Parkersburg Financial Crime Lawyer

Financial Crime Attorney In Parkersburg, WV

While financial crimes are typically not as violent as other offenses, they can still carry significant legal penalties. If you or a loved one has been accused of a financial crime in Parkersburg, the stakes are high, and you do not want to entrust your future to just any attorney. Instead, whether you’ve been accused of embezzlement in Crestview Park or tax fraud in Woodland Park, a Parkersburg, WV, financial crime lawyer can fight for you.

Meadows Law PLLC: Your Trusted Legal Advocate

For years, Meadows Law PLLC has defended people across West Virginia who find themselves facing a wide range of criminal accusations. As a former United States Marine, our lead attorney has spent his adult life protecting American citizens, and he can do the same for you in your situation. Our team is adept at handling cases at the Wood County Magistrate Court in Parkersburg.

Common Kinds of Financial Crimes in Parkersburg

In West Virginia, financial crime laws cover a wide range of different offenses. These are typically nonviolent in nature; rather, they involve practices of fraud, theft, or deception. Financial crimes can be committed by either individuals or businesses. These offenses are problematic in West Virginia; in 2022, the rate of cases filed for financial crimes, otherwise known as white collar crimes, more than doubled in the state.

In Parkersburg, financial crime cases can take several forms. At Meadows Law PLLC, we can defend clients against the following financial crime allegations:

Fraud

One of the most common kinds of financial crimes is fraud. Fraud can include many kinds of actions, such as: 

• Tax fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Bank fraud
• Mail fraud
• Insurance or investment fraud
• Wire fraud

In a fraud case, the accused party allegedly has used deliberate forms of deception to gain something, such as money or personal information, from another party.

Embezzlement

This occurs when an individual has been entrusted with money, but they use their position in power to misappropriate or take these funds for their own personal gain and purposes. Embezzlement charges are often accompanied by long prison terms, depending on the amount of money involved in the case.

Insider Trading

This crime happens when an individual buys or sells a stock based on information about a business that has not been disclosed to the public. These crimes can see individuals facing decades of prison time and fines totaling millions of dollars.

Bribery

When someone pays a person in a position of power, whether they are a government official or a company executive, to get that person to arrange a desirable outcome for the payer, bribery has occurred. Money is not always the instrument of bribery; benefits, vacations, and other assets can also act as a type of compensation.

Money Laundering

When an individual or company acquires money through illegal activities, they may pass these funds through a series of complicated transactions to conceal their original source. The FBI estimates that $300 billion is laundered through the United States every year.

Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes are a very specific type of fraud. It happens when an individual takes funds from new investors and uses those funds to pay off previous investors. They do this to make their organization appear successful.

Defending You Against Financial Crime Allegations

If you have been accused of a financial crime in Parkersburg, don’t lose hope. While these cases can feel overwhelming and uncertain, a Parkersburg financial crime attorney can fight for your freedom, no matter what you might be facing. At Meadows Law PLLC, we can review your case and determine what defense strategy can prove useful in your situation, including:

• Showing a lack of evidence needed to convict you of the crime
• Proving that you suffered a violation of your constitutional rights
• Challenging your intent, such as by proving that you did not knowingly commit the fraud or deception
• Demonstrating that you were only acting under duress or coercion

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for Financial Crimes?

You could face several penalties for financial crimes in West Virginia if you are convicted. These can include:

• Jail time
• Significant fines
• Restitution payments to victims
• Community service
• Parole or probation
• The loss of certain professional certificates and licenses

You will also likely face a 30% unemployment rate due to your criminal record.

What Should I Do When Arrested for a Financial Crime in WV?

When you find yourself arrested for a financial crime in West Virginia, the first thing you need to do is remain silent and cooperate with the police. Do not try to evade arrest, but remember that you do have rights. You can immediately demand that you speak with an attorney and avoid discussing your case with the arresting officers until your attorney has arrived.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

When you find yourself accused of a financial crime in West Virginia, it is vital that you hire a criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer is there to:

• Communicate with all investigators and law enforcement agencies on your behalf.
• Prevent you from saying anything that could be considered self-incriminating.
• Challenge the prosecution’s case against you.
• Protect your personal and professional reputation.

Will I Go to Jail for a Financial Crime Conviction in Parkersburg?

In Parkersburg, there is always the possibility that, if convicted of a financial crime, you could face considerable prison time. However, the possibility of jail or prison time will ultimately depend on factors like:

• Your past criminal history
• The parties affected
• The amount of money involved in the crime
• Other circumstances specific to the case

If you are a first-time offender, you are less likely to face jail time than a repeat offender.

Hire a Financial Crime Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been accused of a financial crime in Parkersburg, it is time to hire a financial crime lawyer. With so much at stake, you need a professional who has been advocating for clients for years. The team at Meadows Law PLLC can represent you. Contact our offices today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.