White collar criminal investigations move quietly — often for months or years before any arrest is made. By the time charges are filed, prosecutors have already built their case. If you have received a federal grand jury subpoena, been contacted by the FBI or IRS Criminal Investigation Division, or learned that your business or finances are under scrutiny, retaining experienced legal counsel immediately is the most important step you can take. Zukerman, Lear, Murray & Brown Co., LPA defends individuals and businesses facing white collar criminal charges in Cleveland and throughout Ohio’s federal and state courts. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
White collar crimes are financially motivated, non-violent offenses typically committed in business, corporate, or professional settings. They are prosecuted at both the state and federal level, and federal cases — handled by the Department of Justice, FBI, IRS-CI, SEC, or other agencies — are particularly serious due to their resources and mandatory sentencing guidelines. Our Federal Case Representation practice handles these cases at the highest level.
Fraud encompasses a wide range of conduct involving intentional deception for financial gain. Common fraud charges include wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, and insurance fraud. Wire and mail fraud are federal offenses that carry up to 20 years per count. These statutes are broadly applied and frequently used as the basis for federal prosecution of virtually any scheme involving money. If you are under fraud investigation, call (216) 696-0900 before speaking to investigators.
Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to a person — typically an employee, fiduciary, or officer — for personal gain. In Ohio, embezzlement is prosecuted as theft under ORC § 2913.02. Our attorneys also handle related Theft Offenses defense, with penalties that escalate based on the value of the property taken. Federal embezzlement charges apply to funds from federal programs or financial institutions.
Money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 apply when proceeds of criminal activity are used in financial transactions designed to conceal their origin. These charges are frequently layered onto other underlying offenses and carry up to 20 years in federal prison, plus civil asset forfeiture of the funds involved.
IRS Criminal Investigation prosecutes tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201), willful failure to file returns (26 U.S.C. § 7203), and filing false returns (26 U.S.C. § 7206). Tax crimes are often identified through civil audits that escalate to criminal referral. Our Criminal Tax Prosecution defense practice handles these cases with the forensic accounting expertise they require. The IRS conviction rate is among the highest of any federal agency — early legal intervention is essential.
Securities fraud involves misrepresentation or manipulation in connection with the purchase or sale of securities. This includes insider trading, Ponzi schemes, pump-and-dump schemes, and fraudulent investment solicitation. These cases are investigated by the SEC and FBI and prosecuted in federal court.
Federal identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028 and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (18 U.S.C. § 1030) target unauthorized use of financial information and computer systems. These offenses frequently accompany fraud and embezzlement charges and overlap with our Computer Cyber-Crimes defense practice.
Bribery of public officials under Ohio law (ORC § 2921.02) and federal law (18 U.S.C. § 201) involves offering, giving, or accepting something of value to influence official action. These cases often involve elected officials, government contractors, or law enforcement.
White collar offenses can be prosecuted in either Ohio state court or federal court, and the distinction matters significantly. Federal cases involve:
State white collar prosecution in Ohio typically results in lower sentencing exposure but can still result in significant prison terms and restitution orders. Contact us to understand which court your case is likely heading to and what that means for your defense.
Federal white collar investigations are often conducted covertly. Investigators may interview your employees, subpoena your bank records, or execute search warrants at your business before you are ever contacted directly. Common signs that you may be under investigation include:
Do not speak to federal investigators without counsel. Voluntary statements are frequently used to establish intent and deception — two elements prosecutors must prove in most white collar cases. An attorney can represent you during the investigation phase, often before any charges are filed, and may be able to prevent an indictment entirely. Call (216) 696-0900 — do not wait for charges to be filed.
White collar defense requires forensic accounting expertise, a thorough understanding of complex regulatory frameworks, and aggressive litigation strategy. Defenses include lack of intent, good faith reliance on professional advice, lack of knowledge, statute of limitations, government entrapment or misconduct, and suppression of evidence obtained through unlawful searches or subpoenas.
White collar cases frequently connect to other criminal defense matters. Our attorneys also defend clients facing Criminal Tax Prosecution, Theft Offenses, Computer Cyber-Crimes, and Federal Criminal Cases throughout Northeast Ohio.
Our attorneys represent clients in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio and in state courts throughout Northeast Ohio. We have the experience to navigate federal sentencing guidelines, negotiate with federal prosecutors, and take complex financial cases to trial. We treat every case with the preparation and discretion our clients’ situations demand.
Call (216) 696-0900 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. The earlier you retain counsel, the more options you have.
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