Although white collar crime charges are typically related to financial or business crimes, they can still carry serious jail time. That’s because white collar crime can be charged as federal offenses, Ohio offenses or both.
If you’re facing white collar crime charges of any kind, you’ll want a defense attorney who knows the law and knows how to handle a courtroom, if need be. Max Hiltner is here to help.
The term “white collar crime” as it is used in Ohio law generally covers a range of financial and business-related charges, including any of the following:
The penalties for these crimes depend on the severity of the case, seeing as white collar crimes can lead to a range in both misdemeanor and felony charges. Penalties for white collar misdemeanors, for example, include a maximum of 180 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,000. White collar felonies in the first degree, however, can include 3-10 years in Ohio state prison and/or fines up to $20,000.
Additional federal white collar crimes include:
At Hiltner Trial Lawyers, lead attorney Max Hiltner is known for his reputation as a trial lawyer who fights tooth and nail for his clients each and every time. He’s often hired by other attorneys to try cases on their behalf, and he’s been honored to frequently speak at CLEs around the country.
Hiltner recently sought to set a new personal record: three not guilty verdicts in three days. However, he was never given the opportunity. Due to his extensive investigation and trial preparation for each of his three clients in three different cases, all charges were dismissed prior to trial. In fact, the day before each client’s jury trial the State dismissed all charges against all clients.
White collar crimes can be prosecuted under Ohio state law, federal law, or both simultaneously. State charges are handled by Ohio prosecutors in county courts and typically involve conduct that occurred within Ohio’s borders. Federal charges are brought by U.S. attorneys and are more likely when the conduct involved interstate activity, federal programs, federal agencies such as the IRS or FBI, mail, wire communications, or securities. Federal white collar cases tend to carry harsher sentencing guidelines and involve more extensive pre-charge investigations. Being under federal investigation is extremely serious and requires immediate legal representation from an attorney with federal court experience.
Yes — and this is one of the most damaging long-term consequences that people don’t anticipate. Many Ohio professional licensing boards, including those governing doctors, lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, nurses, and financial advisors, require disclosure of criminal convictions and may suspend or revoke a license following a white collar conviction. Even a guilty plea to a reduced charge can trigger a licensing review. If you hold a professional license, protecting it must be part of your defense strategy from day one.
White collar crimes in Ohio generally involve non-violent offenses committed for financial gain, often through deception or misuse of trust. Common examples include fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and financial misconduct.
Both. White collar offenses may be prosecuted under Ohio law, federal law, or both, depending on the conduct involved and whether interstate activity or federal agencies are implicated.
No. While some cases involve substantial financial losses, others are based on alleged intent, false statements, or misuse of funds, even when the dollar amount is relatively small.
Penalties may include prison time, fines, restitution, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Convictions can also result in professional license suspension, loss of employment, and long-term reputational harm.
During a confidential consultation, the attorney will review the allegations, explain potential charges and penalties, assess the evidence, and discuss defense strategies. Early legal involvement is critical in white collar cases.
Yes. Charges may be reduced or dismissed if evidence is insufficient, intent cannot be proven, or constitutional violations occurred during the investigation. Many cases turn on documentation, financial records, and witness credibility.
No. You should not speak with investigators without an attorney present. Statements made during financial or regulatory investigations can be used to build a criminal case, even before formal charges are filed.
Yes. Many white collar cases begin as audits, internal investigations, subpoenas, or regulatory inquiries. Having legal representation early can significantly affect how the case develops.
A defense attorney can manage communications with investigators, analyze financial records, challenge the prosecution’s theory, negotiate resolutions, and work to avoid charges or limit exposure.
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