When facing legal issues, people need the experience of a defense consultant to navigate the complex environment of criminal law. These legal professionals are vital to assisting in safeguarding the rights of the accused, guaranteeing they receive a fair trial or plea deal.
Though the types of cases defense consultants specialize in can differ, here are a few of the types of cases a defense consultant handles.
White Collar Crimes
White-collar cases are usually document-heavy and entail complicated financial evidence. Defense consultants possess experience with the investigative strategies and evidence frequently seen in these types of cases. They offer counsel and advice intended to diminish reputational harm and risk to their clients.
RICO Charge
The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act was created to fight organized crime. However, federal prosecutors often use RICO outside its intended scope. CEOs, politicians, high-profile public figures, and other important individuals are increasingly indicted on RICO charges.
Federal racketeering charges are extremely broad and can cause major penalties. If you’ve been charged with disobeying the terms of the RICO Act, get in touch with a defense consultant who knows how to use every possible defense.
Keep in mind that all states have enacted their own statutory versions of RICO with many simply copying the federal statutes word for word.
Securities Fraud
There are several ways to make money in securities trading. However, it’s vital to meticulously adhere to federal and state regulations. If you don’t, you can be charged with securities fraud.
Securities fraud refers to numerous crimes that are typically investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. While every type of securities fraud varies, they all entail the alleged use of fraudulent or deceptive methods to get money from someone who is trying to invest.
Professional traders and financial executives aren’t the only ones who can be convicted. A security is any type of investable instrument including:
- Stocks and bonds
- Derivatives
- Options
- Bank notes
Therefore, securities fraud is a possible charge when anyone involved with one of these financial mediums is accused of stealing, cheating, or lying to get funds from someone else.
Securities fraud is a federal crime and includes hefty penalties. Contingent on the charges against you and the evidence of your case, prison sentences could be up to five years and fines up to $5 million, for each charged offense.
Money Laundering
A defense consultant typically works with banks, business owners, CEOs, and other types of clients who are facing money laundering charges.
Money laundering is a method that accused bad actors use when trying to conceal the illegal source of their income. By transmitting money through several businesses and intricate transactions, the money is “cleaned” of its illegal origin, making it look like it’s profits from a legitimate business.
Since money laundering entails concealing the profits of other criminal activity, money laundering is seldom charged alone and typically comes with other significant criminal charges.
Money laundering is a complex, grave offense. Creating a defense against federal money laundering charges necessitates the skills of a defense consultant with experience in handling federal criminal defense cases. Once again, each state has their own laws which often mimic the federal statutes. Be aware that often prosecutors are successful with stacking charges of RICO or the state’s equivalent, with multiple other charges in the interest of enhancing the sentencing scheme. Defense consultants assist the legal team with the research and brainstorming necessary to mitigate overcharging, stacking, consecutive vs. concurrent, etc.
Hiring an Experienced Defense Consultant is a Good Option
It is critical to hire an experienced defense consultant when facing criminal charges to ensure the best outcome. This legal professional understands how to navigate the complex court system and their client through an extremely exhausting, strenuous procedure. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you.