Get free answers to your White Collar Crime legal questions from lawyers in your area.
Your current state is Virginia
I became acquainted with someone online who claimed to need financial help to leave a difficult situation involving prostitution. I provided money to her and her supposed lawyer, Chris Chambers, but later found myself deeply in debt without resolution. This issue has been ongoing for a year and a... View More 
I have documents and emails showing theft by the police department I used to work for. Additionally, camera footage shows that outside agencies, including police departments, fire departments, private security, and ambulance companies, are tracking and following me in retaliation. I am looking into... View More
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answered on Apr 18, 2025
Your whistleblower concerns regarding theft by your former police department are protected under California law. California's whistleblower protection laws prohibit employers from taking retaliatory action against workers who report illegal activity to law enforcement officials, and also... View More
I was involved in a physical altercation with a woman who has manipulated my family, resulting in them siding against me in this situation. I was arrested and spent a day in jail, released on a PR bond, with ongoing court proceedings since October last year. Despite having bruises and recording... View More
I transferred $70,000 of crypto from Kraken to an onchain trading platform and engaged in trading for a few months. I then received contact from someone claiming to be a representative from my bank regarding potential money laundering. Believing them, I allowed them access to my Venmo account,... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
It’s upsetting to find yourself locked out of your assets after a scam, and you have options to challenge the freeze.
Immediately send a formal demand letter to Cryptotrade.com asserting that their requirement for an extra deposit is wrongful conversion and breach of contract—warn that... View More
I have a 401(k) retirement plan through a company, and I was previously convicted of embezzlement but am now out of jail. I continue to receive quarterly statements and pay restitution. Are there potential legal consequences if I attempt to cash in my 401(k), considering there might be early... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
If there is no court order, restitution agreement, or garnishment specifically restricting access to your 401(k), then you can typically access the funds—subject to tax and early withdrawal penalties. A past criminal conviction, including embezzlement, does not by itself disqualify you from... View More
I accidentally used a credit card found in my mailbox, belonging to someone else, to purchase a $3,000 item on eBay. I realized the mistake a few hours later and unsuccessfully tried to cancel the order. The item has been shipped, and I expect to receive it today. I haven't taken any further... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
Even if you didn’t intend to commit a crime, using someone else’s credit card without their permission—especially for a $3,000 purchase—can be interpreted as credit card fraud or identity theft under the law. The fact that the card was not yours and was found in your mailbox does not... View More
I am concerned about the legality of a transaction made by the CEO/President of a nonprofit organization in Michigan, who transferred $150,000 of the organization's funds to a for-profit company under their control. The purpose of the transfer is unknown, and there was no board approval for... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2025
The transaction is questionable. We would need to review the company's articles and bylaws to identify the steps necessary to authorize such a payment, and we would need to review documentation of the payment to assess compliance with the articles and bylaws. Another issue is whether this is... View More
I am concerned about a situation involving a friend, John, who has dual citizenship with the USA and another country. John discussed plans to kill someone in the other country (who is not a US citizen) with his friend Chris, who resides there. Chris has been blackmailing John for money, claiming he... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Under 18 USC 956, which addresses the offense of conspiring to kill someone in a foreign country, John could face legal consequences if it is found that he made plans or attempts to carry out such an act. Even though the victim is not a U.S. citizen, the law covers U.S. citizens who plan or... View More
What are the potential legal penalties for someone convicted of operating a gift card scam involving $665 in value? I am specifically interested in understanding the general sentencing guidelines or penalties they might face.
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
A gift card scam involving $665 would typically be prosecuted as theft by deception, fraud, or a similar offense depending on the specific tactics used. In most jurisdictions, this amount falls near the threshold between misdemeanor and felony classification, with many states setting felony... View More
In 2019, I was involved in an incident related to welfare fraud involving food stamps and medical benefits in Michigan. In March 2025, I was charged for this incident. I would like to know about the statute of limitations on welfare fraud charges in Michigan.
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for prosecuting welfare fraud is six years from the date the offense occurred. citeturn0search4 Since your alleged incident occurred in 2019 and charges were filed in March 2025, the prosecution is within the allowable time frame.
Welfare... View More
Can I sue this lady homeowner Denise ?
