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Columbia SC White-Collar Crime Attorneys

Columbia White-Collar Crime Attorneys

Strategic defense for fraud, embezzlement, corruption & RICO charges in South Carolina

White-collar crimes are frequently the fruit of an extensive investigation. Even the term "white-collar crime" reflects the sophistication and complexity of these cases. They almost always involve multiple allegations and a large volume of evidence. Successfully defending against such charges requires a high level of legal skill and acumen.

Our firm's founder and criminal defense attorney, A. Randolph "Randy" Hough, has built a respected reputation among state and federal prosecutors. Before entering private practice, Mr. Hough served as a prosecutor at both the state and federal levels. He has handled thousands of criminal cases over the course of his career. He also has experience working for an international accounting and consulting firm. This valuable experience gives him an insider's insight on how to successfully approach complex charges.

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. provides high-caliber defense services for clients facing state or federal charges in the Columbia and Charleston areas. We stand on more than two decades of criminal law experience.

“Remember, an arrest is not a conviction.”    -    Attorney Hough

What are white-collar crimes?

If you’ve been arrested for a white-collar crime here in the Columbia and Charleston areas, or believe you may be under investigation, it’s important to talk to a criminal defense attorney immediately. The vast majority of individuals charged with white-collar crimes have never dealt with the criminal justice system before, and are typically law-abiding citizens. These types of crimes are usually non-violent and include things like tax evasion, embezzlement, or fraud.

Attorney Hough is experienced in all types of white-collar charges and cases – both state and federal. Following are some examples of white-collar crimes and a short description.

Insider trading

Insider trading is a crime that involves using inside information for financial gain. For example – selling your stock in your own company with the knowledge that information is about to made public that will greatly lessen the value of the stock.

Securities fraud

If the management or ownership of a company knowingly misrepresents information about the business to gain investors, they can be charged with securities fraud. These illegal activities can include inflating profit margins, misrepresenting losses, or disseminating misinformation regarding the company’s business activities.

Bank fraud

Bank fraud is often a federal crime and involves deceiving a financial institution, typically a bank or credit union, for personal profit. This can include check stealing, using false or stolen information to open a bank account, obtaining fraudulent loans, and check kiting.

Wire fraud

Wire fraud means using the internet, phone, or other communication methods that cross state lines to carry out a crime. These offenses include scams like phone calls that con the elderly out of money, or phishing emails attempting to steal your financial information or passwords.

Mail fraud

Because it involves the United States Postal Service (USPS), mail fraud is a federal crime. You could be charged with mail fraud if you use physical mail (this can include private carriers like UPS or FedEx as well) to commit a crime.

Tax evasion

Deliberately falsifying your or your company’s tax returns, underreporting income, or doing anything else to intentionally avoid paying taxes you owe to the government is considered tax evasion.

Embezzlement

A very common white-collar crime, embezzlement involves taking money from an employer, client, or business partner. The money can be actual cash, using their credit card to make unauthorized or fraudulent purchases, or any number of other financial offenses.

Money laundering

Money laundering is typically prosecuted as a federal crime. It means obtaining funds from criminal activities through seemingly legitimate means. There are a wide variety of ways to launder money, from the simple to the extremely complex.

Corruption

Federal law strictly prohibits any government employees or agents from having a financial interest in any contract they make in an official capacity or by any board of which they’re a member. This means that, as a government employee, you can’t be involved in any contract or law that could potentially cause you or a party close to you to gain financially.

RICO violations

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal law that lays down penalties on members of organized criminal associations. RICO law establishes dozens of types of racketeering activities – including crimes like:

  • Arson
  • Bribery
  • Drug trafficking
  • Gambling
  • Homicide
  • Kidnapping
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Prostitution
  • Weapons crimes

If you’ve been accused of any type of white-collar crime, get in touch with The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. immediately for seasoned criminal defense. Clients we serve include employees, government workers, upper-level managers, executives, board members, politicians, and public officials throughout South Carolina.

The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.

What are the potential penalties for a Columbia white-collar crime conviction?

If convicted of a white-collar crime, penalties and consequences can vary greatly depending on whether the crime is a felony or misdemeanor. A misdemeanor may result in up to three years in prison, while a felony could result in decades behind bars. Additionally, if you’re convicted of a white-collar crime, you may also be required to make restitution for the money you gained through your alleged crimes.

If you don’t have a criminal record and have been accused of a minor white-collar crime and your actions did not result in injury or death, you may receive probation or a suspended sentence. With clients with previous criminal convictions or multiple charges, a conviction may result in prison time.

Consequences of conviction don’t end after serving the terms of your sentence. A criminal conviction can destroy your personal and professional reputation forever, making you undesirable to employers and stripping you of many of your Constitutional rights. Having the right attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Our approach is fundamentally based on a commitment to secure the best outcome possible. We bring an unwavering determination and zeal to every case. Additionally, Attorney Hough examines not only the immediate consequences of white-collar crime charges, but also the long-term ramifications that extend beyond the criminal penalties. Clients appreciate that our advocacy goes beyond the bare minimum; we address the many layers of collateral consequences that accompany a criminal charge.

Trusted defense for white-collar crimes in the Columbia and Charleston area

The sooner you talk to a white-collar criminal defense lawyer, the better. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we investigate your case, find out what evidence the prosecution has against you, and build a strategic and custom defense on your behalf. We work towards a favorable defense, protecting your rights the entire way. To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Columbia or Charleston, please call 803-771-4119 or fill out our contact form.