White collar crime is a term used to describe non-violent financial offenses such as embezzlement or fraud. Due to the considerable sums of money often involved in such cases, the penalties for a conviction could be severe.

If you are unsure what to expect from white collar charges in Denver, now is the time to explore your legal options. The right strategy could help you avoid a conviction, especially with a compassionate white collar defense attorney from Petrash Law, who could conduct the case on your behalf and explain your rights throughout the process.

What to Know About Search Warrants and Subpoenas

In white collar cases in Denver, you may see investigators relying on search warrants and subpoenas to gather critical evidence. A subpoena is a legal order requiring individuals or businesses to produce certain documents or records or to testify under oath in court. These orders are commonly issued for various evidentiary documents, such as bank statements or medical records.

Conversely, a search warrant allows law enforcement officers to enter a location and seize physical or digital evidence. Regardless of where officers serve these warrants, the process of a search or seizure can be extremely disruptive to your life. If you receive a subpoena or are subject to a search, you must speak to a lawyer right away.

The Risk of Public Scrutiny

The state prosecutes various crimes, with diverse cases going to trial almost every day. Most of the time, only the people directly involved are aware of the proceedings. However, if the case involves an alleged financial crime in Denver, especially when a considerable sum of money is at stake, you may have to face substantial public scrutiny.

White collar crime usually attracts media attention, especially if the charge includes a breach of public trust. In cases where the state alleges a misappropriation of shared funds or pensions, the high number of potential victims could also heighten public scrutiny throughout the entire process.

The Possibility of Pretrial Negotiations

Another challenge you may encounter in Denver white collar charges is a pretrial conference. However, most of these cases do not go to trial, and many parties resolve the issue in a plea agreement. The prosecutor may be open to negotiating a reduced charge or an alternative sentencing option, especially when you do not have a criminal record.

The right defense attorney could engage in these negotiations on your behalf and present mitigating factors that might help avoid a trial. If a trial is in the future, your defense lawyer would then already be on hand to start building your defense case.

What Are the Specific Challenges in Defending White Collar Charges?

If you must defend a fraud charge in Denver, you can expect the legal proceedings to differ significantly from other criminal cases. In many other criminal cases, the state could order an arrest on the day the alleged offense occurs, whereas white collar crimes often involve complex financial transactions and digital records that require months of investigation.

Rather than relying on eyewitness testimony or physical evidence, a white collar case may hinge on documents or expert testimony. Viable defense strategies could differ, too, with many lawyers focusing on the violation of constitutional rights or the inaccuracy of digital evidence. An attorney could help explain these differences and provide a strong defense to a white collar charge.

Consult a Lawyer in Denver To Discuss Potential Defenses to White Collar Charges

This is only an outline of what to expect from white collar charges in Denver. While facing a charge of this kind can be overwhelming, you always have the right to defend yourself. With an experienced attorney conducting your defense, it could be possible to avoid a conviction entirely. Call Petrash Law today to discuss your legal strategy.