White Collar Crimes Attorney in Colorado Springs

At Aviso Law, we understand how complex being charged with a white-collar crime can be. White-collar crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and campaign finance violations, are sensitive and challenging matters. It requires a knowledgeable attorney experienced in white-collar litigation to handle them effectively. 

At Aviso Law, our white-collar crime attorneys are committed to defending clients against these allegations, and we possess the experience, skill, and client-focused approach necessary to secure the best possible outcome for you.

A skilled white collar crimes attorney in Colorado Springs is ready to defend your rights. We offer free consultations and affordable legal services. Call (719) 356-5552 now or contact us online to protect your future.

Understanding White Collar Crimes in Colorado

White collar crimes encompass a broad spectrum of illegal activities generally committed by individuals or organizations for financial gain through deceptive means. While often non-violent, these offenses can have devastating economic impacts on victims and society at large, leading to aggressive prosecution by both state and federal agencies. 

In Colorado, many white collar crimes are prosecuted under specific state statutes within the Revised Statutes, while others fall under federal jurisdiction due to their interstate nature, involvement of federal agencies or funds, or impact on federal institutions. A white collar crime attorney in Colorado Springs needs to be adept at navigating both state and federal court systems.

Common Types of White Collar Crimes We Defend:

• Fraud: Fraud is perhaps the most prevalent type of white collar crime. Colorado law defines various forms of fraud, most of which fall under felony classifications depending on the value involved.
• Embezzlement: Embezzlement is a form of theft involving the unlawful taking or misuse of funds or property entrusted to an individual's care, typically by someone in a position of trust (e.g., an employee diverting company funds). It relies on the perpetrator having lawful possession initially, then converting it for their own use.
• Money Laundering: The process of disguising the proceeds of illegal activities to make them appear legitimately earned. This typically involves complex financial transactions to obscure the money's illicit origins.
• Tax Evasion/Tax Fraud: Deliberate avoidance or understatement of tax obligations through fraudulent means, such as reporting false information or concealing income.
• Bribery: Offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting anything of value to influence the actions of a public servant or official decisions or actions.
• Forgery: Making, completing, altering, or uttering (offering up) falsified documents with intent to defraud.
• Conspiracy: An agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. This charge is frequently added to white collar cases to implicate multiple individuals in a broader scheme, and the punishment is generally the same as the underlying offense.
• Identity Theft: Knowingly using or attempting to use personal identifying information of another without consent to obtain anything of value.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of White Collar Crime Convictions in Colorado

A conviction for a white collar crime in Colorado, whether state or federal, carries severe penalties that can permanently alter your life.

• Class 2 Felony: 8 to 24 years in prison, fine up to $1,000,000.
• Class 3 Felony: 4 to 12 years in prison, fine up to $750,000.
• Class 4 Felony: 2 to 6 years in prison, fine up to $500,000.
• Class 5 Felony: 1 to 3 years in prison, fine up to $100,000.
• Class 6 Felony: 12 to 18 months in prison, fine up to $100,000.
• Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in county jail, fines up to $1,000.
• Mandatory Parole: All felony prison sentences in Colorado are followed by a mandatory parole period (1 to 5 years, depending on felony class).
• Fines: Can range from hundreds to millions of dollars, depending on the crime and value.
• Restitution: Mandatory order to pay full restitution to victims for financial losses.

A white-collar crime conviction leads to severe and often permanent consequences beyond direct legal penalties. It results in a permanent criminal record, significantly limiting future employment opportunities (especially in finance or government) and often causing the suspension or permanent revocation of professional licenses, effectively ending careers. 

Accusations and convictions also cause profound reputational damage, potentially leading to financial ruin through high legal costs, fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture. For non-U.S. citizens, such convictions trigger severe immigration consequences, including deportation, while all felons face the loss of civil rights like voting and firearm possession, and may be subject to parallel civil lawsuits from victims.

The Legal Process for White Collar Crime Charges in Colorado

1. Investigation and Initial Contact: Cases often start with investigations by state or federal agencies, involving subpoenas for records, digital forensics, and witness interviews; it's crucial not to speak with investigators without an attorney.
2. Grand Jury Investigation (Federal & State Felony) or Criminal Complaint (State): Federal and state felony cases typically involve a secret grand jury investigation leading to an indictment, while some state investigations may begin with a criminal complaint.
3. Arrest and Arraignment: If an indictment or warrant is issued, an arrest occurs, followed by booking and a formal court appearance where charges are informed, a "not guilty" plea is entered, and bail is set.
4. Discovery: A critical phase where the prosecution provides the defense with all evidence, including extensive financial and digital records.
5. Pre-Trial Motions: Attorneys file motions to challenge the prosecution's case, such as suppressing illegally obtained evidence, dismissing charges, or excluding prejudicial evidence.
6. Plea Negotiations: Attorneys engage in extensive negotiations with prosecutors to explore charge reductions, more lenient sentences, or alternative resolutions.
7. Trial (Bench or Jury): If no satisfactory plea is reached, the case proceeds to trial where both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and challenge opposing arguments.
8. Verdict and Sentencing: If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is held where the judge imposes a sentence based on statutory penalties, guidelines, and aggravating/mitigating factors, with defense advocacy for leniency.

Legal Strategies for White Collar Defense

To effectively navigate such intricate cases, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of white-collar crime defense strategies. These strategies may include challenging the intent behind alleged actions, scrutinizing the evidence collected, and questioning the applicability of specific statutes to the case.

Defense attorneys often collaborate with financial experts to examine detailed financial records or transactions central to the allegations. This thorough analysis can uncover discrepancies that might prove pivotal in building a client's defense.

Our approach includes a comprehensive review of all electronic communications and documentation pertinent to the case. In white-collar cases, digital evidence is critical. Our legal team works with technology specialists to ensure all potential evidentiary avenues are thoroughly assessed. We also maintain open lines of communication with prosecuting agencies to stay updated on the evidence against our clients, allowing for proactive defense planning.

Why Choose Aviso Law

While many lawyers in Denver and Colorado Springs claim to be “white-collar criminal defense attorneys,” few have extensive experience litigating these types of cases. With lengthy trials involving substantial amounts of money, many attorneys lack the time, experience, and resources needed to litigate such complex cases effectively.

Having litigated some of the largest white-collar cases nationally and in Colorado, our team of Colorado Springs white-collar crime lawyers can aggressively defend against these allegations while focusing on business, shareholder, and individual needs.

Local knowledge is another asset we bring to white-collar defense. Our familiarity with Colorado Springs' legal environment, local court procedures, and statewide legal precedents offers a significant advantage. We understand how local economic factors and community norms might influence various aspects of a case. This insight is combined with our comprehensive legal skillset to better address the specifics of each client's situation.

Call (719) 356-5552 or contact us online to discuss your case with our legal team.