Staten Island White Collar Crime Lawyer

White-Collar Crime Attorney

Providing Defense Counsel in Staten Island White Collar Crime Cases

White collar crime is widely misunderstood as minor financial crimes that do not entail severe penalties. However, while it is true that white collar crimes are by definition nonviolent, they can potentially lead to life-changing penalties for the convicted. Therefore, if you have been charged with any white collar crime, you need a Staten Island white collar crime defense attorney with the resources, skill, and experience to guide you through your case with confidence.

Attorney Michael Vitaliano has years of experience handling complex white collar crime cases on both sides of the criminal justice system. After starting his professional legal career as a prosecutor, he now leverages his prosecutorial experience on behalf of Staten Island criminal defense clients. The right attorney can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of any white collar crime case, so if you are facing white collar crime charges, you can rest assured that Attorney Vitaliano can provide the comprehensive and detail-oriented defense counsel you need to avoid the worst possible penalties you face.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

Attorney Vitaliano can help clients navigate a wide range of white collar crime cases about many different offenses, including:

• Fraud. Intentional misrepresentation of official documents or attempting to defraud any business or government agency carries severe penalties. Many types of fraud fall under the purview of white collar crime, such as internet fraud, wire fraud, check fraud, and much more.
• Bribery. It is illegal to offer money or other compensation to an individual in a position of authority for special treatment. Sometimes, statements taken out of context may be misconstrued as attempts at bribery. If you have experienced this type of situation, you need a defense attorney who can clarify the situation and help you avoid conviction.
• Ponzi schemes. Also called “pyramid schemes,” these ploys typically entail investment fraud that requires new investors to pay off initial investors to give the appearance of legitimacy until the fraudster has accumulated enough income to flee the situation, leaving the latest investors with substantial losses.
• Insider trading. It is illegal to engage in any stock trading with the knowledge that is not yet publicly available. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) takes insider trading very seriously, and conviction on insider trading charges can lead to tremendous financial penalties or even imprisonment.
• Money laundering. This term applies to “washing” money from illegal activities such as drug sales through a legitimate business, disguising the ill-gotten money as legitimate business profits.
• Identity theft. Using another person’s identifying information for personal gain is identity theft, and the victims of identity theft can struggle with the effects for many years.
• Forgery. This term defines fraudulently completing official documents, creating counterfeit documents, or signing another person’s name without permission.
• Wage theft. Employers are required to pay their employees for all time worked per the terms of their employment contracts and job descriptions and in alignment with New York state law. Attempting to defraud employees by paying them less than owed can have disastrous consequences for the employer.

These are just some of the most common examples of white collar crimes prosecuted in the state of New York. A Staten Island white collar crime defense lawyer can be your best asset if you have been accused of any type of white collar crime.

White Collar Crime Penalties Are Substantial

The penalties for white collar crime conviction can range from substantial fines, forfeiture of fraudulently obtained financial gains, loss of professional licenses, even incarceration. Some individuals convicted of certain white collar crimes may face additional penalties, such as restriction from internet access or being forbidden from working in certain industries or positions in the future. In any criminal case, the burden of proof rests with the prosecution. The prosecutors handling your white collar crime case must prove your guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Your defense attorney’s job is to prevent this from happening.

What to Expect From Your Staten Island White Collar Crime Defense Attorney

Hiring the right defense counsel can mean the difference between acquittal and conviction in many criminal cases. Attorney Michael Vitaliano believes in providing client-focused defense representation in every case he accepts. Every criminal case is unique; therefore, there is no room for one-size-fits-all approaches to criminal defense, especially in the complex world of white collar crime.

Most white collar crime cases involve highly technical details and complex financial matters, many of which may require input from experienced professionals outside of the legal system. A good defense attorney will consult various expert witnesses who can help their client disprove a prosecutor’s evidence or establish exculpatory evidence to prove the client’s innocence. In addition, Mr. Vitaliano may consult with tax professionals, securities experts, forensic accountants, and other professionals to support your defense if necessary. Attempting to uncover and interpret the complex financial aspects of your case can be overwhelming without a reliable Staten Island white collar crime defense attorney on your side.

As an assistant district attorney, Michael Vitaliano learned how Staten Island prosecutors handle their cases and secure convictions. He knows the high standard of proof required to secure convictions in white collar crime cases. He will effectively leverage the evidence available to prevent this from happening in your case. As a result, you can expect the highest level of personalized attention in your case when you choose Attorney Vitaliano as your Staten Island white collar crime defense lawyer.

Secure the Defense Counsel You Need Today

Time is crucial in any criminal case. After arrest, it’s essential to work quickly to secure defense counsel you can trust to help you navigate your case proceedings with confidence. The sooner you secure legal representation, the more robust a defense you and your defense team can craft to fight the charges against you.

If you are ready to arrange legal counsel for your white collar crime case in Staten Island, Attorney Michael Vitaliano is ready to defend you. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with our team and find out how to assist your defense.