Minneapolis White Collar Crime Attorney

Understanding White Collar Crimes With Our White Collar Crimes Attorney in Minnesota

Generally, white collar crimes involve a scheme devised to defraud another person out of assets. They are typically non-violent in nature but result in injury in the form of a financial loss. Usually, white collar crimes occur in the business or government sector, but anyone can be accused of an offense if they engage in unlawful activity.

Many offenses can be classified as white collar crimes, including, but not limited to: 

Theft

In general, theft involves unlawfully taking another person's property. Minnesota Statutes § 609.52 specifically concerns theft offenses. The law enumerates 19 different circumstances that can lead to a criminal charge. The conviction penalties depend on the property involved and the item’s value.

The federal government has several statutes concerning theft. These include theft from interstate shipment (18 U.S.C. § 659), transportation of stolen goods (18 U.S.C. § 2314), theft from an employee benefit plan (18 U.S.C. § 664), and theft of medical products (18 U.S.C. § 670). The punishments vary depending on the law the accused is prosecuted under.

Forgery

Forgery involves producing, possessing, or using a false document or other official instruments with the intent to defraud. Under Minnesota Statutes § 609.63, the crime is penalized by up to 3 years of imprisonment and/or up to $5,000 in fines.

Forgery can extend beyond simple document falsification. It often involves advanced techniques and digital manipulation in today's digital age, such as creating counterfeit online identities or modifying electronic records to deceive financial institutions.

If the offense involves instruments such as currency, bank notes, military documents, or postage stamps, forgery becomes a federal crime. Several federal laws prohibit the offense, and severe penalties can be imposed upon a conviction.

Embezzlement

If a person unlawfully appropriates or uses property entrusted to them, they can be charged with embezzlement. Minnesota Statutes § 609.54 penalizes embezzlement of public funds with up to 10 years of imprisonment depending on the value.

As a federal offense, embezzlement can be prosecuted under several different statutes. For instance, embezzlement by a bank officer or employee can be pursued under 18 U.S.C. § 656, or embezzlement from an employee benefit plan can be charged under 18 U.S.C. § 664.

Tax Evasion

Tax evasion refers to the knowing or willful failure to file or pay taxes. The criminal penalties for the offense in Minnesota are enumerated in Minnesota Statutes § 289A.63, and provide that a person may be guilty of a gross misdemeanor or felony depending on the conduct involved.

Tax evasion often accompanies intricate financial maneuvers, such as hiding assets in offshore accounts or manipulating corporate book entries. Awareness of compliant tax practices and loopholes becomes a pivotal area of focus to defend those wrongfully accused.

Section 7201 of Title 26 of the U.S. Code provides that a person who willfully evades their tax obligations can be penalized by up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or up to $100,000 in fines.

Consult with our white collar crimes attorneys to discuss the specifics of your case.

Counterfeiting

Minnesota Statutes § 609.895 makes producing, selling, or distributing imitation items illegal. Minnesota Statutes § 609.632 prohibits making or possessing fake money. Sentences depend on the quantity and value of counterfeit items.

Counterfeiting extends beyond money to include electronics, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. These acts affect both the local economy and Minnesota’s businesses.

Federal statutes also cover counterfeiting, such as 18 U.S.C. § 479 (counterfeit obligations or securities), 18 U.S.C. § 480 (counterfeit foreign securities), and 18 U.S.C. § 483 (counterfeit foreign bank notes).

Mail Fraud

Mail fraud uses the U.S. Postal Service or common carriers to execute fraud schemes. 18 U.S.C. § 1341 punishes this crime with up to 20 years in prison or fines.

Modern mail fraud schemes can also involve digital tools and reach large groups. Understanding these tactics is critical for legal defenses.

Wire Fraud

Wire fraud, like mail fraud, seeks to defraud using communication such as phones or internet services. Convictions may result in up to 20 years in prison or fines.

Bribery

Minnesota Statutes § 609.42 defines bribery as offering or promising anything valuable to influence a public official’s actions or a public official accepting such improper gifts. Bribery convictions can bring a sentence of up to 10 years and/or a $20,000 fine.

Federal law includes similar rules. It applies to federal officials, members of Congress, or federal witnesses. Conviction may lead to 15 years imprisonment and prevent the person from holding federal office.

White collar crime prosecutions often involve agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau for state offenses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for federal matters. These agencies handle complex investigations, sometimes leading to long case timelines. People in Minneapolis facing accusations should expect communication or requests from state and federal investigators, which can affect case progress and available legal strategies.

Whether you face state or federal charges, having knowledgeable legal guidance from a white collar crimes attorney in Minneapolis matters. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our lawyers bring nearly 30 years of combined experience handling complex cases. A white collar crime attorney in Minneapolis from our team stands ready to provide the legal help you need.

Contact our Minneapolis white collar crime attorney by calling (612) 979-1112 today!

What Are the Differences Between State & Federal White Collar Crime?

Both state and federal entities have authority over white collar crime cases. The distinction lies in where and how the offense takes place.

State charges arise from acts contained fully within Minnesota. Federal white collar crimes involve interstate commerce, crossing state or national borders, or federal property.

Federal prosecutors have more resources at their disposal, with investigation teams that can pursue cases for significant amounts of time. That can mean higher potential risks for anyone charged. Knowing these differences is essential for building an informed legal strategy.

State and federal charges sometimes overlap. Conduct violating both sets of laws can trigger prosecution by either or both agencies.

Why You Need a White Collar Crime Attorney in Minneapolis

Forgery, hacking, fraud, embezzlement, corporate theft, mortgage-related offenses, and tax evasion all fall under the umbrella of white collar crimes. Navigating these charges takes the insight of a white collar crime attorney with real experience in Minnesota. Presenting false claims to public officials can lead to serious penalties, including five years in prison—sentences may go even higher depending on the facts.

Attorneys examine financial records to challenge the prosecution’s case. Local lawyers who have history with the Hennepin County Government Center may understand the tendencies of area judges and prosecutors, allowing for approaches that fit Minnesota’s patterns and rules. Each case often hinges on the unique details of the investigation, business dealings, or accused conduct—which is why thorough, documented preparation matters in white collar criminal defense.

Minnesota courts may try white collar crimes in federal courts, especially where cases are complex or the conduct spans longer periods and multiple transactions. Law enforcement often requests extensive documentation from banks, law firms, and businesses as part of gathering evidence for these cases.

If you are under investigation, waiting to consult a white collar crime attorney in Minneapolis can make your situation more complicated. The lawyers at Brockton Hunter fight for clients at every stage, backed by a long track record in white collar and criminal defense law.

Call Our Minneapolis White Collar Crime Lawyers

We invest time to build strong client relationships and fully understand how to protect our clients’ rights. Our team has represented many people at trial and knows how to develop practical defense strategies for white collar charges.

Common Defense Approaches in White Collar Crime Cases

Defending white collar crime cases requires a close analysis of evidence, intent, and legal procedure. Attorneys may challenge improperly gathered evidence or question whether the accused had criminal intent. Courts in both Minneapolis and federal jurisdictions often consider defenses like entrapment, improper investigation practices, or confusion about who was responsible. If investigators make mistakes while seizing financial records or violate a person's rights during the process, a judge may review or limit that evidence. Familiarity with Minnesota’s court rules is vital in ensuring every option gets considered at all stages of the case.

In complex cases, attorneys pay particular attention to detailed documentation and account records. With multiple parties or complicated business structures, a clear transaction timeline can provide judges or juries with needed context and help counter unsupported accusations. Building an organized defense based on verified evidence and specific financial tracking supports clients facing Minnesota’s strict standards for financial crimes.