By: Brad Henry

stock exchange.jpgWhite collar crime has become an epidemic.  News of ponzi schemes, insider trading, fraud, and embezzlement has steadily grown.  The sentences given to the individuals charged with financial offenses have also grown.  White collar offenders are receiving harsh sentences in cases all over the country.  Many of the well known financial offenses occur in major cities, but the trend towards severe white collar penalties continues even in Knoxville.  Leslie Janous, better known as party mom, was sentenced today to 110 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Leon Jordan for violations of the wire fraud and money laundering statutes. 

In today's economic climate the temptation to commit financial offenses is increasing.  The courts have taken note and have started meting out large prison sentences for these crimes.  In addition to prison time, an offender can be responsible for repaying huge sums of money to the victims of the offense. 

White collar offenses include a wide range of acts, including: money laundering, tax fraud, tax evasion, healthcare fraud, insider trading, identity theft, mortgage fraud, and bank fraud, among others.   

Often, a target of a financial crime investigation is aware that they are being looked at by the authorities.  This can be an advantage if you hire legal counsel as soon as you discover that you are being investigated.  Pre-indictment discussions can help shave time off of your sentence or even prevent the charges from being filed.

If you believe you are under investigation for a white collar offense or have already been charged, our Knoxville White Collar Defense Attorneys can help you.  Contact us anytime for a free consultation.