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Chicago White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys

Sophisticated Defense for Complex Financial Cases

White collar allegations can end careers and destroy reputations. You need attorneys who understand financial crimes and know how to fight back.

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Free ConsultationsAvailable 24/7Former Prosecutor

Understanding White Collar Crime Defense

White collar crime investigations often begin long before charges are filed. By the time you're aware of an investigation, prosecutors may have been building a case for months or years. Early intervention is critical. Our team includes former prosecutors and forensic accountants who understand how these cases are built—and how to dismantle them.

White Collar Crime Defense Charges We Handle

Embezzlement

felony

Misappropriation of funds by trusted employee or fiduciary

Fraud

felony

Schemes to obtain money or property through deception

Money Laundering

felony

Concealing the source of illegally obtained money

Securities Fraud

felony

Insider trading, market manipulation, investor fraud

Healthcare Fraud

felony

False billing, kickbacks, fraudulent claims

Insurance Fraud

felony

Staged accidents, false claims, premium fraud

Computer Crimes

felony

Unauthorized access, data theft, cyber fraud

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Illinois White Collar Crime Defense Penalties

These are the potential consequences you face. We fight to reduce or eliminate them.

Theft/Fraud Over $100,000 (Class 2 Felony)

Jail/Prison:3-7 years
Fines:Up to $25,000
Restitution required
Professional license at risk
Civil lawsuits

Money Laundering (Class 2-3 Felony)

Jail/Prison:2-7 years
Fines:Up to $25,000 or amount laundered
Asset forfeiture
Federal prosecution possible
Enhanced for organized crime

Securities Fraud (Federal)

Jail/Prison:Up to 20 years
Fines:Up to $5 million
SEC civil penalties
Industry bar
Disgorgement of profits

Common Defense Strategies

Every case has potential defenses. Here's how we challenge white collar crime defense charges.

Lack of Intent

White collar crimes require intent to defraud. Negligence or honest mistakes are not crimes.

Good Faith

Reliance on professional advice (accountants, lawyers) can negate criminal intent.

Insufficient Evidence

Financial records must prove the crime. We challenge the prosecution's interpretation of complex transactions.

Statute of Limitations

Many white collar crimes have time limits on prosecution. Old conduct may be time-barred.

Authorization Defense

If you had authority to make the transactions, there's no crime.

Accounting Disputes

What looks like fraud may be a legitimate accounting disagreement.

These are just starting points. Your specific case may have unique defense opportunities.

Discuss Your Defense Options
Video Guide

Understanding White Collar Crime Defense in Illinois

Watch Attorney Castellano explain white collar crime defense charges, potential penalties, and how we build winning defense strategies.

  • What prosecutors must prove
  • Common weaknesses in these cases
  • What to expect in your case
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HeyGen AI Video3:45

Illinois Law: Key Statutes

720 ILCS 5/17-1

Deceptive practices - fraud, forgery, and false pretenses.

720 ILCS 5/16-1

Theft statute - includes embezzlement and theft by deception.

720 ILCS 5/17-10.6

Money laundering - knowingly engaging in financial transactions involving criminal proceeds.

This is general information only. Consult with an attorney about how these laws apply to your specific case.

White Collar Crime Defense Case Results

Real results for clients facing similar charges. Every case is different, but these outcomes show what's possible.

REDUCED

Embezzlement ($250,000)

Felony reduced to misdemeanor, restitution plan, no jail

DISMISSED

Insurance Fraud

Insufficient evidence after challenging financial analysis

NOT GUILTY

Wire Fraud

Jury found no intent to defraud

View All Case Results

Frequently Asked Questions: White Collar Crime Defense

I received a target letter. What should I do?
A target letter means you're the focus of a federal investigation. Do not speak to investigators, do not destroy documents, and contact an attorney immediately. How you respond to a target letter can determine whether you're indicted.
Can I be charged for something my employee did?
Corporate officers can face liability for employee conduct under certain theories. However, personal criminal liability typically requires personal knowledge and participation. We fight to prevent individuals from being blamed for corporate misconduct.
Will I have to pay back the money?
Restitution is almost always required in white collar cases. The court will order you to repay victims. We work to accurately calculate loss amounts and challenge inflated claims.
Can embezzlement charges be reduced?
Yes. The severity of theft charges depends on the amount. We challenge the prosecution's loss calculations. Reducing the alleged amount can mean the difference between felony and misdemeanor.
What happens to my professional license?
Many white collar convictions trigger professional license proceedings. We coordinate criminal defense with license defense to protect your career on both fronts.

Related Practice Areas

Federal CrimesTheft CrimesView All Practice Areas →

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