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answered on Apr 10, 2025
If someone is trying to have an affair with your mother, it can feel deeply personal and painful. But when it comes to the law, things get a bit more complicated. In most places, you can't sue someone just because they want to commit adultery, even if it's with a close family member.... View More
I'm a pro se litigant involved in a civil case in California. Initially filed as a medical malpractice case, it turned out to be a fraud case. There's a record indicating scienter regarding a nonexistent terminal disease, which enabled hospice fraud. I am not the prevailing party and am... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2025
Your reading of CCP Section 663a(b) is partially correct, but allow me to clarify the precise deadlines to ensure compliance. Under California law, a motion to vacate a judgment pursuant to CCP Section 663 must be preceded by a notice of intention to move to vacate, which must be filed within the... View More
I received a payment of $3,000 from someone and forwarded it to my cousin for his business. Later, the sender informed me that they had deposited a fake $8,000 check and used those funds to pay me. Although I had no knowledge of the check, they accuse me of being responsible for the fake... View More
answered on Apr 9, 2025
Dear Los Angeles Resident,
Based on the details you’ve shared, it appears unlikely that you would face criminal liability for the $3,000 payment you received and sent to your cousin. California Penal Code Section 476 and Section 475 establish that liability for forgery or handling forged... View More
I am concerned about a situation involving Elon Musk and potential violations of 815 ILCS 505/2. I have evidence, including articles, media, and social media recordings, indicating he may have subverted the general election by offering cash to voters for personal gain. This act has directly harmed... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Elon Musk, like anyone else, is subject to the laws of Illinois, including the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505/2), which addresses fraudulent actions. If you have evidence that he violated election laws or engaged in fraudulent behavior that harmed your... View More
I anticipate being charged with Medicaid fraud following an investigation referred by local authorities to the South Carolina Attorney General's office, initiated by my ex-husband. The Attorney General's office has contacted me three times to set up a meeting. I haven't communicated... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
You need to hire a defense attorney licensed in South Carolina, one who practices primarily in criminal defense. Your attorney can coordinate with the AG and they will know how best to advocate for you, as well as walk you through the process. This type of charge is a general sessions offense which... View More
I am facing foreclosure on my home, which was owned jointly with my ex-husband after our divorce. I've discovered forged paperwork in my name for a second loan, indicating we owe HUD $53,000, and my husband and his girlfriend lived in the house for several years. I have documents that show my... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
I would report the forgery to the police. If a foreclosure sale is already scheduled, does that mean they defaulted you on the note?
You may need to need to hire someone to vacate the default and stop the foreclosure.
I am a family member seeking advice on a situation involving my 83-year-old father. He has been abused by a woman who has stolen his money, checkbooks, and mail, committing fraud by signing his name without authorization. There is an ongoing case dealing with these issues. How can I ensure my... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
What you're going through is heartbreaking, and it's good that you're taking action to protect your father. In Texas, elder abuse and financial exploitation are taken seriously, and your father has legal rights that can and should be defended. If there’s already an open case, make... View More
I have been experiencing harassment and bullying at the restaurant where I work, including gossip, mean remarks, not receiving help, and mockery. I've made formal complaints to HR and management, but nothing has been documented or resolved, and HR has not returned my calls. Now, I've been... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Being asked to move to another restaurant after you’ve reported harassment and bullying could be seen as retaliation, especially if the request is tied to the complaints you made. Retaliation occurs when an employer takes an adverse action against an employee for asserting their rights, such as... View More
I was divorced about 14 years ago, and we received a gift of stocks or investments from my ex-husband's grandmother when we got married. The issue of these assets was not raised during our divorce. I believe my ex-husband forged my signature to access these assets without my consent, but I... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It’s possible that you could still have a claim to the stocks or assets, but there are several factors to consider. First, the fact that the issue of these assets was not raised during the divorce can complicate things. Since the divorce was 14 years ago, the statute of limitations for making... View More
I am part of a church where the secretary has been caught stealing over $15,000, according to the church ledger and bank statements. The theft has been ongoing for over 2 years. Although no formal agreement has been made, she has offered to repay part of the money, expecting that we would drop the... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2025
Whatever has happened just becomes part of the case the State will choose either to bring or not bring.
The Police will definitely take a report, and take that report seriously. These are VERY common issues at churches, schools, Greek life, scouts, etc.
The Police just arrest... View More
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