Salt Lake City White Collar Crime Lawyer

Call us today at (801) 948-9996

Federal white collar investigations are not ordinary criminal cases in Salt Lake City. These cases should never be handled with an ordinary defense strategy. Or an ordinary defense team. Our federal criminal defense team at Evergreen Attorneys is available 24/7 to assess your case and begin developing a strategic defense to win your case.

Throughout Utah, the white collar defense team at Evergreen Attorneys team understands that economic crime allegations often carry some of the most severe and life altering consequences. We have a specialized skill set to representing clients accused of complex financial and economic crimes.

We are here to stand with you when it matters most. Our white collar crime lawyers practice all across the United States and have represented citizens in 24 different states. Our white collar attorneys understand both your reputation and future is on the line.

At Evergreen Attorneys we focus on federal criminal defense and bringing excellence everyday for every client. We bring hope and a plan to get your life back on track for our Salt Lake City federal white collar clients.

Call the premier Utah white collar criminal defense team at Evergreen Attorneys today at (801) 948-9996, email us at [email protected], or use our website contact form to get in touch.

White Collar Criminal Defense Difference

Here are some of the ways that Evergreen Attorneys are different:

• We exclusively focus on federal criminal defense. No family law, no personal injury, no estate planning.
• We only employ experienced partner-level attorneys. No fresh-faced associates right out of law school.
• We are a boutique federal white collar law firm. Every decision is tailored towards providing exceptional criminal defense.

Evergreen Attorneys – Salt Lake City White Collar Crime Lawyers

What kind of cases do Salt Lake City white collar crime lawyers handle?

White collar crime refers to non-violent criminal offenses that typically involve financial fraud or deceit. These crimes are usually committed by individuals or businesses that often involve manipulating the financial system for personal gains. If you are facing federal charges for one of the types of offenses below, you need a white collar crime lawyer. 

White collar crime law firms in Salt Lake City know that planning to fight restitution in federal court planning is vital from day one. Federal white collar defense attorneys know that staying up to date on the most recent Supreme Court decisions in white collar cases is vital.

White collar crime lawyers in the Wasatch who are at the top of their game know that you must understand how the federal government is instituting a nationwide dragnet for PPP and EIDL loan fraud cases. 

Evergreen Attorneys practice white collar federal criminal defense every single day. At our boutique federal criminal defense law firm we handle federal cases nationwide. We are not afraid to challenge the government and stand up for your rights in any federal criminal court case.

Because we practice nationwide we are also not trying to make friends with the prosecutors or the judges; you don’t have to worry about us taking a tee time with the Assistant U.S. Attorney handling your case.

Read on to learn some of the basics of white collar federal criminal cases. Call the white collar crime lawyers of Salt Lake City at Evergreen Attorneys today at (801) 948-9996 if you need hope and a plan for your defense.

How Salt Lake City Federal White Collar Crime Lawyers Can Help?

Evergreen Attorneys understand criminal law, but that is not all. We also have a knowledge in financial matters because a skilled attorney provides valuable assistances at every stage of the legal process from the initial investigation through trial. Here are some ways a Salt Lake City white collar defense attorney can help 

1. Investigation and Early Intervention

Most federal white collar crime cases begin with an investigation by federal agencies like FBI or IRS. If you’re under investigation, it’s crucial to have a criminal defense attorney involved early on. An attorney can ensure that your rights are protected during the investigation, advise you on whether to cooperate or invoke your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and work to minimize the likelihood of charges being filed. Your best option is to call Evergreen Attorneys before you are formally charged. This is the phase of the case when you are most likely to be able to avoid criminal charges altogether if you have the best approach available. 

2. Defending Against the Charges  

If charges are filed against you, your attorney will work to build a strong defense. Federal white collar lawyers know that building a case for court starts on day one. This involves challenging the evidence against you, disputing the intent behind your actions, or showing that you were not involved in the alleged criminal activity.  

Often times, the real value of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is in diving deep during the investigation phase. This involves knowing how and when to direct private investigators, conduct factual research, and structuring a case to present the most iron-clad defense.

The white collar crime attorneys at Evergreen Attorneys know that filing motions is not just an afterthought. Federal court is not like state court where attorneys just “show up and argue” their positions. You need to carefully argue your client’s case in writing through persuasive written motions.

Cases are won and lost in federal court on the written submissions long before a jury ever enters the courtroom. This is where Evergreen Attorneys shine.

