White Collar Crimes Lawyer in Lexington, SC

Criminal offenses associated with businessmen and politicians; white collar crimes are financial offenses that can strip victims of their life savings. Given the far-reaching ramifications of such offenses, these crimes are often prosecuted in federal court. However, state-level charges are possible, with South Carolina imposing harsh penalties if convicted.

Ignoring these charges will not cause them to disappear, but only get you into more serious legal trouble. At Kinard Law Group, our Lexington white collar crimes lawyers understand the fear that you are experiencing. If you are currently under investigation for a white-collar criminal offense, do not hesitate to contact our experienced legal team.

Common White Collar Crimes in SC

False Pretenses

Under SC Code § 16-13-240, false pretenses can lead to serious criminal penalties that vary based on the value of the property involved. If the value exceeds $2,000 but is less than $10,000, imprisonment of up to five years and a discretionary fine may apply. If the value is $2,000 or less, the offense carries a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail. The severity of the charge and its classification depend on the specific facts of the case.

Money Laundering

The act of making “dirty” money appear “clean” is known as money laundering. There are various ways to accomplish this, with offenders making every attempt to obscure the true source of funds. The proceeds from money laundering schemes may be derived from healthcare fraud, narcotics trafficking, and identity theft. Under South Carolina’s Anti-Money Laundering Act, laundered funds of $20,000 to $100,000 come with a 10-year sentence. Laundered funds that exceed $100,000 are accompanied by a 20-year sentence. Federal charges will apply if financial transactions were processed through a federally insured bank or if criminal activity crosses state lines.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion is a serious offense under South Carolina law, carrying substantial fines and potential jail time upon conviction. The specific penalties depend on the nature and scope of the conduct involved. At the federal level, a conviction under federal tax evasion statutes can result in fines of up to $100,000 and up to five years in prison per count, in addition to prosecution costs. Both state and federal convictions can carry significant financial and personal consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom.

Potential Defenses Against White-Collar Crimes

White-collar offenses can damage your reputation and destroy future opportunities. While an absolute defense may not be possible, mitigating your criminal liability may be within reach. Our Lexington white collar crimes lawyers will evaluate which defenses will be the most viable. If you played a minor role in the offense or show remorse for your behavior, we may be able to strike a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor.

In other circumstances, investigators may have made a procedural error in gathering evidence. If so, our legal team will file a Motion to Suppress, requesting the court exclude this evidence from your prosecution. At Kinard Law Group, we do not want a past transgression to impede your success later in life.

Speak with Our Lexington White Collar Crimes Attorneys

Although white-collar criminal offenses are not violent crimes, the financial implications are serious. If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, Kinard Law Group is here to help. With over 25 years of fighting for criminal suspects’ rights, our Lexington white collar crimes lawyers look forward to many more. To arrange your free consultation with one of our legal professionals, contact us online or by phone at (803) 359-1003.