What does it mean to be charged with a “white collar” crime?
What does it mean to be the target of a grand jury investigation?
Do I have to have a lawyer?
What will it cost to hire a lawyer?
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

What does it mean to be charged with a “white collar” crime?

White collar offenses generally involve paper and business activities—fraud, forgery, embezzlement, money laundering, regulatory violations (e.g., SEC, EPA, and IRS infractions).  Corporations can be criminally charged, as well as their employees and managers.  The prosecution of white collar crimes often begins as a grand jury investigation or probe by a federal or state agency.  

What does it mean to be the target of a grand jury investigation?

A grand jury is a secret, investigative arm of the prosecution.  It serves to gather information requested by the prosecutor and considers only the testimony and evidence provided by the prosecutor.  An accused has no “right to counsel” before the grand jury, but may be able to invoke the right to remain silent.  The grand jury ultimately decides whether a charge, in the form of a criminal indictment, should be filed in court by the prosecutor.  The prosecutor, as “advisor” to the grand jury, is the person who, as a practical matter, controls the grand jury’s evidence gathering and decisions.  If you are called as a witness before the grand jury, you may be a target of a criminal investigation.  You should contact a lawyer immediately to tell you how to proceed and protect your rights before the grand jury.

Do I have to have a lawyer?
A lawyer is not required in any legal proceeding, but it would be certainly be in your best interest to have someone who is trained and experienced in the nuances of defending white collar criminal cases to make sure your rights are protected to the full extent of the law. In the same way that you can set your own broken leg instead of consulting a doctor, it is possible, but not a good idea.

What will it cost to hire a lawyer?
The question is not whether you can afford a lawyer, but whether you can afford not to have one. The justice system is very unforgiving and there are no second chances. Make sure that the choices you make are the right ones. My fees are reasonable, fair, and in accordance with the level of offense and time your case will require. Rather than make a blanket assertion of fees, I prefer to consider the full circumstances and work with clients to arrive at a fee that is appropriate for each case.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
The law divides criminal offenses into two types: felonies and misdemeanors. In general, misdemeanors are “minor” offenses, requiring jail time of less than a year. Felonies, on the other hand, are considered “major” offenses and can range from a third offense DUI / DWI to murder. A felony conviction means you no longer have the right to vote, hold public office, or possess firearms.