OUR BLOG

White-collar crimes happen behind computer screens, in boardrooms, or through a simple email. For the accused, the situation can be overwhelming. One wrong move, one misunderstood email, or even an honest mistake can lead to criminal charges. And the consequences aren’t just financial—they can destroy careers, reputations, and personal lives.

If you’re facing accusations of white-collar crime, you need to act fast. Speak to our Denver, CO criminal defense attorneys from the Law Office of Jacob Martinez to discuss your case and start building your defense.

Fraud

Fraud is about deception. It involves intentionally misleading someone to gain money or assets. Here are the most common types:

• Bank Fraud: This happens when someone lies to a bank to get a loan or credit they wouldn’t normally qualify for.
• Securities Fraud: This involves tricking investors by giving false or misleading information about stocks or other investments.
• Mail and Wire Fraud: These are schemes carried out using communication channels like mail, email, or phone calls.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement happens when someone entrusted with money or property uses it for personal gain. This often occurs in workplaces where employees handle company funds. Even if the funds are paid back, the act of taking them without permission is considered embezzlement.

Money Laundering

Money laundering is hiding the origins of illegally obtained money to make it look legitimate. It usually involves moving money through multiple transactions to cover up its criminal source. In Colorado, money laundering is linked to organized crime and drug trafficking. The penalties are severe, including prison time and asset seizure.

Bribery and Corruption

Bribery involves offering, giving, receiving, or asking for something of value to influence someone in a position of power. Corruption is closely related, involving the misuse of power for personal gain. These charges are often high-profile and can destroy personal and professional reputations.

Identity Theft and Cybercrime

Identity theft involves using someone else’s personal information, such as Social Security numbers or credit card details, for financial gain. Similarly, hacking and unauthorized access involve breaking into computer systems without permission. An example of this would be accessing a company’s database to steal customer information, which can then be used for identity theft or sold on the black market.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion occurs when someone intentionally avoids paying their taxes by lying about their income or expenses. This can involve underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding money in offshore accounts.

Insider Trading

Insider trading involves buying or selling stocks based on confidential, non-public information. It’s illegal because it gives an unfair advantage to those who have insider knowledge.

Common Defenses Against White Collar Crime Charges

Being accused of a white-collar crime doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Several legal defenses can be used to fight these charges, including:

• Lack of Intent: Showing that any financial discrepancies were unintentional.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the credibility or validity of the evidence.
• Entrapment: Proving that law enforcement coerced you into committing the crime.
• Mistake of Fact: Demonstrating that an honest mistake occurred without malicious intent.
• Constitutional Violations: Arguing that evidence was obtained through unlawful searches or violations of due process.

Build a Strong Defense with a Denver, CO Criminal Defense Lawyer

White collar crime cases aren’t just about what happened but about what can be proven. Prosecutors will comb through your financial records, emails, and transactions, trying to build a case against you. At the Law Office of Jacob Martinez, we know how these cases work. We challenge weak evidence, expose flaws in the prosecution’s arguments, and fight to protect your future.