Waukegan, IL White Collar Crime Defense Attorney

Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer for White Collar Fraud Charges in Waukegan, Illinois

Though they do not make the news as often as violent crimes, white collar crimes carry harsh penalties in Illinois. In some cases, these offenses may even be charged as federal offenses, posing an even greater risk to the defendant. If you have been charged with a fraud crime or a similar offense, reach out to a Waukegan, Illinois white collar crime defense lawyer for legal counsel.

At Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak, we bring decades of experience to the table. Attorney Theodore Potkonjak has served as a judge and state's attorney in his career, endowing him with deep legal knowledge to represent clients accused of serious criminal offenses. You can trust Attorney Potkonjak to provide you with qualified counsel and strong representation, examining your case from all angles to protect your rights.

What Are Deceptive Practices?

Under Illinois law, the term "deceptive practices" covers a wide range of illegal conduct, including:

• Using threats or deceit to get another person to sign over their property or assets in a document
• Knowingly receiving or allowing deposits at a financial institution that is insolvent, meaning that the institution is unable to pay back its debts
• Knowingly making false or deceptive statements to the public to make a profit off of property or services
• Writing bad checks

Committing a deceptive practice is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which could entail up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Enhanced penalties may apply if you obtain more than $150 in a 90-day period using a deceptive practice, even spread across multiple transactions.

Addressing Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud Charges

Although deceptive practices focus on consumer transactions, defendants may also face federal or state charges for wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) when electronic communications or financial institutions are involved. Wire fraud requires proof of a deliberate scheme to defraud combined with transmission of false representations by means of wire, radio, or television. Bank fraud applies when someone knowingly executes a plan to defraud a financial institution or obtain its assets by false pretenses. At the federal level, bank and wire fraud carry the potential for decades in prison and up to $1 million in fines, making a strong defense a must.

Defenses often hinge on lack of intent to defraud, good-faith business judgments, or an absence of a direct connection between electronic transmissions and the alleged scheme. Challenging the admissibility of electronic evidence, such as emails or call records obtained without proper warrants, can also undermine a prosecutor's case.

Responding to Accusations of Embezzlement in Illinois

Embezzlement charges arise when someone entrusted with another's money or property converts it for personal use, such as misusing a company credit card. In Illinois, embezzlement is prosecuted under the general theft statute, with penalties tied to the value misappropriated. A first offense involving less than $500 is a Class A misdemeanor. Larger amounts or repeat offenses escalate to felonies carrying multiple years of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Common strategies for defending against embezzlement charges include demonstrating authorization for transfers, proving timely repayment or reconciliation, or showing that no permanent deprivation occurred. Our firm can investigate transactional records, negotiate with prosecutors for pretrial diversion or reduced charges, and file motions to exclude improperly obtained evidence.

Intent is a critical factor in embezzlement charges. To secure a conviction, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you "knowingly" exerted unauthorized control over the funds entrusted to you. Our firm can assert that you were performing your duties in good faith, presenting evidence that you either attempted to rectify a mistake or were using the funds for the intended purpose.

Meet With a Waukegan White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer

Getting convicted of a white collar crime could entail years in prison and irreparable harm to your reputation. To protect your best interests, consider working with Law Office of Theodore S. Potkonjak. Contact our Waukegan white collar crime defense attorney or call our office at 847-263-1200 for a free consultation. Beyond Waukegan, we represent clients in Lake County, McHenry County, Cook County, and DuPage County. We also have an office in Antioch for residents of western Lake County.