Pittsburgh White Collar Crime Lawyer

White Collar Crime Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

White collar criminal cases can be a complicated and overwhelming process, often requiring a depth of technical and legal knowledge. If you are facing charges of this nature, a Pittsburgh white collar crime lawyer can help you through this trying time. They can be at your side for each stage, build your defense, and guide you through the proceedings.

About Ryan R. Smith Law Offices

At Ryan R. Smith Law Offices, we’ve spent years representing the people of Pittsburgh and communities throughout Pennsylvania in their white collar crime cases. Lead attorney Ryan R. Smith has decades of experience handling cases ranging from DUIs to attempted homicide charges. He is active in the legal community, serving as a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Overview of White Collar Crimes in Pennsylvania

White collar crime remains a significant concern nationwide. In 2023, investment fraud represented $1.2 billion in losses in the United States. Pennsylvania is the 7th biggest state for fraud crimes, with over 3,000 victims losing over $118 million.

A white collar crime is a loose categorization of financially motivated, non-violent crimes. These often occur in business or government settings and are committed by people such as stockbrokers, bureaucrats, and government officials. Cases can be prosecuted as federal or state-level offenses.

Where your Pittsburgh white collar crime is handled depends on the jurisdiction. State-level charges are typically processed through the Allegheny County Courthouse, located at 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Federal cases are handled at Joseph F. Weis. Jr. U.S. Courthouse, located on 700 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Types of White Collar Crimes We Represent

White collar crimes encompass a range of unlawful and criminal acts. The following are a few charges that Ryan R. Smith Law Offices can help you with:

• Embezzlement. Embezzlement is when someone entrusted with money or assets either steals or uses them for personal gain.
• Insider trading. This category of white collar crime is defined as when someone buys or sells stocks based on nonpublic, confidential information.
• Fraud. Fraud is the most common type of white collar offense nationwide. Common forms include wire, bank, mail, insurance, and securities fraud.
• Tax evasion. Tax evasion involves the submission of falsified financial records or the transfer of assets to avoid paying all that is owed.
• Ponzi scheme. A Ponzi scheme is a specific type of investment fraud in which existing clients are paid with funds raised from new investors rather than genuine profits.
• Bribery. Bribery, or public corruption, happens when a public official accepts or offers payment to affect their actions in their position. 
• Money laundering. This happens when someone knowingly takes funds obtained through unlawful means and commingles them with a legitimate business’s assets to conceal their source.

Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer

White collar crimes can be challenging to manage on your own. While you may represent yourself, it is recommended that you hire a white collar crime lawyer given the complexities and legal knowledge necessary for success. Your Pittsburgh white collar crime attorney can aid in every stage of your case, from arraignment and initial allegations to final court decision. A few critical ways Ryan R. Smith Law Offices can help your case include:

• Build your defense. Every case requires a different strategy. We can learn your story and build a defense tailored to your situation.
• Review the prosecution’s case. Your lawyer can analyze the argument that the prosecution has built against you for discrepancies that may strengthen your defense, such as procedural errors or illegally gained evidence.
• Representation in court. Our team can represent you in all meetings and hearings throughout the criminal proceedings, both in and out of court.
• Negotiate with prosecutors. In some scenarios, a criminal conviction on some level may be unavoidable. Ryan R. Smith Law Offices can negotiate with the prosecution to mitigate the impact of the event on your future. Deals can potentially lower crimes to lesser offenses, reduce fines, and shorten prison sentences.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a White Collar Crime in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, white collar is an unofficial grouping of non-violent crimes and financially motivated acts that often occur in business or government sectors. Bank, wire, mail, and investment fraud are common offenses. Other examples include embezzlement, insider trading, bribery, tax evasion, identity theft, and money laundering. Offenses may escalate to federal matters when funds or actions cross state lines or international boundaries.

What Is the Average Prison Sentence for a White Collar Crime in Pennsylvania?

The average prison sentence for a white collar crime conviction depends on the type of offense, prior criminal record, and the amount of funds involved. The mean sentence in Pennsylvania for fraud is 15 months, while the average for money laundering is 71 months. Your attorney can review your case and estimate the chance of prison and the sentence you may face. 

Do You Need an Attorney for a White Collar Crime Charge in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania state law does not require you to have an attorney when charged with a white collar crime. However, doing so can be a worthwhile investment. Skilled legal counsel can explain the charges against you, review the evidence, advise on legal strategy, and represent you in court. If a conviction seems certain, an experienced attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the event’s effect on your life.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a White Collar Attorney in Pennsylvania?

How much it costs to hire a Pennsylvania white collar crime attorney depends on the charge, the complexity of the case, whether a trial is required, and the total work hours for the firm. Accusations of minor tax fraud that resolve in the pre-trial phase are typically less expensive than allegations of widespread money laundering and corruption charges that proceed to litigation.

Speak With a Pittsburgh White Collar Crime Attorney Today

Contact us today to book your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can learn your story, explain the charges and penalties you face, and provide legal strategies for your defense. You may also visit our Pittsburgh office, located on Grant Street, a few blocks south of the Allegheny County Courthouse, and west of Duquesne University.