athens, state charges would be heard at the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse, while federal charges would be heard at the William Augustus Bootle Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Macon.

Common Defense Strategies

The consequences of a white collar crime conviction can be severe. In addition to incarceration and fines, you could be financially responsible for paying restitution, lose professional licenses, and suffer from a tarnished professional reputation. A knowledgeable Athens white collar crime attorney can fight your white collar crime accusations. Common defense strategies include the following:

• Pre-charge negotiations can prevent a formal criminal charge by presenting exculpatory evidence or negotiating a settlement, without the need for court interference.
• Proving the lack of intent to commit a crime can lead to a case dismissal.
• Legal issues, such as the statute of limitations or an illegal search, can prevent a case from being prosecuted or limit what evidence can be presented.
• Demonstrating that the illegal actions were committed through coercion or duress can lead to a dismissal or acquittal.
• If the crime was committed through an act of entrapment, proving that the crime was only committed due to outside pressure could lead to a dismissal.

The prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the crime was intentionally committed. A strong defense can introduce reasonable doubt or highlight a lack of evidence to prove the prosecution’s case. An experienced white collar crime attorney can cast doubt on a white collar crime charge.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a White Collar Crime?

White collar crimes include many types of crime. The main features of a white collar crime are that it is non-violent, committed for financial gain, and reliant on misplaced trust. By using fraud or deception, a person or company gains access to funds, which they intend to use for their own personal gain. These schemes can be small or large and complex.

Why Is White Collar Crime Hard to Prosecute?

White collar crime is difficult to prosecute for numerous reasons. There is usually a lack of witnesses to the illegal activities, and it can be difficult to prove criminal intent when illegal actions are conducted alongside day-to-day business activities.

Many fraud or embezzlement cases are complex and concealed by highly educated individuals. When white collar crime is conducted within large corporations, there can be a reluctance to report the activities due to the potential fallout.

Can White Collar Crimes Be Prosecuted at Both the State and Federal Levels?

Yes, white collar crimes can be prosecuted by both the state and the federal governments. State charges usually focus on the local impact of the crime and the specific state laws that were violated.

Federal charges occur if:

• The crime crosses state lines.
• A federal agency was involved.
• The crime was large or complex in scope.
• The offense violated specific federal regulations.

The dual sovereignty doctrine prevents state and federal charges from violating double jeopardy protections.

What Is the Most Common Punishment for White Collar Crime?

The specific punishments for white collar crime vary with the specific crime committed, but there are some common penalties. These tend to be more severe as the dollar value of the crime increases. Those convicted of white collar crimes often face lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and asset forfeiture.

Prison sentences may be followed by probation. Being convicted of a crime can also make it more difficult to find employment, obtain appropriate housing, or enroll in college classes.

Can White Collar Crimes Be Expunged in Georgia?

Georgia refers to expungement as record restriction, and certain white collar crimes could qualify in some instances. If the case is dismissed or the charges are acquitted, you can apply for a record restriction. Some non-violent felonies, such as white collar crimes, can qualify for Georgia’s First Offender Act. Certain first-time offenders can have their records automatically sealed as soon as their sentence is complete.

Contact the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC

The penalties for white collar crimes are severe. Don’t risk your freedom and professional reputation without an aggressive advocate fighting for your rights. Our firm tailors each defensive strategy to the specifics of your case. Contact the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, today to set up your confidential consultation.