Have you been charged with a white collar crime in Providence, Rhode Island? These offenses are taken seriously in the state and, depending on the case, may also be charged on the federal level. However, you still have time to fight back with assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Look no further than Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys. We’re a top-rated criminal defense law firm in Rhode Island that has helped our clients successfully respond to all kinds of charges. Our Providence white collar crimes lawyers have 36 years of experience and are ready to get to work on your case today. Whether you’re facing drug crimes, domestic violence, Providence sex crimes, Providence homicide charges, or any other accusation, we’re here to provide you with the skilled representation you deserve.
Contact our law offices in Providence today for more information regarding an attorney-client relationship. Call (401) 854-7794 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Providence criminal defense lawyer.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Were Charged With a White Collar Crime in Providence, Rhode Island
Even though white collar crimes aren’t violent, they still carry severe penalties – including the possibility of jail time for some offenses. The prosecution and law enforcement already believe that you’re guilty, and they’ll work hard to secure a conviction. You deserve an attorney and legal team that will work even harder on your defense.
Our award-winning Providence criminal defense attorneys are both former public defenders, which means they know the justice system inside and out and have substantial experience handling all types of cases. We’ve also received national recognition for our work, including high marks from Super Lawyers, Avvo.com, and more. We can help defend you by:
- Investigating and researching your case to determine your best defenses
- Explaining your rights and legal options every step of the way
- Representing you at any and all court hearings and other proceedings
- Hiring leading industry experts to strengthen your defense as needed
- Negotiating to have your charges dismissed or reduced if possible
- Taking your case all the way to trial if that’s in your best interest
Reach out to us in Providence, RI, today to learn more and set up your free case review. We’re passionate about defending the rights of those accused of crimes and will do everything in our power to help you achieve a favorable outcome.
White Collar Crimes Law in Rhode Island
By definition, white collar crimes are nonviolent in nature and are generally committed for financial gain. Many of these offenses may be charged on both the state and federal levels, especially if the crime has interstate implications.
Some of the most common white collar crimes under Rhode Island law include the following.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is illegal under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-41-3. This is considered a type of theft crime, but it doesn’t necessarily involve taking something that doesn’t belong to you.
Instead, a person commits the crime of embezzlement when they use assets (money or property) entrusted to them for personal gain. To be charged with this offense, the accused must have legal access to the assets in question, but not ownership.
Fraud
Broadly speaking, “fraud” means engaging in deceptive behavior for personal or financial gain. Rhode Island General Laws Title 11, Chapter 18 covers many kinds of conduct that fall under this category. Some forms of fraud are covered under other chapters as well.
For instance, R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-18-1 makes it a crime to provide falsified documentation to another person in many contexts. As another example, R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-18-29 covers the offense of providing fraudulent stock certificates. Lastly, R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-49.1-3 describes the offense of identity theft.
Bribery
Rhode Island General Laws Title 11, Chapter 7 covers various conduct that falls under the category of bribery. Overall, a person commits this offense when they offer, give, solicit, or receive something of value in an effort to influence a public official or someone holding a legal duty to another.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion is discussed under R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-30-94. This statute makes it a crime to evade taxes on the state level. Evading federal taxes is also illegal as per 26 U.S. Code § 7201. As mentioned above, this is an example of a crime that may be prosecuted on both the federal and state levels (if a person is accused of evading both sets of taxes).
Some of these crimes are also civil wrongs, such as fraud. That means that you might face legal action from the alleged victim through a civil lawsuit in addition to your criminal charges.
It’s critical to your future that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney in Rhode Island on your side if you’ve been charged with a white collar crime. These cases can be complex and often involve multiple areas of the law. Our Providence white collar crimes lawyers are qualified to assist you throughout the process.
What Are the Penalties if I’m Convicted of a White Collar Crime in Providence?
White collar crimes can result in a wide range of penalties. Overall, there are three categories of offenses based on severity in Rhode Island: felonies, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors.
By default, petty misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. Misdemeanor offenses have a maximum jail sentence of 1 year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Lastly, felonies are considered crimes that have more severe consequences than misdemeanors.
Other kinds of penalties may in addition to jail time and fines, such as restitution to the alleged victim of the white collar crime.
Many factors will dictate the exact penalties you’ll face if convicted of a white collar crime in Providence, RI. These include the type of offense(s) you were arrested for, the value of the assets that apply to the case, whether you have a prior criminal record, and more.
Collateral Consequences
White collar crimes can result in consequences that aren’t necessarily imposed by the criminal justice system. These collateral consequences include:
- Damage to personal and professional reputations
- Loss of certain professional licenses and qualifications
- Immigration issues, if applicable
- Difficulty finding housing or employment
Some of these impacts are more likely to occur if you’re convicted of a felony, but others can attach to any conviction.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against My White Collar Crime Charges in Providence, RI?
Many defenses are available against white collar crimes in Providence, Rhode Island. The facts and circumstances of your case will determine your best course of action, but possibilities include:
- The prosecution has failed to meet the burden of proof of “beyond a reasonable doubt”
- Your constitutional rights were violated, such as through an illegal search and seizure
- You did not have the required relationship with or duty owed to the alleged victim
- It was a case of mistaken identity, or you have an alibi for the purported offense
- You were acting under duress or were coerced into committing the offense
- The statute of limitations has passed for your charge(s)
Each case requires significant investigative work to arrive at the best defense(s). If you hire us, our white collar crimes attorneys in Providence will create a defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation.
Contact Our Experienced Providence White Collar Crimes Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you were arrested for a white collar crime in Providence, Rhode Island, your future livelihood and freedom may be at stake. This is not the time to cut any corners; you need a trusted criminal defense lawyer to advocate for you and protect your rights at all times.
If you choose Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys to represent you, we’ll give your case the full force of our dedication and resources. Our Providence white collar crimes lawyers will work tirelessly to defend you against the charges you’re facing.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, at which time we can review your case and offer initial legal advice.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Providence, RI
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys
101 Dyer St Suite 2D, Providence, RI 02903, United States
(401) 854-7794
