Seasoned Tennessee Attorneys Building Strong Defensive Strategies for Clients Charged with Corporate Fraud
Helping clients in Sevier County, the Tri-Cities, Greeneville and throughout East Tennessee
Corporate fraud is, in a nutshell, a lie. When companies or their representatives intentionally mispresent themselves in regard to their finances, in the hopes of increasing their profits or to give themselves a financial advantage, they have potentially committed an act of corporate fraud. The broad definition means quite a few actions fall under this umbrella. At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we uphold the rights of business owners, operators, managers and shareholders who have been accused of fraudulent actions.
What types of crimes are considered acts of corporate fraud?
Not every act of corporate fraud involves convoluted lies or excessive theft; technically, using the company car for grocery shopping is an act of theft, because the car loses value over time. Most cases involve hiding losses, being “creative” with assets, and falsifying documentation. It might also include:
- Making personal purchases on company accounts
- Hiring staff for “no show” jobs
- Stealing property or money from the company
- Committing acts of wire fraud or mail fraud
- Embezzling funds
- Laundering money
- Falsifying financial statements
- Engaging in Ponzi schemes
- Tax evasion
- Skimming funds before they are entered into the accounts
- Mispresenting debts and assets with investors
- Bribery
- Marketing fraud
Being convicted of any of these white collar crimes at the federal level can mean lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. It may also result in your assets being frozen or seized – perhaps even before a conviction occurs.
Penalties for corporate fraud
If you are charged with some form or corporate fraud at the federal level, you could face millions of dollars in fines, plus restitution; it depends on which charges you face, and how many charges you are convicted of. Federal prison times vary for those same reasons. One charge could mean a few months in prison; multiple convictions could mean 20 or even 30 years per charge. Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison for the securities fraud he perpetrated through a Ponzi scheme.
This is why you need a skilled, aggressive criminal defense attorney if you have been charged, or if you think you will be charged with corporate fraud of any kind. Our team has the resources and the experience to handle complex corporate fraud cases. We will always fight to have your charges dropped (or lessened, if being dropped is not an option), and we always fight for an outright acquittal in court.
An aggressive team of defense attorneys for clients facing federal charges of corporate fraud
If you are facing federal charges of corporate fraud, Delius & McKenzie, PLLC can help. We offer creative and detailed defense strategies designed to protect your freedom. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to learn more. We are proud to represent clients in East Tennessee, including those in and around Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville, Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.