3. Negotiated Resolutions  

In many cases, federal prosecutors are open to negotiating settlements or plea deals. An experienced white collar crime attorney can assess the strongest of the evidence against you and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or secure a more favorable sentence. The skilled lawyers at Evergreen Attorneys may be able to secure a plea agreement that results in a lesser sentence or reduced charges, which can be crucial in minimizing the impact of a conviction on your life.  

It is important to make one thing clear here: our zealous team does not simply “take the first deal” that a prosecutor offers. Evergreen Attorneys prepare every single case as if it is going to trial. Deeply investigating the facts, meeting with our clients, and applying the law in each case.

Only after a full and fair investigation is done by our experienced white collar lawyers can Evergreen Attorneys help a client decide if a negotiated resolution is right for their case. Even then, there are many areas where experienced federal criminal defense counsel can make all the difference. 

We often see inexperienced state court lawyers sign their clients up for plea deals without considering the Sentencing Guidelines or the financial penalties. This is the worst mistake possible.

Negotiating on the actual loss amount (as opposed to stipulating it away), refusing to agree to forfeiture, requiring evidence for every dollar of supposed restitution are just some of the areas that are so unique to federal white collar criminal defense. These things may just seem like “numbers” to the novice attorney. In reality, they drive your advisory prison sentence under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and are often the most important part of plea negotiations.

4. Trial Defense  

If your case goes to trial, the veteran federal defense team at Evergreen Attorneys will have the experience needed to mount a compelling defense. Federal white collar trials are often complex, involving intricate financial details and expert testimony. Your attorney will know how to present your case effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the credibility of the government’s evidence. A strong defense can result in a verdict of not guilty or a dismissal of charges.  

You can know that Zach Newland will be at your trial from day one until the trial ends. And that David Boyer and the rest of the Evergreen Attorneys team will be beside you in the courtroom.

As a great mentor once said, “friends don’t let friends try cases alone.” If your attorney plans to show up to trial by himself, you should be worried. There is a reason that no federal prosecutor ever goes to trial without at least one full-time prosecutor sitting next to him.

At Evergreen Attorneys, we are preparing for trial from day one of every case. You need customized legal strategies in a white collar crime case to be able to get the best outcomes for your clients.

Salt Lake City white collar crime cases require attorneys who know that this type of law is not one size fits all. Evergreen Attorneys make their clients the focus of the representation. Client-informed advocacy is not just a punch-line.

It’s the rule that we live and breath at Evergreen Attorneys.

5. Appeal and Post-Conviction Relief 

If you are convicted, your attorney may be able to appeal the verdict or sentence. Appeals can challenge errors made during the trial, such as improper jury instruction or the admissions of inadmissible evidence.   

• Direct Appeals/U.S. Supreme Court

Evergreen Attorneys have filed and argued dozens of federal criminal appeals in almost every single U.S. Court of Appeals. We have even represented clients before the United States Supreme Court. You can read more about our appellate experience here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/uncategorized/hemani-supreme-court-lawyers-evergreen-attorneys/

• 2255 Motions

Even after your direct appeal is finished, you still have a last line of defense: a motion to vacate sentence under 28 U.S.C. Section 2255. You can read more about this vital safety-valve which serves as a check on unconstitutional abuses of power here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/2255/what-is-a-2255-motion/

• Compassionate Release Motion

Even after a federal criminal sentence is “final” and all appeals are exhausted, there is still hope. In some cases, there may be the ability to seek a sentence reduction based on the presence of “extraordinary and compelling reasons” before the judge.

This is commonly referred to as a compassionate release motion. It is actually a motion to reduce sentence pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 3582(c)(1)(A). You can learn more about this important work and how it can help sick inmates, incarcerated persons serving lengthy sentences, and inmates with other unique circumstances here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/legal-procedure/compassionate-release/

What is a White Collar Crime?  

We see white collar criminal prosecutions everyday at Evergreen Attorneys. White collar crimes are generally considered to be any offense that does not involve violence or the threat of physical property damage. 

We have written extensively about white collar crimes in the past and you can read more about federal white collar crimes such as healthcare fraud or PPP loan fraud elsewhere on our website. 

