Navigating the complexities of the Louisiana and Federal legal system can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why you need a legal team that has the knowledge and experience to handle even the most complex cases.
At the Ikerd Law Firm, we have extensive experience in white collar criminal defense. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of federal as well as state charges, and has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to these cases.
Don’t let your life and future hang in the balance of the justice system, call or message today for a free initial consultation and to find out how we can help.
Working Closely with Clients Charged With White-Colar Crimes
We know that being charged with a white collar crime can be a life-changing event. That’s why we work closely with our clients to ensure that they are fully informed and prepared every step of the way.
From initial investigations and plea bargaining, to trial and appeals, our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome in each case.
Our team take a proactive approach to white collar criminal defense, working closely with our clients to identify potential legal issues and develop strategies to mitigate the risks of prosecution.
We will consult with professionals in the field to better understand the evidence and possible defenses.
We also have a deep understanding of the various sentencing guidelines and penalties associated with state and federal crimes and are able to provide our clients with the guidance they need to make informed decisions about their case.
White-collar criminal defense requires an attorney who can understand complex issues, few of which are similar to other cases.
Whether it is corporate embezzlement charges, accounting fraud allegations, or public corruption, your choice of a white-collar criminal defense attorney is crucial.
Do not risk putting your life, freedom, and financial well-being in the hands of someone ill-prepared to defend your case.
Don’t let the complexities of a white-collar case overwhelm you. Trust our team to handle your case and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Types of White Collar Crimes in Lafayette
White-collar crimes include a wide range of criminal activities, but they all have one thing in common: they generally are non-violent crimes that are committed for financial gain.
Types of white-collar crimes include:
Fraud: This includes activities such as embezzlement, Ponzi schemes, and insurance fraud
Forgery: This includes the intentional forging of a signature or document that has legal efficacy, with the intent to defraud another person
Money Laundering: This refers to the process of making illegally obtained money appear legal
Insider Trading: This includes when an individual uses non-public information to make a profit in the stock market
Bribery: This refers to giving or receiving something of value in order to influence a decision or action
Residential Contractor Fraud: This includes the taking of money by a contractor to make residential repairs when the contractor has no intent of actually performing the work they were hired to complete
Cybercrime: This includes activities such as hacking and identity theft
Securities fraud: Misrepresenting information to manipulate stock prices and deceive investors
Tax evasion: Illegally avoiding paying taxes by not reporting all income or claiming false deductions
Public corruption: Abusing one’s public office or public position of power for personal gain
Racketeering: Using illegal business practices or schemes to gain an advantage in the marketplace or for financial gain
Corporate fraud: Illegal activities carried out by a corporation or its employees to deceive shareholders or stakeholders
Antitrust: Refers to laws and regulations that prohibit business practices that restrict competition
Bank Fraud: A criminal offense involving the use of fraudulent means to obtain money or assets from a bank
Commercial Bribery: The offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting of bribes in a business context with the intent of influencing the recipient’s actions in one’s favor
Conspiracy: Refers to an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, when at least one of them has done an “act in furtherance of the object of the agreement”
Counterfeiting/Monetary Instrument Abuse: The production or use of fake currency or monetary instruments with the intent to deceive another person
Embezzlement: The theft or misappropriation of funds or assets by someone in a position of trust to handle those funds or assets
Environmental Crimes: Criminal activities that harm the environment
False Claims Act Violations: Violation of the laws that prohibit the submission of false claims to the government
Health Care Fraud: Fraud in the healthcare industry, including false billing practices
Insurance Fraud: Fraud in the insurance industry, including but not limited to, staged car wrecks
Investment and Securities Fraud: Fraud in the investment and securities industry
Mail Fraud: Fraud that uses the U.S. mail or other forms of mail delivery to perpetrate the fraud
Price Fixing: The illegal agreement between businesses to set prices
Issuing Worthless Checks: The intentional issuing of a check in exchange for anything of value when the issuer knew the checking account did not have sufficient funds to cover the full amount on the check.
Public Payroll Fraud: The knowing receipt of payment from the State of Louisiana for services not rendered, or allowing one’s name to be used in such a scheme.
Public Contract Fraud: When a public official or employee “uses his power or position” to direct public funds to himself or a business he owns
Consequences of White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are taken very seriously by the criminal justice system, and individuals who are convicted of these crimes can face severe consequences.
Imprisonment: White-collar criminals can face significant prison time, with some sentences lasting many years.
Fines: White-collar criminals may also be ordered to pay large fines as part of their sentence.
Restitution: White-collar crimes often occur when money or assets are taken from an unwitting victim, thus, those convicted of a white-collar crime will often have to pay a lot in restitution to repay the victim.
Probation: White-collar criminals may be placed on probation, some even after their release from prison.
Damage to Reputation: A conviction for a white-collar crime can damage an individual’s reputation and make it difficult for them to find employment in the future.
Get Help From a White Colar Crime Defense Lawyer
The world of white-collar criminal defense is a complex and nuanced one, requiring experienced legal professionals who understand the ins and outs of federal charges.
At the Ikerd Law Firm, we have a team, led by Chad Ikerd, that is well-versed in the intricacies of white-collar criminal defense, and is dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible representation in court.
As white-collar crime continues to increase in complexity and reach, it is crucial that those facing federal charges have a legal team that can effectively navigate the legal system on their behalf.
Our entire team has a deep understanding of the federal criminal justice system and is able to provide our clients with the guidance and support they need throughout the legal process.
If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, it is important to take the charges seriously and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Free consultations are available for personal injury cases, new criminal charges, bond reductions, and probation. For general information on DOC time, sex offender status,parole questionsor DOC programs, an hourly fee may apply.