White-collar criminal charges are typically financial crimes. They frequently relate to what someone does for a living. People end up accused of embezzlement, fraud or even money laundering and then worry about what a conviction might mean for their future opportunities.
Oftentimes, white-collar criminal charges can affect someone’s future career prospects or make them ineligible for certain types of professional licensing. Other times, they may struggle to obtain a job or secure clients if they cannot pass a criminal background check. Fighting back against charges is crucial for the protection of someone’s future, and they may need outside help if they hope to succeed.
White-collar cases are often complex
The evidence that the state uses to prosecute white-collar criminal charges often includes huge reams of financial records. Even someone who works in a finance-adjacent profession might have a hard time reviewing that evidence to help establish that they did not break the law. Typically, those preparing to fight white-collar criminal charges have an attorney representing them. There is another professional who could play a very important role when developing a defense strategy.
A forensic accountant could make all the difference
Someone whose accounting job requires that they issue payroll checks or handle tax returns may have a hard time analyzing financial records in the context of a criminal case. There are specialists trained for exactly this kind of project.
Forensic accountants largely specialize in the thorough analysis of financial records. A forensic accountant could potentially locate discrepancies in financial records or track down a hidden account. They could raise questions about how the state interpreted evidence or find details that exonerate a specific person by connecting transactions to someone else.
Those who bring in a forensic accountant as part of their defense team may have an easier time raising questions about the state’s case and convincing the courts that there is not adequate evidence to convict them of a crime. Obviously, having a lawyer familiar with the criminal justice system is crucial as well, as professionals facing life-altering charges often struggle to know their rights and to advocate for themselves in high-stress situations. They may also require the assistance of outside professionals including those capable of analyzing evidence and testifying about it in court.
When it comes to fighting back against white-collar charges, it’s important for defendants to benefit from all of the well-informed professional help that they can get.