For those of you coming to our website for the first time, however, here is a brief introduction into some common federal white collar crime cases we see at Evergreen Attorneys. Some common types of federal white collar crimes include:  

Wire Fraud – 18 U.S.C. § 1343 

•  using electronic communication to defraud someone of money or property 
• The four essential elements of the crime of wire fraud are: (1) that the defendant voluntarily and intentionally devised or participated in a scheme to defraud another out of money; (2) that the defendant did so with the intent to defraud; (3) that it was reasonably foreseeable that interstate wire communications would be used; and (4) that interstate wire communications were in fact used. See United States v. Profit, 49 F.3d 404, 406 n.1 (8th Cir. 1995).
• Wire fraud is one of the most commonly charged white collar crimes that we see at Evergreen Attorneys.
• You can read more about Evergreen Attorneys and wire fraud in-depth at our blog here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/white-collar-crime/denver-wire-fraud-lawyers-303-948-1489/

Securities Fraud – 18 U.S.C. Section 78j(b)/17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5 

• misleading investors or manipulating the stock market for personal gain. This includes insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and other forms of deception related to securities.  
• In order to prove a defendant guilty, the government must prove the following four essential elements: (1) that the defendant willfully either (a) used a scheme to defraud someone, or (b) made an untrue state of a material fact; (2) the defendant’s acts were made in connection with the purchase or sale of a security; (3) that the defendant directly or indirectly used an instrument in connection with these acts or making this statement; and (4) that the defendant acted knowingly. See Ninth Circuit Manual of Model Criminal Jury Instructions. 
• The Salt Lake City White Collar Crime Lawyers at Evergreen Attorneys know that prosecutors 1) love to bring these charges and 2) they require a fact-intensive defense.

Mail Fraud – 18 U.S.C. § 1341 

•  Mail fraud is like wire fraud but involves the use of the U.S. Postal Service or other mail carriers to execute fraudulent schemes.  
• “There are two elements in mail fraud: (1) having devised or intending to devise a scheme to defraud (or to perform specified fraudulent acts), and (2) use of the mail for the purpose of executing, or attempting to execute, the scheme (or specified fraudulent acts).” Schmuck v. United States, 489 U.S. 705, 721 n. 10 (1989).
• Mail fraud is much less commonly used in the 21st Century. Evergreen Attorneys typically see wire fraud charges instead in our Dallas White Collar Crime practice.

Money Laundering – 18 U.S.C. § 1956/1957 

• involves engaging in financial transactions to conceal the source of illegal obtained funds.  
• To be criminally liable under 18 U.S.C. Section 1956(a)(1), a defendant must engage in a financial transaction, while knowing that the property involved in the transaction represents the proceeds of some specified unlawful activity, and the property must actually be the product of some specified unlawful activity. There are a variety of mental states that need to be shown to obtain a money laundering conviction depending on the type of charge. See Third Circuit Pattern Jury Instruction 6.18.1956.
• Evergreen Attorneys know that in white collar crime prosecutions Assistant U.S. Attorneys often bring money laundering charges in conjunction with wire fraud charges.

Tax evasion – 26 U.S.C. § 7201 

• Occurs when a person knowingly and willfully attempts to evade or defeat the payment of taxes. Usually involves underreporting income, inflating deductions or failing to file a tax return altogether.  However, you may also face charges for evasion of assessment of taxes. 
• There are three essential elements required to prove a federal tax evasion of payment charge: (1) an attempt to evade or defeat the payment of a tax; (2) an additional tax due and owing; and (3) willfulness. Samsone v. United States, 380 U.S. 343, 351 (1965).
• Contact Evergreen Attorneys if you need to talk to an attorney about a federal criminal tax compliance matter. Or read more about our experience in this area on our blog here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/tax-fraud/ignorance-defense-tax-law/

Healthcare Fraud – 18 U.S.C. § 1347  

• Involves scheming designed to defraud health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers. This may include submitting false claims for services or inflating costs for reimbursement.  
• Healthcare fraud is incredibly serious charge. In a standard healthcare case a healthcare provider charged under the statute can face fines of up to $250,000 and up to 10 years of federal imprisonment. If the fraud results in serious bodily injury, the maximum term of imprisonment is 20 years. If the fraud results in death (i.e., a fatal overdose), a single charge under 18 U.S.C. is punishable by life in prison. Ninth Circuit Patter Jury Instructions, No. 8.128A.
• Evergreen Attorneys are leaders nationwide in this area. Read about some of our experiences here:
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/health-care-fraud/colorado-healthcare-fraud-defense-attorneys/
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/health-care-fraud/healthcare-fraud-criminal-defense/
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/health-care-fraud/dallas-healthcare-fraud-defense-lawyers/
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/health-care-fraud/tampa-healthcare-fraud-defense-lawyer/
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/health-care-fraud/health-care-fraud/

Bribery and Corruption – 18 U.S.C. § 201, 666  

• Bribery and corruption offense involve offering or receiving something of value in exchange for influence over government business decisions.  Usually occurs in government contracts, regulatory matters, and other situations where individuals have decision making power 

Identity theft – 18 U.S.C. § 1028 

• This crime involves using someone else’s personal identifying information without their consent, typically to commit fraud or other financial crimes  

Bankruptcy Fraud – 18 U.S.C. § 152 

• Bankruptcy fraud involves intentionally concealing assets, making false statements, or otherwise defrauding the bankruptcy process.  

