Springfield White Collar Crimes

Criminal Defense for Fraud & Other Offenses

White collar crimes refer to non-violent offenses which use deceit, fraud, or any other type of illegal activity for personal financial gain. Although they do not involve physical injuries or violence, they are prosecuted and punished very heavily. Many of these crimes are federal offenses, which requires attorneys who have experience in this setting like we do.

At Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC, we offer comprehensive and experienced representation for individuals arrested for white collar offenses. Our Springfield criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors who are highly knowledgeable about the way white collar crimes are prosecuted and can build effective defensive strategies.

We offer representation for a wide range of white collar offenses, including:

Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys in Springfield

Our lawyers have more than 90 years of combined experience in the field of criminal defense. We are passionate about ensuring that our clients are defended correctly and aggressively. Your rights should be protected from the minute you are arrested until the case is finalized.

When you work with a white collar crime attorney Springfield defendants trust, you do not have to navigate complicated financial records, subpoenas, and court procedures on your own. We take the time to review bank statements, business records, and electronic communications, and we coordinate closely with you so you see opportunities to challenge the prosecution's case. 

Our goal is to give you clear, practical guidance so you can make decisions with confidence about plea negotiations, trial, or other resolutions.

Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Springfield, MO

The punishment imposed on a white collar crime conviction depends on the type of offense and the degree of financial damage. In some cases, a conviction for a white collar crime involves jail or prison time, as well as expensive fines. Other penalties include home detention or community confinement.

A conviction in Springfield can result in:

• Incarceration: For high-value embezzlement or money laundering (over $25,000), you could face a Class B felony, punishable by 5 to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
• Hefty Fines and Restitution: Beyond standard fines, you may be ordered to pay full restitution to the victims, which can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
• Asset Forfeiture: The government may move to seize bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate they believe were involved in or gained through the alleged crime.
• Professional Licensing: Convictions often result in the automatic revocation of professional licenses for accountants, lawyers, healthcare providers, and real estate agents.

Even if the case is dropped, even an arrest for a fraud-related offense can lead to your reputation being tarnished. We work to help protect your reputation and see that your life isn't negatively affected by being involved with this type of charge.

Because white collar cases in Missouri may be filed in either state or federal court, it is important to have a Springfield White Collar Crime Lawyer who understands how charging decisions, sentencing guidelines, and restitution requests can affect your life and career. We regularly appear in courts serving Springfield and the surrounding counties.

The Missouri Defense Process for White Collar Charges

The legal journey for a financial crime is unique because it often begins with a "Target Letter" or a grand jury subpoena rather than an immediate arrest.

• The Investigation Phase: This is the most critical time to involve a Springfield white collar crime attorney. If you are being interviewed by the FBI, GBI, or local investigators, we step in to prevent self-incrimination.
• Grand Jury Proceedings: In felony cases, the state or federal government must secure an indictment. We work to present mitigating evidence during this phase to try to stop the charges before they are formally filed.
• Discovery and Forensic Review: These cases are document-heavy. Our firm utilizes forensic accountants to analyze bank records, tax returns, and digital communications. We don't just accept the state's audit; we perform our own.
• Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to suppress evidence if your Fourth Amendment rights were violated during a search or seizure of your computers or servers.
• Negotiation or Trial: Because we are former prosecutors, we know exactly where the state's case is weakest. If a dismissal or favorable plea cannot be reached, we take the case to trial, utilizing our 90 years of experience to explain complex financial data to a jury in a way that creates reasonable doubt.

What To Expect in a Springfield White Collar Case

Many people under investigation for fraud or financial crimes have never been in trouble with the law before and are unsure what comes next. In a typical case, you may first learn of a problem through a letter, a visit from investigators, or a subpoena requesting documents related to your business or personal finances. 

From there, hearings may be scheduled at the Greene County courthouse or the federal courthouse in Springfield, and we walk you through what will happen at each step so you are prepared rather than surprised.

As your Springfield white collar crime lawyer, we help you understand the possible stages of your case, including investigation, charging decisions, arraignment, motion practice, plea negotiations, and trial. Throughout the process, we focus on protecting your rights, reducing your exposure where possible, and keeping you fully informed so you can make thoughtful decisions for yourself, your family, and your business.

Why Choose Cole & Martin Attorneys at Law, LLC

When you are facing a white collar investigation, you cannot afford a lawyer who is learning on the job. Our firm is backed by 90 years of Criminal Law experience. We have spent decades on both sides of the aisle, giving us an "insider's view" of how the Greene County Prosecutor’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s office operate.

We offer free consultations to discuss the specifics of your situation in a confidential setting. Our team provides the tenacious advocacy you need to combat your criminal charges and obtain peace of mind. We understand the fear and anxiety that go hand in hand with these accusations, and we are committed to helping you successfully navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Are you interested in a free case consultation with a Springfield white collar crime lawyer? Contact us today at (417) 213-5441 to make an appointment to discuss the details of your case.