THE CHETSON FIRMCriminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | [email protected]
White collar criminal investigations can destroy your career, reputation, and financial security—often before charges are even filed. Federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, and SEC have vast resources and sophisticated investigators. You need an experienced defense attorney who understands complex financial crimes and knows how to protect your interests from the earliest stages of an investigation.
State & Federal Criminal Law
One of fewer than 100 in North Carolina
Federal Wire Fraud Conspiracy
Co-defendants received years
Russian Money Laundering
Client released from custody
The Chetson Firm represents individuals and businesses facing investigation or prosecution for financial crimes in both state and federal court:
Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, government contract fraud, and PPP/EIDL loan fraud.
Employee theft, corporate embezzlement, fiduciary breach, misappropriation of funds, and theft by employee.
Tax evasion, tax fraud, failure to file returns, false statements to IRS, and international tax violations.
Federal money laundering charges, structuring, unlicensed money transmission, and cryptocurrency-related offenses.
Bribery, kickbacks, honest services fraud, RICO charges, and public official misconduct.
Aggravated identity theft, access device fraud, computer fraud, and identity-related conspiracies.
White collar prosecutions are among the most complex criminal cases. They typically involve:
"In white collar cases, the investigation is often the case. By the time charges are filed, the government has spent months or years building their case. Early intervention by experienced defense counsel can make the difference between indictment and resolution without charges."
Many white collar cases are resolved favorably before charges are ever filed. An experienced defense attorney can:
Results vary by case. These outcomes demonstrate our experience but do not guarantee similar results.
Federal Wire Fraud Conspiracy (EDNC, 2021) — Client was one of nearly a dozen co-conspirators in federal fraud prosecution. While other defendants received years of imprisonment, we achieved a 24-day sentence for our client—a dramatic reduction from the guidelines range.
Russian Money Laundering (2018) — Client faced charges related to $150 million international bribery scheme. Successfully negotiated client's release from federal custody.
International Tax Fraud (2015) — Client faced 10-year maximum sentence and hundreds of thousands in fines. Achieved drastically reduced sentence through strategic mitigation.
Embezzlement Investigation (Multiple Cases) — Multiple clients facing embezzlement investigations. None were charged following our intervention during the investigation phase.
| Case Type | Result |
|---|---|
| Federal Wire Fraud Conspiracy | 24-day sentence (others got years) |
| Russian Money Laundering ($150M) | Released from federal custody |
| International Tax Fraud | Drastically reduced sentence |
| Embezzlement Investigations (Multiple) | No charges filed |
| MARPOL Environmental Crimes | Client received whistleblower reward |
| Seafood Mislabeling (Grand Jury) | Motion to Quash - None charged |
Federal white collar sentences are calculated using the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider:
The primary driver of white collar sentences. The guidelines increase dramatically based on the amount of loss or intended loss:
An experienced defense attorney can challenge loss calculations, argue for departures and variances, and present compelling mitigation to achieve sentences below the guidelines range.
White collar crimes are non-violent offenses committed for financial gain, typically through deception or breach of trust. Common examples include fraud (wire, mail, bank, securities, healthcare), embezzlement, tax evasion, money laundering, identity theft, and public corruption.
White collar crimes can be prosecuted in either state or federal court depending on the nature of the offense. Cases involving federal agencies, interstate commerce, banks, securities, or mail/wire communications are typically federal. Federal penalties are generally more severe.
Federal fraud penalties vary by offense but can include up to 20-30 years imprisonment, substantial fines, restitution to victims, forfeiture of assets, and supervised release. Sentences are calculated using federal sentencing guidelines based on the amount of loss and other factors.
Yes. Wire fraud covers any scheme to defraud using electronic communications, including emails, phone calls, text messages, and internet transactions. Because nearly all modern business involves electronic communication, wire fraud charges are extremely common in federal white collar prosecutions.
No. You should never speak with federal investigators without an attorney present. Making false statements to federal agents is itself a crime (18 U.S.C. § 1001). Contact a white collar defense attorney immediately if you learn you are under investigation.
If you are under investigation for fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes—or if you have already been charged—contact The Chetson Firm immediately for a confidential consultation.
Free Confidential Consultation | In-Person, Phone, or Video
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601
Information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice. Damon Chetson is licensed to practice in North Carolina and admitted to practice before federal courts in all three districts of North Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. No attorney-client relationship has been formed by visiting this website. The listed case results do not represent the entire record of cases handled by The Chetson Firm. Each case is different, and the outcome cannot be guaranteed.