You mention to one of your friends or business associates that you’ve been getting more into investing. They get excited about it and tell you that they have a hot stock tip that you should take advantage of. They then go on to tell you exactly which shares they believe you should buy and when you should do it to maximize your gains.  You feel torn. On one hand, you do want to invest your money wisely and it seems like this information could be financially beneficial. On the other hand, you’re worried about being accused of insider trading. Where did they get the information? The importan ..read more

White-collar crime in the United States is a pervasive issue that encompasses various fraudulent activities perpetrated by individuals or organizations typically in positions of trust or authority. Infractions often involve deception, manipulation or misrepresentation for financial gain. One such crime is mortgage fraud. This is a serious crime that leads to significant financial losses for lenders, homeowners and investors as well as undermining the integrity of the housing market and potentially causing instability in the broader economy. The following are types of mortgage fraud and common ..read more

A physician seeing a patient for a specific medical concern could recommend a broad range of treatments. They could prescribe a drug to treat the symptom or the underlying condition causing the symptom. They could order someone to undergo special therapy, ranging from rehabilitative services to physical therapy. They might even recommend surgery in some cases. Patients expect a physician recommending a specific course of treatment to make suggestions based on what is best for them, not what might enrich the doctor. However, physicians sometimes let kickback arrangements influence how they prac ..read more

When you’re under investigation for a federal crime, you probably won’t face arrest until after a grand jury has convened – and maybe not even then. Most people are only vaguely familiar with what it means to have a case go before a grand jury. Here are the basics you need to know: Grand jury proceedings are supposed to protect you A grand jury is a group of citizens convened by a court to determine whether there is enough evidence to indict a suspect and bring them to trial. Unlike a trial jury, which decides the defendant's guilt or innocence, a grand jury's role is purely investigative. Its ..read more

If you are the subject of a criminal investigation, the police may be interested in searching your phone for evidence. This could include text messages, email messages, direct messages, pictures, social media activity, videos and much more. But if you’re talking to a police officer and they tell you to hand them your phone, do you have to do it? Moreover, your phone is likely protected with a password, or you may be able to open it with biometric information like a scan of your face or your fingerprint. Can the police officer force you to do so to unlock your phone and look for evidence? They ..read more

Fraud allegations are serious. If you’re the owner of a small business, know that if your company is accused of committing fraud, this turn of events can not only damage your business's reputation but also potentially lead to significant financial losses and legal consequences.  As a result of this reality, taking proactive steps to spot signs of fraud, broadly safeguard your operations against such claims and understand what to do if allegations arise is potentially very important for your company’s potential for longevity and success. Proactive strategies worth considering One of the fi ..read more

Bankruptcy fraud is a serious federal offense that can result in serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment. While it is possible to inadvertently commit bankruptcy fraud due to misunderstanding or misinformation, ignorance of the law is not a valid defense. Understanding the actions that could lead to bankruptcy fraud is crucial for individuals going through financial difficulties. Some common examples of potential bankruptcy fraud include the following. Misunderstanding asset disclosure Disclosure is an important aspect of the bankruptcy filing process. Failing to fully disclose ..read more

Bank fraud is a white-collar crime that involves the use of deceit to acquire assets, money or other property that a financial institution owns or otherwise manages. This type of fraud can encompass a wide range of activities, from forging checks to manipulating electronic transactions. It's a serious offense with severe legal consequences. Therefore, if you get charged with this crime, mounting a strong criminal defense strategy is likely non-negotiable. Types of bank fraud The most common form of bank fraud is check fraud, which involves creating counterfeit checks or altering legitimate one ..read more

Money laundering is a sophisticated financial crime that transforms illicitly obtained funds into seemingly legitimate assets. This process is often utilized by individuals involved in various illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, fraud or corruption because it helps to enable them to enjoy the profits of their crimes without attracting legal scrutiny. A methodical money laundering approach involves three primary stages: placement, layering and integration. Each stage serves to obscure the illegal origins of the money further, employing a variety of techniques and financial maneuvers ..read more

Many people dabble in the stock market. For some business owners and employees, this might be their daily job.  There are rules and regulations that govern trading on the stock exchange. These are in place to try and ensure a level playing field. Generally, it is unlawful to trade on confidential information. Trading on non-public information is referred to as insider trading, and it can carry serious legal penalties.  Outlined below are some of the more common examples: 1. Insider trading at an executive level  Company executives have a duty to represent the best interests of s ..read more