Fraud is a case about intent, not just money
Economic — or "white collar" — crimes rarely start with an arrest. They start with audits, bank reports, and months or years of investigation. By the time charges arrive, the State already has boxes of documents. But a document by itself doesn't prove a crime: the State has to prove you acted with intent to defraud. That's where the case is won or lost.
These cases also carry consequences that go beyond prison: restitution, loss of professional licenses, and, in many cases, exposure in federal court, where the penalties are even greater.
How I defend these cases
I was a founding member of the State Attorney's Economic Crimes mortgage fraud unit, where I was trained to investigate and prosecute complex fraud. Today I use that knowledge from the other side:
- Intent. A business error, a bad decision, or an accounting misunderstanding is not a crime. I build the defense around the absence of intent to defraud.
- The documents. I review every transaction in detail — often with forensic accountants — because the State's version almost never tells the whole story.
- Early intervention. If you're being investigated before charges exist, that is the best moment to act.
- How the evidence was gathered. Flawed searches, subpoenas, and warrants can lead to the exclusion of key evidence.
Economic-crime cases I handle
- Mortgage and real estate fraud
- Medicare and health insurance fraud
- Credit card fraud and identity theft
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement and misappropriation
- Insurance fraud
- Organized fraud and Ponzi schemes
- Wire and bank fraud (in federal court)
Frequently asked questions
I haven’t been charged yet, but I think I’m being investigated. What do I do?
Act now. In fraud cases, the investigation stage is where a lawyer can make the biggest difference — sometimes even preventing charges from being filed. Don’t hand over documents or give explanations without counsel.
Can an accounting or business mistake be a crime?
Not on its own. Fraud requires intent to deceive. A mistake, a bad financial decision, or a misunderstanding is not a crime, and proving that is often the heart of the defense.
Will I lose my professional license?
A charge or conviction can affect licenses in medicine, law, real estate, and others. That’s why the strategy has to consider those consequences from the start, not just the criminal case.
Is my case state or federal?
It depends on the scheme and who is investigating. Fraud that crosses state lines, uses banks, or involves federal programs (like Medicare or PPP/SBA loans) is often federal, with heavier penalties. I handle both.
Will I have to pay restitution?
In many fraud cases restitution is part of the outcome. Negotiating its scope and terms is an important part of the defense.