What to Know About White Collar Investigations and Your Legal Rights

White collar crimes don’t make the headlines like violent offenses, but they are taken just as seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors. If you're under investigation for a financial or corporate offense — such as fraud, embezzlement, or identity theft — it's critical to understand your legal rights and how these cases are handled.

With over 30 years of experience defending individuals in complex criminal cases, I’ve helped clients navigate federal and state white collar investigations before charges are even filed. Here’s what you need to know and what you can learn from Philadelphia white collar criminal defense.

What Is a White Collar Crime?

White collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses committed for financial gain. These cases are often highly complex and involve long investigations before any formal charges are brought.

Common examples include:

• Embezzlement

• Insurance fraud

• Mortgage fraud

• Identity theft

• Credit card fraud

• Tax evasion

• Forgery

• Bribery or public corruption
  Wire or mail fraud

These crimes may be prosecuted under state law, federal law, or both, depending on the scope of the case.

How White Collar Investigations Begin

Unlike typical arrests, white collar cases usually begin with:

• A subpoena for documents or emails

• Contact from a federal agency (FBI, IRS, DOJ)

• An internal corporate investigation

• A tip or whistleblower report

You may not even know you're under investigation until you're contacted by law enforcement or a federal agent. That’s the moment to call a defense lawyer — not after charges are filed.

What Are Your Rights During an Investigation?

If you are contacted by investigators or federal agents, remember:

• You Have the Right to Remain Silent: Even if you're told you're not under arrest, you are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present.

• You Have the Right to Legal Counsel: Always consult an attorney before turning over documents, emails, or financial records.

• You Have the Right to Know the Nature of the Investigation: Your attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf to clarify whether you're a witness, subject, or target — each carries very different implications.

What a Defense Lawyer Does During an Ongoing Investigation

When I represent someone under investigation for a white collar crime, my job includes:

• Communicating with investigators to prevent formal charges

• Reviewing subpoenas or document requests for legality

• Preparing clients for interviews (or advising against them)

• Assembling exonerating evidence early

• Negotiating potential pre-charge resolutions

Often, getting involved early means the difference between a dropped investigation and formal indictment.

What Happens If You’re Charged?

If charges are filed, penalties can include:

• Felony conviction

• Prison time

• Restitution or fines

• Permanent damage to your professional reputation

But these cases are defensible — especially if your lawyer can challenge:

• The intent to defraud (key in many white collar crimes)

• The admissibility of financial or electronic evidence

• The timeline or clarity of documentation

• Whether your actions were actually criminal or just bad business decisions

Under Investigation? Get Legal Help Immediately

If you’ve been contacted by investigators or suspect you're under scrutiny in a white collar case, don’t wait to get legal advice. A defense attorney with experience in financial crime cases can protect your rights, limit your exposure, and possibly prevent charges altogether. I can serve as your criminal defense attorney near Delaware County and the surrounding area.

With over 30 years of experience, I help individuals and professionals face investigations with confidence and strategy. Contact Mark D. Hauser, Attorney at Law for a confidential consultation today.