White-Collar Criminal Defense for Professionals

Counseling Businesspeople Facing Fraud and Embezzlement Charges

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that white-collar crimes are somehow less serious than similar street crimes. However, just because a crime is committed with a computer, accounting ledger, or forged document instead of burglary tools does not mean it is any less serious. Many white-collar crimes are serious felonies under Utah state law.

Whatever the case may be, white-collar crimes often have a high degree of technical complexity that requires a criminal defense attorney with special knowledge and substantial resources. With past experience prosecuting white-collar crimes in Utah courts, and a degree in Economics, defense attorney Ken Peterson at Northern Utah Law knows how to use every asset at his disposal in building your defense. When your reputation, livelihood, and freedom are on the line, you can rely on our Ken to fight for you with confidence and zeal.

What is White-Collar Crime?

White-collar crime is a blanket term that encompasses a variety of theft-type crimes perpetrated by corporate officers and other professionals. Some such crimes are covered under general state theft statutes while others are subject to specific state and federal laws:

Theft, fraud, and embezzlement – Wrongfully acquiring property or services through deceit or fraud falls under the broad range of conduct defined as theft under Utah state law. While the severity depends on the amount of money involved, theft crimes can reach the level of a Second Degree felony and carry a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

Tax evasion – Avoiding taxation by knowingly underreporting income or providing other false information to the IRS or the Utah State Tax Commission is considered tax evasion or tax fraud. While this may result in mere fines and penalties in some cases, particularly egregious cases may be prosecuted as criminal tax evasion.

Forgery – Simply signing another person’s name or altering any writing, without that person’s permission, is considered forgery and can potentially carry a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

These and other types of white-collar crimes are much more complicated than common street crimes because they involve complex financial transactions, the records those transactions produce, and administrative or government documents.

Moreover, every white-collar crime requires the prosecution to prove the defendant’s criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Nevertheless, it is all too common for sloppy record-keeping, oversights, or simple misunderstandings to bring white-collar charges from overzealous Utah prosecutors. At Northern Utah Law, white-collar defense attorney Ken Peterson can use his resources to help you systematically debunk the prosecution’s case, seek the exclusion of evidence, and aggressively pursue dismissal of these serious and damaging charges.

Trust Defense Attorney Ken Peterson when Your Reputation and Freedom are on the Line

If you have been accused of theft, fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, forgery, or any other white-collar crime, do not make the mistake of thinking it is a minor bump in the road. These charges can carry multiyear prison sentences, and even mere allegations can be professionally devastating. That is why, at the first hint of an investigation, you immediately should call upon the zealous criminal defense attorney Ken Peterson at Northern Utah Law. Contact Ken online to schedule a consultation or at your place of confinement if necessary.