Oklahoma White-Collar Crime Attorney

White-collar crime refers to non-violent offenses that typically involve financial schemes or fraudulent activity. While most people associate the term with corporate America and large-scale scandals, white-collar crime can include something as simple as writing a bad check.

Often, a white-collar crime begins as something small and seemingly inconsequential, such as falsifying information on a tax form. However, even a small “white lie” can lead to serious criminal consequences.

Contact our Oklahoma white collar crime lawyer by calling (405) 544-2992 today!

Examples of White-Collar Crimes

Generally, most white-collar crimes are either a form of embezzlement or fraud. Some specific examples of these crimes include:

These offenses can arise in many different settings, from small family-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations to financial institutions and government offices. In Oklahoma, white-collar investigations may involve agencies such as local district attorneys, state regulators, or, in more serious cases, federal authorities. Each type of offense has its own legal elements that the prosecution must prove, which often creates opportunities to challenge how the investigation was conducted, whether records were interpreted correctly, and whether the accused actually had the intent to commit a crime.

Potential Penalties

The penalties for a white-collar crime depend largely on the specific circumstances of the case and the value of the assets involved. Generally speaking, crimes involving less than $500 will be charged as a misdemeanor, which may be punished by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

If the crime involved more than $500, it will typically be prosecuted as a felony. The penalties for a felony conviction can range between one and 10 years in prison and fines between $5,000 and $10,000 plus restitution.

Sentencing in Oklahoma white-collar cases can also be affected by additional factors, such as the number of alleged victims, whether the conduct occurred over an extended period of time, and whether the court believes there was a breach of trust. Judges may consider prior criminal history, the person’s role in the offense, and any efforts to repay money or correct the problem when deciding between jail, prison, probation, or a combination of these options. In some situations, courts may impose conditions like community service, financial management classes, or restrictions on certain types of employment.

The following factors often influence the potential penalties in an Oklahoma white-collar case:

• Value of alleged loss. Higher claimed losses can increase the level of the charge and the available sentencing range.
• Number of alleged victims. Cases involving multiple individuals or businesses may lead to more serious consequences.
• Alleged role in the scheme. Courts often distinguish between a person accused of organizing a plan and someone alleged to have followed instructions.
• Prior criminal history. A clean record can be important when a judge considers probation, alternatives to incarceration, or reduced fines.
• Restitution and repayment efforts. Steps taken to address financial harm before sentencing may influence how a judge views the case.

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation

Many people first learn about a potential white-collar investigation when they receive a subpoena, a records request, or a call from an investigator asking for an interview. In Oklahoma, these contacts may come from local law enforcement, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, or federal agencies working with county prosecutors. How a person responds in the early days of an investigation can have a lasting impact on what evidence is collected and how the case is ultimately charged.

Before providing documents, answering questions, or agreeing to meet with investigators, it is wise to understand your rights and the possible implications of sharing information. Statements made in what seems like an informal conversation can later appear in reports or be used in court, even if there was no intent to admit wrongdoing. Consulting with counsel early allows someone to respond to subpoenas, communicate with investigators, and preserve important records in a way that protects legal interests while complying with lawful orders from the court.

It is also important to avoid discussing details of an investigation with coworkers, business partners, or friends who could later be called as witnesses. Simple comments about transactions, emails, or business decisions may be remembered differently by others and could be interpreted in ways that do not reflect the full context. Taking a thoughtful, measured approach from the first sign of an investigation gives individuals the best chance to organize records, understand the scope of the government’s concerns, and prepare for how the matter may proceed in an Oklahoma courtroom.

Call the Hunsucker Legal Group at (405) 544-2992 to schedule a free, no-risk case consultation today.