Your Trial Attorneys
White Collar Crime Attorney in New Bern
Trial-Tested Defense for Financial & Business-Related Allegations
White collar allegations often depend on how investigators interpret financial records, electronic communications, account access, authorization, and intent. A transaction may look suspicious in isolation, while contracts, messages, approval practices, or a complete accounting tell a different story.
We examine what happened, who had access to the relevant accounts or information, whether transactions were authorized, and whether the evidence supports the required criminal intent. Early guidance can help you make informed decisions before responding to investigators, auditors, employers, or business partners.
Call (252) 300-0133 to arrange a consultation about an investigation, interview request, arrest, or pending charge.
Allegations Commonly Described as White Collar Crimes
White collar crime isn’t a single offense under North Carolina law. The term may describe allegations involving money, property, identifying information, business transactions, financial accounts, or electronic records.
Common categories of allegations include:
- Embezzlement involving money or property allegedly entrusted to an employee or another person.
- Obtaining property by false pretenses through an allegedly false representation intended to defraud.
- Identity theft involving another person’s identifying information.
- Forgery and counterfeiting involving allegedly altered or unauthorized documents or instruments.
- Credit or debit card offenses and computer-related theft.
- Other fraud-related allegations arising from financial or business activity.
A financial loss, employment disagreement, accounting error, or unauthorized transaction may prompt scrutiny, but it doesn’t by itself prove a crime. Charging decisions and potential consequences depend on the applicable statute, alleged value, available evidence, victim impact, and required mental state.
Financial Records, Electronic Evidence, & Criminal Intent
A single transaction rarely tells the whole story. Bank statements, contracts, invoices, accounting materials, emails, messages, employment records, computer data, and witness statements may provide essential context for what occurred.
Our review may address questions such as:
- Access: Who controlled the account, device, record, or identifying information?
- Authorization: Was the transaction approved expressly or through established business practices?
- Record completeness: Are investigators relying on isolated entries or incomplete communications?
- Alleged loss: Does the claimed amount match the underlying records and transactions?
- Intent: Does the evidence establish the mental state required by the charged statute?
Investigation & Case Preparation
We thoroughly investigate criminal cases, review the available evidence, evaluate prosecutorial offers, negotiate when appropriate, and prepare for court. In a records-based case, this work may include organizing the timeline, identifying disputed transactions, comparing documents with witness accounts, and assessing the proof offered for each element of the charge.
Recognized Criminal Defense Counsel Since 1994
At Chesnutt & Clemmons, we have represented clients since 1994, and our attorneys bring more than a century of combined legal experience to serious criminal cases. Our lawyers have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Super Lawyers®, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Martindale-Hubbell® has also awarded our firm an AV Preeminent Rating.
Five-Star Client Reviews
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"Responsive, fair, and thorough. You can’t find any better."David K.
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"I have used him on multiple occasions and he has not let me down. He his always professional and thorough."Craig R.
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"That was February 11 2015 this February 11 2021 will b 6 yrs clean & sober after a 30 year addiction to drugs & alcohol."Michael B.
Trial-Ready Defense With Regional & Bilingual Service
We prepare cases with trial in mind and are ready to advocate in court when the evidence, available options, and your objectives make trial appropriate.
Our criminal defense services include:
- Regional representation: We serve clients in New Bern and throughout Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret Counties.
- Bilingual communication: Spanish-speaking staff are available to work with English- and Spanish-speaking clients.
- Payment options: Payment plans are available for criminal defense representation.
Get Clarity on Your Next Legal Step
Arrange a consultation to discuss what happened, who has contacted you, which documents exist, and whether an interview, subpoena, court date, or other deadline requires attention. We can review the available information and explain the legal issues that may affect your case.
You don’t need to organize every document or determine your own defense before speaking with us. Bring the notices and records you have, along with a timeline of important events, so we can focus on the decisions ahead.
Call (252) 300-0133 to discuss your white collar investigation or charge with Chesnutt & Clemmons.