THE WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE AND COMPLIANCE GROUP

Scrutiny of corporate conduct continues to grow exponentially as government regulators are more likely than not to exercise their investigative powers in search of “wrongdoers.”  The news is rife with examples of businesses whose directors, officers, employees, and contractors have committed acts that are contrary to the law and public perception.  It is critical that companies “get in front” of these problems to avoid greater scrutiny from regulators and the public if they find those problems before you do.  The ability to successfully negotiate a favorable resolution with government regulators is twofold: ensuring thorough compliance programs are in place before identifying the issue and retaining independent counsel to conduct a parallel internal investigation.

As a Pennsylvania firm with Washington capabilities, Crisp and Associates can provide world-class assistance in establishing and managing internal compliance, ethics, personnel, employee training, and corporate government programs unique to your business that should help prevent matters that could initiate a government investigation and help mitigate consequences if the government does knock on your door.   In many instances, we have attorneys who have been in your shoes.  Our attorneys have established and monitored ethics programs; conducted hundreds of personnel misconduct investigations; set, monitored, and executed securities compliance programs; reviewed budgets and programs to find billions of dollars in excess spending; and represented clients whose names, faces, and actions were the lead story at the top of every hour in the 24-hour news cycle and the butt of jokes on the late-night talk shows.  In addition, we have represented individuals facing numerous indictments related to white-collar crimes.  Some of the more common are discussed below.

Fraud

Fraud involves using false or misleading statements to obtain something of value, usually cash, from a victim.  People from all walks of life and organizations, from investment firms to charities, fall victim to fraud.  Fraud may be perpetrated by individuals or organizations in the United States or worldwide.  Fraud may occur in the context of what otherwise appears to be routine and everyday business transactions, ranging from mergers and acquisitions to contracts for the sale of real property and commercial goods.

In business transactions, changing circumstances often render potentially profitable business ventures valueless.  The distinction between fraud and poor business decisions can be challenging to discern.  These situations require skilled and knowledgeable professionals who understand fraud and can assess whether it has occurred.

Fraud has both civil and criminal consequences and is a commonly charged white-collar criminal offense.  There are dozens of fraud offenses in the Federal Criminal Code, including the False Claims Act, Medicare and Healthcare Fraud, and Securities Fraud. Banking Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, Mail and Wire Fraud, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, to name a few.  We have the skills to represent individuals and organizations under investigation for and charged with violations of these laws.  Frequently, activities that may appear fraudulent at the outset may be perfectly legal.  Understanding the distinction between fraud and legitimate business practices is a crucial yet challenging aspect of an investigation.  Distinguishing between fraud and fair business practices may mean the difference between a successful business and the loss of reputation, revenue, and even imprisonment.

Whether wrongfully accused of fraud or the victim of fraud, we can help.  Please get in touch with us below to schedule an appointment.

Tax Crimes

Tax crime cases usually begin when a referral is made to the Criminal Investigation Division within the Internal Revenue Service, an IRS agent within a Civil unit.   Civil agents refer cases they deem as potentially fraudulent to Special Agents.  Interestingly, the IRS has no uniform standard to guide when to refer a case or what constitutes potentially fraudulent activity.

Suppose you or your organization is facing an audit, and previously filed tax returns contain either significant understatements of income or substantial overstatements of deductions. In that case, you should consider consulting counsel immediately.

IRS audits in this situation are commonly known as “eggshell audits” because the accountant-client privilege does not apply to criminal investigations.  They can be questioned regarding conversations they had with you or a member of your organization, and any work they have performed for you may have to be turned over to investigators.  An accountant can be subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury or at trial.

Suppose you have concerns about an audit or changes in your dealings with the IRS, such as the sudden removal and replacement of the agents, previously aggressive agents stopping contact with you, or an IRS Special Agent becoming involved. In that case, you should seek legal counsel immediately.  If an IRS Special Agent approaches you, let the Agent know you are obtaining legal counsel before answering questions.

If you are under investigation by the IRS or believe an investigation is possible, contact Crisp and Associates today.

SEC Enforcement and Financial Fraud

The securities industry is regulated by two entities, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).  The SEC is the government agency responsible for overseeing the financial integrity of the markets.  FINRA is a self-regulating, member-based organization that oversees member firms, stockbrokers, and other investment advisors.  Either the SEC or FINRA can bring enforcement actions.

Suppose you or your organization is involved in a matter that may result in accusations related to money laundering, the structuring of financial transactions to avoid legal reporting requirements, or any other crime related to investment or banking transactions. In that case, you should consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible.  Crisp and Associates has a team of experienced attorneys with the skills necessary to defend your rights.

Our attorneys are former government attorneys, prosecutors, and regulators who have conducted or overseen hundreds of investigations. They possess the background and experience to respond effectively to any government investigation, including criminal or administrative subpoenas, search warrants, or grand jury investigations.  With experience at the highest echelons of the federal government and in business, we pride ourselves on our innovative approaches to tackling, digesting, and understanding the unique problems of every business operation.   We work efficiently and discreetly, familiarizing ourselves with the issues, the players, and, most importantly, the internal work structure, so that we can minimize, to the extent possible, the impact on the client’s daily business operations.

Ultimately, Crisp & Associates aims to provide world-class advice, counsel, and assistance so that Pennsylvania businesses do not face government regulators bent on punishing “wrongdoers.”

Contact our offices today to learn how we can help defend you against white-collar crime charges.