PPP Loan Fraud

• PPP/EIDL loan fraud cases are typically charged under a variety of different existing criminal statutes. This can be wire fraud, bank fraud, or criminal conspiracy in addition to money laundering
• The statute of limitations for PPP/EIDL cases was extended by Congress.
  • Read more about that on our website here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/white-collar-crime/ppp-loan-statute-of-limitations/
• Evergreen Attorneys are nation-leaders in defending against the Government’s aggressive charges in PPP/EIDL fraud cases. Read more about our experience below:
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/white-collar-crime/colorado-ppp-loan-fraud/
  • https://evergreenattorneys.com/white-collar-crime/orlando-white-color-crime-lawyer-ppp-loan-fraud/

How Serious are Federal White Collar Crime Charges? 

Federal white collar Crimes are typically prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigated by other federal agencies such as FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC), the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Secret Service, the Department of Treasury, or the Internal Revenue Services (IRS).   

If convicted, individuals who commit white collar crime may face:  

• Lengthy Prison Sentences – depending on the crime, there might be mandatory minimum sentences.  The amount of prison time is often driven in large part based on the “loss amount” under the Federal Sentencing guidelines. One of the favorite charges of federal prosecutors is wire fraud. Wire fraud can land someone in prison for up to twenty years. For each violation. 

• Monetary Penalties – fines and restitution can be substantial depending on the nature of the crime and damages caused. Restitution and forfeiture can haunt a citizen long after they have served their time and repaid their debt to society. You must hold the government accountable for every dollar in your case. 

• Criminal Records – a conviction of federal white-collar crime can permanently tarnish your personal and profession reputation  
• Civil Suits – victims of such crime may file civil suits seeking compensation for damages which can lead to additional financial and legal burdens  

Why Is Having a Salt Lake City Federal White Collar Crime Lawyer Important? 

Federal white collar crime cases are highly complex and demand a sophisticated level of legal experience. These matters often extend far beyond criminal law, involving detailed financial records, accounting practices, regulatory compliance, and intricate business operations. Evergreen Attorneys brings a deep understanding of federal law and the statutes and regulations that distinguish federal cases from those prosecuted at the state level.

Our team is also equipped to analyze and interpret complex financial evidence while providing strategic guidance throughout every stage of the case. Just as important, experienced federal defense counsel an make a critical difference through skilled negotiation, professional credibility, and established relationships within the federal legal system. In many cases, that experience can help position clients for a favorable resolution before trial ever becomes necessary.

What do your former clients say about you?

You can see and hear from more of our former clients and their reviews here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/client-reviews/

If you need a federal white collar crime lawyer in your corner, call Evergreen Attorneys today at (801) 948-9996 or fill out a contact form on our website. Better yet, email our founding attorney Zachary Newland directly at [email protected] right now.  Contacting Evergreen Attorneys is the first step to finding hope and a plan for your defense in these serious situations.

