Indianapolis White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys

Last updated on June 9, 2025

At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our experienced legal team has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding white collar crimes. White collar crimes encompass various nonviolent, financially motivated offenses typically committed by individuals, businesses or government officials. These offenses often involve deceit, concealment, or a violation of trust and can have serious legal consequences.

Typically, white collar crimes include financial and fraud-related offenses, such as embezzlement, insider trading and fraudulent schemes. Each offense has unique characteristics and elements, making it crucial to understand the specific charges you may face.

White collar crime cases typically involve complex investigations and the collection of extensive evidence. This may include financial records, communications and witness testimonies. Our lawyers have experience handling such investigations and can help protect your rights throughout the process.

Types Of White Collar Crimes

Three common types of white collar crimes include embezzlement, insider trading and fraudulent schemes. These offenses are distinct but can all result in serious consequences for the accused.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to an individual’s care, often within an organization. It typically involves a breach of trust, where an employee or fiduciary takes advantage of their position to divert assets for personal use. Embezzlement can involve skimming cash from a business or manipulating financial records to conceal theft.

Insider Trading

Insider trading involves trading securities based on nonpublic, material information. This practice gives the trader an unfair advantage in the stock market and is illegal under federal securities laws. While primarily prosecuted at the federal level, Indiana state laws also prohibit the use of nonpublic information for personal gain in securities transactions.

Fraudulent Schemes

Fraudulent schemes encompass a wide array of deceptive practices aimed at obtaining financial gain through false pretenses. These can include insurance fraud, pyramid schemes, Ponzi schemes and money laundering.

Penalties And Fines For White Collar Crimes In Indiana

Convictions for white collar crimes can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines and imprisonment as well as felony charges. The severity of these penalties often depends on the nature and extent of the offense:

Embezzlement involving less than $750 is a Class A misdemeanor, which can lead to fines of up to $5,000 and up to one year in jail. An offense involving between $750 and $50,000 can be charged as a Level 6 felony, which is punishable by up to 30 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Offenses involving over $50,000 can be Level 5 felonies, which may result in prison time of one to six years and fines of up to $10,000.
Insurance fraud in Indiana is typically charged as a Level 6 felony, carrying potential penalties of six months to two and a half years in prison and fines reaching $10,000. If the fraud involves $50,000 or more, it becomes a Level 5 felony with more severe consequences. Lying on an insurance application is a Class A misdemeanor, which can trigger up to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines.
Pyramid and Ponzi schemes are serious offenses in Indiana, often charged as felonies due to their deceptive nature and potential for significant financial harm. Penalties include long-term imprisonment, substantial fines and restitution.
Money laundering is often charged as a Level 6 felony, punishable by six months to two and a half years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. If the value of the property involved exceeds $50,000, it becomes a Level 5 felony with more severe penalties.

With money, your reputation and your freedom on the line, having knowledgeable legal representation to advocate for your rights and interests is crucial.

Defenses And Legal Strategies

Building a strong defense strategy is essential when facing white collar crime charges. Our criminal defense attorneys at Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC will meticulously review the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case and explore potential defenses. We will work tirelessly to secure the most favorable outcome for your case.

Corporate Compliance And Prevention

Preventing white collar crimes within a corporate or organizational setting is vital. Our legal team can provide guidance on corporate compliance, internal investigations and establishing safeguards to reduce the risk of white collar offenses within your business.

To ensure your business and employees are compliant, a comprehensive approach is essential. This involves creating a culture of ethics and accountability, starting with clear policies and procedures. Regular training programs are crucial to educate employees about relevant laws, regulations and company policies. Consistent monitoring and auditing mechanisms should be implemented to detect and address any potential issues promptly.

Seeking Legal Counsel To Fight Indianapolis White Collar Crime Charges

If you are facing white collar crime charges, it’s essential to seek the counsel of experienced attorneys who understand the intricacies of these cases. At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our team is ready to provide you with the legal experience and support you need. Contact our Indianapolis office at 317-344-9085 or using the online form to schedule a consultation and protect your rights in white collar crime cases. Your future is our priority, and we are here to help you every step of the way.