White Collar Crimes

Experienced Spokane, Washington, Federal Fraud Defense Lawyer

Click here to complete our general case evaluation form.

The FBI describes fraud as "deliberate deception for unlawful gain." Writing in the early part of the twentieth century, leading criminologist Edwin Sutherland coined the phrase "white collar crime" to describe a wide spectrum of fraud committed by government leaders and business professionals. Many people charged with white collar crimes and fraud charges may not even be aware that they were committing a crime, or that that they have been under federal or state investigation for many months. Today's use of the internet for commerce, communication, and transferring information makes fraud charges and white collar crime more nebulous than ever.

Conspiracy Charges and White Collar Crime

Investigators usually bring a charge of conspiracy against those accused of white collar crimes. Since most forms of white collar crime involve fraudulent financial reporting, suspect accounting methods, and outright theft, more than one person is typically involved. When prosecutors add a charge of conspiracy to the other charges against a suspect, the "hearsay" rules no longer apply to witness statements gathered by investigators relating the accused to a crime. Practically speaking, this removes certain protections against allowing unverifiable statements and allegations into evidence at trial.

As a criminal defense lawyer, I understand how to challenge conspiracy charges and put the prosecution on the defensive in regard to unsubstantiated statements made against my client. Since most statements are taken from informants or those that have turned state's evidence, I make sure the jury understands the questionable nature of statements and allegations made on the part of witnesses caught in a plea bargain with prosecutors.

Learn more about fraud at my Criminal Defense FAQ

The Law Offices of Gerald R. Smith is recognized as a prominent criminal defense law firm serving the needs of eastern Washington. I am attorney Gerald Smith. As a former trial attorney for the Federal Defenders office, I gained valuable experience learning how federal and state law enforcement officers and prosecutors investigate and construct the prosecution against people charged with fraud and embezzlement.

I opened the solo Law Offices of Gerald R. Smith in 2005 on the principle that people deserve effective, aggressive representation to protect their rights and their future from overzealous prosecutors. Today, I continue to work as a solo criminal defense attorney because it is the surest way to provide hands-on defense that allows us to react quickly to the prosecution's fraud charges against you.

I offer experienced white collar crime defense for fraud charges such as:

• Identity theft
• Internet banking fraud
• Medicaid and Medicare fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Welfare fraud
• Tax evasion
• Bankruptcy fraud

• Embezzlement

Medicaid and Medicare fraud

Medical professionals and business owners in the medical supply field are favorite targets of federal investigators. Many professionals receive "target" letters informing them that they are under investigation for receiving or paying kickbacks in exchange for their authorization for medical services or products. If you have received a target letter from a state or federal agency, you must take it seriously. I can offer the knowledgeable, aggressive representation you need to protect your professional reputation and your career.

If you face fraud charges, contact the Law Offices of Gerald R. Smith in Spokane, Washington, to schedule a consultation. I offer experience you can rely on.