FAQs with Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys in Utah

1. How important is early legal representation in a white collar case?
   • Early legal intervention can be extremely important because attorneys may be able to protect your rights, communicate with investigators, preserve evidence, and potentially prevent charges from being filed.
   • Hiring the right federal criminal lawyers early gives you a one-time opportunity to try to avoid charges being filed altogether. Once charges are filed, you can never put that horse back in the barn.
2. Are white collar crimes felonies?
   • Many white collar offenses are felony crimes that can carry substantial prison sentences and financials penalties if convicted.
   • Most federal white collar crimes are considered felonies and are prosecuted in U.S. District Court. This includes cases where the money was paid back or there was no economic harm.
3. What are some of the most common federal white collar crimes?
   • Some of the most commonly prosecuted federal white collar crimes include wire fraud, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud, bank fraud, tax evasion, identity theft, and money laundering.
   • We also commonly see PPP/EIDL loan fraud cases filed in federal criminal court.
4. What is Wire Fraud?
   • Wire Fraud is a federal crime involving the use of electronic communications such as emails, phone calls, text messages, or online transactions to carry out a fraudulent crime.
   • Wire Fraud is incredibly serious. One single count of wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
5. What is Mail Fraud?
   • Mail Fraud involves using the postal service or commercial mail carriers to further a fraudulent scheme or obtain money or property through deception.
6. What is Healthcare Fraud?
   • Healthcare Fraud involves false billing, kickbacks, unnecessary medical services, prescription fraud or deceptive practices involving healthcare programs or insurers
   • Healthcare fraud often also involves charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, and other financial related charges.
   • Healthcare fraud also puts a medical care provider (doctor, nurse, physician assistant, etc.) in the crosshairs of the state licensing board.
7. What is Securities Fraud?
   • Securities Fraud involves deceptive practices related to investments, stocks, or financial markets, including insider trading and misleading investors.
   • Securities fraud cases are among the most complex federal criminal cases we see at Evergreen Attorneys. They can also be resolved pre-indictment with the right approach.
8. What is Bank Fraud?
   • Bank Fraud involves schemes intended to defraud banks or financial institutions.
   • Bank fraud is usually a charge that is added in addition to other underlying criminal charges such as wire fraud or conspiracy.
9. What is Tax Evasion?
   • Tax Evasion involves intentionally avoiding the payment of taxes through unlawful means such as hiding income or falsifying records.
   • Tax evasion is punishable by up to 5 years in prison for each act of evading taxes. It is an incredibly serious crime.
10. What is Identity Theft?
    • Identity Theft involves unlawfully using another person’s personal or financial information for fraud or financial gain.
    • Importantly, in federal court if you are charged with identity theft and found guilty, there is a mandatory consecutive 2-year sentence.
    • Prosecutors use identity theft charges to functionally increase the mandatory minimum sentence by 2 years in a given case.
11. What is Money Laundering?
    • Money Laundering involves concealing the source of illegally obtained funds to make the money appear legitimate.
    • Money laundering charges may be filed in a white collar case or in a typical drug case or RICO case.
12. Can you be charged with a white collar crime without knowing you committed one?
    • Yes. Prosecutors may still pursue charges if they believe you knowingly participated in fraudulent or illegal financial activity. However, lack of criminal intent can be an important defense in many white collar cases.
    • Prosecutors regular “charge first, ask later” when it comes to white collar crimes. That’s where you need an incredibly experienced federal criminal defense team to back you up.
13. Can federal agents seize bank accounts during an investigation?
    • Yes. Federal authorities may freeze bank accounts or seize assets if they believe the funds are connected to criminal activity or subject to forfeiture laws.
    • However, there are important constitutional protections. For example, if you need money to fund your defense you can file a contested Luis motion demanding the money to be released.
14. What happens if you receive a federal subpoena?
    • A federal subpoena may require you to provide documents, testify, or produce records related to an investigation. You should contact a white collar defense attorney immediately before responding.
    • We have an entire section of our website devoted to this topic. You can read more here: https://evergreenattorneys.com/white-collar-crime/federal-grand-jury-subpoena/
15. Can white collar crime charges be dropped?
    • Yes. Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, lack of intent, unlawful searches, or successful negotiations by defense counsel.
16. Do first time offenders go to prison for white collar crimes?
    • It depends on the severity of the allegations, financial losses involved, federal sentencing guidelines, and other factors. Some first time offenders may avoid prison through plea agreements or alternative sentencing options.
    • Probation, home confinement, and deferred prosecutions are available. You need experienced federal criminal attorneys to get the right outcome.
17. Can deleted emails or files be recovered by investigators?
    • In many cases, yes. Federal investigators often use forensic technology to recover deleted files, emails, and digital communications. Software such as CELLEBRITE can often recover these items.
    • It is important that you do not delete or destroy any evidence under any circumstances.
18. Can emails and text messages be used as evidence in white collar crimes?
    • Yes. Prosecutors frequently rely on emails, text messages, financial records, cloud data, and digital communications as evidence in white collar investigations and prosecutions.
19. How are white collar crimes proven?
    • Prosecutors typically use financial records, electronic communications, witness testimony, bank transactions, forensic accounting, and digital evidence to build their case.
    • Additionally, you should expect the federal government to attempt to obtain cooperator or snitch testimony in a white collar case.
20. Can a conviction affect immigration status?
    • Yes. Certain fraud and financial crimes may lead to deportation proceedings, visa issues, or immigration consequences for non citizens.
    • Speak to an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to see if your case could result in deportation or even denaturalization for U.S. Citizens.