John Crangle is a criminal defense lawyer representing clients in Greenville County and throughout the 13th Judicial Circuit. He approaches white collar crime cases with the same intensity and precision that he applies to all criminal defense cases.
Over 1000 Clients Represented
You need an experienced attorney. John has tried more than a dozen cases to jury verdict as lead defense attorney. He knows what a good resolution of your case is, and more importantly what a bad resolution is.
“Mr. Crangle did a great job in handling my legal issue. Quick, polite, easy to work with, and affordable. Definitely would recommend!”
Vincent D“100% recommend John for any ongoing case. He got my case dismissed. Best criminal defense in the upstate.”
Johnathan MWhat Are White Collar Crimes in South Carolina?
“White collar crime” refers to a spectrum of financially motivated, nonviolent offenses typically committed in business or professional settings. In South Carolina, these crimes are prosecuted under both state and federal law, with many cases involving both jurisdictions simultaneously.
South Carolina’s primary white collar crime statutes are found in Title 16, Chapter 13 of the SC Code of Laws (covering Forgery, Larceny, Embezzlement, False Pretenses, and Cheats) and Title 16, Chapter 14 (the Financial Transaction Card Crime Act), as well as Title 44, Chapter 53 for money laundering linked to controlled substances. Common white collar charges in Greenville County include:
Fraud (§ 16-13-240, Financial Identity Fraud § 16-13-510): This offense involves false pretenses and fraudulent schemes, aiming to obtain money or property through deception. Financial identity fraud involves using someone else’s identifying information without permission to access financial resources, punishable by up to 10 years per count.
Embezzlement / Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent (§ 16-13-230): Referred to as “Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent,” this law covers the fraudulent conversion of property entrusted to the defendant. Penalties vary with the amount involved: up to $2,000 is a misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail); $2,000 to $10,000 is a felony (up to 5 years); and $10,000 or more is a felony (up to 10 years).
Forgery / Counterfeiting (§ 16-13-10): Forgery involves creating, altering, or using fraudulent documents or instruments unlawfully. Penalties depend on the dollar amount: no specific value is a misdemeanor (up to 3 years); under $10,000 is a felony (up to 5 years); $10,000 or more is a felony (up to 10 years).
Credit Card Fraud (§ 16-14-60): This crime covers using, obtaining, or purchasing goods or services with unauthorized, forged, or fraudulent credit or debit cards. Transactions under $500 in a six-month period are a misdemeanor; amounts over $500 are a felony (up to 5 years, with fines of $3,000 to $5,000). Card theft under the same Act is strictly a felony.
Money Laundering (§ 44-53-475): Money laundering involving drug proceeds is a severe felony in South Carolina, with fines up to $500,000 or twice the transaction value (whichever is higher) and up to 20 years in prison. Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 can carry similar or greater penalties.
Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Greenville, SC
Penalties for white collar crimes vary greatly depending on the specific offense, the monetary value involved, and whether charges are at the state or federal level.
At the state level, most South Carolina white collar felonies carry sentences ranging from 5 to 10 years, with certain crimes like money laundering carrying up to 20 years. Fines can be substantial, and courts often order restitution, requiring the defendant to repay the full loss value to the victim regardless of the criminal sentence.
Federal cases, where many of Greenville’s white collar crimes are prosecuted, often result in more severe penalties. Federal wire fraud and mail fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343 can carry up to 20 years per count. Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries up to 30 years. Federal money laundering charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 carry up to 20 years. Federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
Beyond imprisonment, white collar crime convictions in South Carolina can lead to collateral consequences like loss of professional licenses, civil liability to victims, forfeiture of assets, and permanent harm to your professional reputation. Many industries are off-limits to those with a fraud or embezzlement conviction.
How White Collar Cases Are Prosecuted in Greenville County
White collar cases in Greenville County can originate from multiple sources. The Greenville Police Department, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office handle state-level investigations. Federal investigations in the Greenville area are undertaken by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
A characteristic feature of white collar investigations is their length. Law enforcement may develop a case for months or years before making an arrest or serving a subpoena. By the time you learn you’re under investigation, the government may have substantial evidence. Financial records, emails, bank statements, tax returns, and digital communications often form the basis of white collar prosecutions.
Many white collar cases involve cooperation from co-defendants or witnesses offered plea deals in exchange for testimony. This means that someone you worked with, trusted, or employed could now be a government witness. Understanding this dynamic and preparing for it in your defense strategy is crucial.
If your case has a federal component, engaging a Federal Crimes Lawyer early on is critical. John Crangle handles both state and federal criminal defense, offering comprehensive advice on your potential exposure.
Defense Strategies for White Collar Crimes
Defending a white collar case demands a keen understanding of business practices, financial records, and the specific legal elements the prosecution must establish. Each charge has specific elements, and the absence of even one can lead to an acquittal.
Lack of intent: Most white collar offenses require proof of specific fraudulent intent. Poor business decisions, accounting errors, or actions taken on legal advice do not constitute criminal intent. Differentiating poor judgment from criminal fraud often becomes central to these cases.
Challenging the valuation: Penalties in many white collar cases hinge on the dollar amount involved. Prosecutors may use the highest possible valuation, including projected losses, future harms, or speculative damage. Contesting these figures can reduce the severity of charges or sentencing exposure.
Lack of authorization or knowledge: For breach of trust and embezzlement charges, the prosecution must prove unauthorized actions were taken with fraudulent intent. If fund or property use was authorized, even informally, or if the defendant believed it was authorized, this presents a viable defense.
Challenging the investigation: Unlawful searches, improper subpoenas, violations of attorney-client privilege, and coercive interrogation tactics are potential grounds to challenge the government’s case. White collar investigations sometimes skirt legal boundaries, and an adept defense attorney can identify these weaknesses.
Negotiated resolution: Not all white collar cases proceed to trial. In some situations, negotiating a plea to a reduced charge, with restitution, may best serve the defendant’s interests. An attorney experienced in white collar cases can evaluate the evidence and advise whether trial or negotiation is the preferable route.
In some instances, a white collar charge may overlap with Cyber Crimes or Theft Crimes charges, since financial fraud can involve digital methods and theft-related statutes.
Why You Need a White Collar Crimes Lawyer in Greenville
The government only pursues white collar charges when it believes it has a strong case. By the time charges are filed, law enforcement typically has accumulated thousands of documents and crafted a detailed narrative of the events in question. You need an attorney who can dismantle that narrative, challenge the evidence, and effectively present your side.
John Crangle is a Greenville Criminal Defense Lawyer with the focus and experience needed for handling complex criminal cases like white collar defense. He will dissect the charges against you, scrutinize the evidence, devise a defense strategy tailored to your circumstances, and represent you through every stage, from investigation to trial.
Whether facing charges for Fraud, Embezzlement, Forgery or Counterfeiting, Credit Card Fraud, or Money Laundering, John Crangle stands ready to assist you.
Contact John Crangle today for a confidential consultation about your case. Don’t delay in securing experienced legal representation by your side.