White-Collar cases in Columbus often begin months before an arrest, with a subpoena for records or a business card left by an agent. McNamee Defense steps in at that stage. We know how seriously prosecutors take these often high stakes property crimes. Our white-collar crime lawyer in Columbus defends people facing state and federal fraud charges.
Why Choose McNamee Defense for a Fraud Investigation?
A fraud accusation calls for discreet, compassionate defense, and Colin McNamee has provided it in complicated criminal cases for more than 15 years. Our approach is client-centered, so your goals guide every decision.
Our White-Collar Case Results in Franklin County
The Ohio Department of Insurance investigated our client for fraud and forgery. Colin McNamee negotiated an outcome, and no charges were filed. In an identity theft and credit card fraud case, felony charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. These case results were based on the facts of those cases, and yours may end differently.
Types of White-Collar Offenses We Defend
These cases are about money and records. Our attorney defends white-collar charges such as:
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Identity theft
- Tax evasion
- Health care fraud
- Insurance fraud
Most of these charges require proof that you meant to deceive someone. An honest bookkeeping mistake or billing error is not fraud.
How Do Ohio and Federal White-Collar Charges Differ?
A fraud case can become federal when it crosses state lines, uses the mail, the internet, or a bank, or involves federal money such as Medicare. Federal agencies like the FBI and IRS also bring more investigators and forensic accountants than a county case usually gets. Sentencing differs the most:
- Ohio sentencing: Under Ohio Revised Code 2929.12, state judges have discretion within each felony’s range and weigh factors that make the conduct serious.
- Federal sentencing: Advisory federal guidelines are driven largely by the dollar loss. There is no parole, and most defendants serve at least 85% of the sentence.
Ohio charges embezzlement as theft and treats money laundering as a third-degree felony, with both heard in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Federal money laundering carries up to 20 years, tax evasion up to 5 years, and aggravated identity theft adds a mandatory 2 years. Those cases go to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Federal Target Letters and Grand Jury Investigations in Columbus
A target letter means federal prosecutors believe you committed a crime, and a grand jury is reviewing the evidence. No charges exist yet, so what you do next matters:
- Save every document and email
- Write down who contacted you and when
- Do not discuss the case with coworkers
- Get legal advice before you testify
Deleting records can lead to a separate obstruction charge. Early defense work can sometimes end a case before an indictment is filed.
What Should I Do If Federal Agents Contact Me in Columbus?
Stay polite, take the agent’s card, and decline to answer questions. You do not have to give an interview, and lying to a federal agent is a crime.
Start Your Columbus White-Collar Defense Before an Indictment
A subpoena or target letter is your signal to get advice before you answer anyone. McNamee Defense offers a free consultation. Request one online or call (614) 782-8889, and our White-Collar crime lawyer in Columbus will review what you received.