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White Collar Crimes | Complex Litigation

Defense Attorneys Represent Clients Charged with White Collar Crimes in New York City

Highly experienced legal team assists you if you are charged with fraud, bribery, extortion or other business sector offense

White collar crimes are typically prosecuted by the federal government. Sometimes suspects receive lengthy prison sentences to deter others from committing similar crimes. Although white collar crimes rarely involve violence, state and federal prosecutors treat suspects with zero tolerance. Experienced and sophisticated, we at Bernfeld, DeMatteo & Bernfeld, LLP handle the toughest white collar crime cases, ranging from healthcare fraud to tax crimes and mail fraud. The moment you believe you are under investigation for a white collar offense, seek our help.

Types of white collar crimes

Some white collar crimes seem to blur the line between what is legal and what is illegal. If you find yourself caught up in a scheme or plan of questionable legality, do not delay. Get legal assistance as fast as possible. Our firm has represented numerous clients throughout New York City on charges for many different types of white collar offenses, including:

  • Bribery — Bribery is the offering of money, goods or something else of value in exchange for services or someone’s influence.
  • Extortion — Unlike bribery, extortion does not involve gifts to obtain goods or services. Instead, extortion relies on threats and force.
  • Embezzlement When you fraudulently misappropriate funds or property that you were entrusted to look after, you have committed the crime of embezzlement.
  • Fraud Fraud is the act of using deceit for personal or financial gain.


Fraud occurs in many industries, including healthcare and construction, and is one of the most common types of white collar crime. Experienced in federal crimes and sentencing, we at Bernfeld, DeMatteo & Bernfeld, LLP have provided sound criminal defense guidance to clients in some of the most complex fraud cases. Conversely, we have defended more than 100 victims from the Bernie Madoff case, in addition to other victims of Ponzi schemes and securities fraud.

Securities fraud

Securities fraud involves using deceit in a stock or commodities market to influence investors to buy based on false information. While no specific law details the punishment for securities fraud in the state, many laws covering the crime of fraud may apply to your case. Further, like many crimes of fraud, securities fraud may be prosecuted on the federal level under a few different laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The penalties you face vary based on the extent of the fraud you are accused of committing, but the fines are usually costly and a five-year federal prison sentence per offense is typical.

Tax fraud

If you knowingly and intentionally fail to file your income tax return or falsify information on your return, you may be charged with tax fraud. Tax fraud cases are typically investigated by the criminal investigative branch of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In addition to civil consequences, you could face criminal punishments. Individuals who intentionally refuse to file their taxes may be fined as much as $25,000 per year and may also be imprisoned for one year for each year of non-filing.

Mail fraud

Since mail fraud involves the use of the postal service to commit a crime, it is handled by the federal government. In addition to being required to pay restitution and fines, you could face as many as 20 years in jail per mail fraud offense. If the crime you are accused of committing involves federal disaster relief or a financial institution, you could face up to 30 years per offense.

Mortgage fraud

Falsifying or misrepresenting information on a mortgage loan is considered mortgage fraud. In New York State, you may be charged with any of five degrees of residential mortgage fraud. While mortgage fraud in the fifth degree is a Class A misdemeanor, mortgage fraud in the first degree is a Class B felony. The exact charges you face are based on the specific crime you are accused of committing and the value of the funds you fraudulently acquired.

Knowledgeable lawyers build a solid defense for you

Conveniently located near Grand Central Station, we at Bernfeld, DeMatteo & Bernfeld, LLP have a great deal of experience defending clients facing state and federal prosecution for white collar crimes. To arrange a free consultation to speak with a lawyer at our firm, contact us online or by phone at 646-880-4689.