When many people think of crimes, they think of assault, battery, burglary, and murder. But there is another form of crime that can be just as devastating for a defendant who has been accused. We are talking about white-collar crime. White-collar crimes are non-violent in nature and usually involve stealing money from someone or from a company. White-collar crime can also include identity theft or fraud and, if convicted, can result in fines and jail time.
If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, you should hire a lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law. The white-collar crime attorney Cody Villalon is an experienced lawyer who will fight for your rights and will defend you diligently against the government. So, give him a call today at (804) 316-0765 and have Cody review your case.
Why Choose Us?
While we understand that there are numerous white-collar crime attorneys in Virginia, you should hire one who knows how to work within the legal system and give you the best possible defense. Cody Villalon should be your choice for the following reasons:
- Cody has been defending clients in Virginia for more than a decade and knows how Virginia and federal law affect defense strategy.
- Cody is a Virginian through and through. He knows the Virginia court system and is familiar with the prosecutors and judges. That knowledge can go a long way in defending your case.
- Cody’s clients give him positive reviews. Take a look at his client testimonials.
- Cody truly cares about the clients he represents and understands how serious many charges are. As a solo practitioner, you will work directly with Cody, not another legal professional.
These qualities set Cody Villalon apart from other white-collar attorneys. He tackles the hardest cases and works diligently on his cases to make his clients happy.
What We Can Do For You
Being accused of a white-collar crime can be daunting and stressful. You may be looking at a large fine and many years behind bars. As your white-collar attorney, Cody will be there for you from the start of your case until the end. Specifically, Cody will:
- Meet with you for an initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.
- Collect and analyze all your documents and any indictments against you.
- Discuss your case with the prosecutors and negotiate lesser charges and punishments.
- File any documents with the court in the proper form and on time.
- Defend you vigorously in court if the case goes to trial.
- Prepare you for any court hearings and trial.
You only get one shot to defend yourself against white-collar prosecutions, and you want your defense to be solid. White-collar crime lawyer Cody Villalon will work tenaciously on your case and will help to get the best outcome possible.
White-collar Crimes Are Serious
We have seen clients charged with many types of white-collar crimes. Most are serious offenses that require a knowledgeable attorney. Some of the white-collar crimes that we have seen are:
- Money Laundering – This involves obtaining money illegally through lawful enterprises. Money launderers disguise assets obtained illegally into a supposedly legal business. Drug dealing, for which many might consult a Richmond drug possession lawyer, and other fraudulent activities are sometimes associated with money laundering.
- Embezzlement – This crime involves using or concealing money or other property from the rightful owner. Embezzlement occurs when the property is entrusted to one accused during the course of a job or other position. If you or someone you know is facing such charges, consulting an embezzlement law firm is crucial. A simple act of embezzlement includes taking money from a bank account that is not yours or using a company account for your personal use.
- Identity Theft – We have all heard stories of people having their identities stolen through the use of computer hacking.Identity theft involves accessing identifying information that is not publicly available, such as a name, social security number, bank account numbers, and more. If you find yourself a victim of such a crime, consulting a Richmond theft defense lawyer can provide the necessary legal guidance.
- Conspiracy – Conspiracy occurs when two or more people work with each other in an attempt to commit a crime, such as a felony or fraud. The actual act does not need to occur in order to be charged with conspiracy. If accused of such an offense, consulting with a Richmond fraud defense lawyer is crucial.
These are just a few of the many white-collar crimes that one can be charged with. Even if you are innocent, you will need to put up a solid defense. Our white-collar crime attorney is available today. Give us a call at (804) 316-0765.
Common Defenses For White-collar Crimes
If you are the subject of a government investigation into white-collar crime activities, you may think that there is nothing you can do about it and that you should plead guilty and suffer the consequences. This is simply the wrong way to attack a white-collar prosecution. There are many strong defenses when it comes to white-collar crimes. Some of those include:
- Coercion – This defense can be used if you can prove that someone coerced you into conducting the crime. In addition, a defense of duress can be put forth if the alleged criminal acted while under duress; an example of this is where someone blackmails the alleged criminal to do the crime, threatening to hurt their family.
- Entrapment – This defense can be used if you can prove that an undercover officer influenced your decision to commit the crime. If not for the undercover officer, you would not have performed the white-collar crime.
- Not Enough Evidence – To prove their case, the government has to provide evidence that a crime was committed and that the defendant was the one who committed the crime. The defense can attempt to poke holes in the prosecution’s case by attacking the evidence.
- No Intent – The prosecution has to prove that the alleged criminal acted with the intent to get money or other property. The defense can introduce evidence that there was no intent on behalf of the defendant, and thus, no case.
These are some of the defenses that a white-collar crime attorney can raise with your case. Cody Villalon knows that these defenses are crucial when attacking the prosecution’s case and will use them if necessary.
Cody Villalon Answers Your Important Questions
Every case we take is different. But, there are some similarities that all white-collar crimes have. We also understand that you may have general questions about your case. Here are some frequently asked questions that you may find helpful.
Will I go to jail?
It is possible that you will get a jail sentence for your crime. It will depend on the nature of the crime and how your defense lawyer responds to the complaint against you.
What should I do if the government contacts me?
Do not say anything to them; ask to speak to your lawyer. They are most likely trying to get you to say something that will hurt your case.
Will I have to pay back the money I took?
If you are convicted of a white-collar crime that involved stealing money, you may have to pay the money back. If you don’t have access to the money, the court will most likely make a deal for monthly or yearly payments.
I am truly innocent. How can I get the prosecutors to listen to me?
If you are innocent of the crimes put forth against you, your white-collar crime attorney should be able to provide a valid defense. The important thing is not to lie to your attorney.
Call Cody Villalon Today For an Initial Consultation
We understand that being accused of a white-collar crime can be very stressful. These are very serious crimes, and you need a caring and experienced defense lawyer on your side. Cody Villalon has been trying cases for 10 years and has over 5,000 hours of trial time under his belt.
Don’t trust your case to just any attorney. Hire an attorney that knows the Virginia court system and the people involved in the prosecution. Cody Villalon is your white-collar crimes attorney. Call him today at (804) 316-0765.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY CODY VILLALON
Cody Villalon is a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, VA representing clients accused of violent offenses and DUIs, and he specializes in serious criminal charges. He possesses more than 10 years of legal experience, has defended more than 1,000 cases, and has spent more than 5,000 hours in court. He is highly professional and well-respected by prosecutors and judges. [ Attorney Bio ]
