Corporate Criminal Law Attorneys

Understanding Corporate Criminal Law

Corporate criminal law deals with criminal offenses committed by businesses and their representatives. Unlike individual criminal cases, these charges often involve complex investigations, significant penalties, and far-reaching consequences for a company’s reputation, finances, and operations. Our firm understands the unique challenges presented by corporate criminal investigations and prosecutions.

What Constitutes a Corporate Crime? The term ‘corporate crime’ encompasses a broad range of offenses, including fraud (such as securities fraud, accounting fraud, and wire fraud), bribery and corruption, antitrust violations, environmental crimes, and violations of regulatory laws. An employee’s actions, while acting on behalf of the company, can also trigger corporate criminal liability.

The Legal Process in Corporate Criminal Cases

The process of a corporate criminal case typically involves several key stages:

1. Investigation: Government agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will conduct an investigation to gather evidence of potential criminal activity.
2. Criminal Charges: If sufficient evidence is found, the government will typically file criminal charges against the corporation and potentially its officers or employees.
3. Discovery: Both the prosecution and the defense will engage in a discovery process to exchange information and evidence.
4. Negotiation & Plea Bargaining: Often, a plea bargain is reached where the company agrees to pay a fine and potentially implement compliance programs to avoid further prosecution.
5. Trial (if no plea agreement): If a plea agreement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.

Our Approach to Corporate Criminal Defense

At our firm, we provide comprehensive legal representation to corporations and their representatives facing criminal charges. Our attorneys possess extensive experience in navigating the complex legal landscape of corporate criminal law. We focus on:

• Strategic Defense Planning: We develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
• Evidence Gathering & Analysis: We diligently investigate the government’s evidence, seeking to identify weaknesses and inconsistencies.
• Negotiation & Plea Bargaining: We work to achieve the most favorable possible outcome for our client, whether that involves negotiating a reduced charge or successfully defending against the charges at trial.
• Compliance Program Implementation: We advise companies on establishing and implementing robust compliance programs to prevent future criminal activity.

Important Note: The laws governing corporate criminal liability are constantly evolving. It’s crucial to seek legal counsel immediately if your company is under investigation or facing criminal charges.