Defending Your Rights and Your Future in New York City

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., we understand that facing criminal charges can be one of the most challenging experiences in your life. Our team of dedicated criminal defense lawyers provides vigorous representation for individuals accused of wrongdoing in New York City and beyond. With decades of combined legal experience, we offer strategic counsel and aggressive advocacy to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Protect Your Rights

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers are committed to safeguarding your constitutional rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case. We employ strategic legal approaches tailored to each client's unique situation.

• Strategic Case Evaluation: Our criminal defense lawyers thoroughly analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and develop targeted defense strategies specific to your circumstances.
• Investigative Resources: Our NYC criminal defense attorneys leverage professional investigators, forensic experts, and financial analysts to uncover exculpatory evidence and challenge the prosecution's narrative.
• White Collar Defense Experience: Our criminal defense lawyers have successfully represented clients facing securities fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, and other complex financial crime allegations.
• Healthcare Professional Advocacy: Our NYC criminal defense attorneys understand the unique challenges healthcare providers face when accused of Medicare fraud, controlled substance violations, or billing irregularities.
• Federal Case Navigation: Our criminal defense lawyers possess comprehensive knowledge of federal court procedures, sentencing guidelines, and prosecutorial tactics used in federal investigations.
• Pre-Indictment Intervention: Early involvement by our criminal defense lawyers can often prevent charges from being filed or significantly reduce their severity through strategic negotiation.
• Constitutional Protection: Our criminal defense attorneys vigorously defend your Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights, challenging unlawful searches, coerced statements, and procedural violations.
• Evidence Suppression: Our criminal defense lawyers file strategic motions to exclude improperly obtained evidence that could otherwise be used against you.
• Negotiation Strength: When appropriate, our criminal lawyers leverage our reputation and relationships within the legal community to secure favorable plea arrangements that minimize consequences.
• Trial Preparation: Every case is prepared as if it will proceed to trial, positioning our criminal defense lawyers to negotiate from a position of strength or present a compelling case to jurors.
• Media Management: For high-profile cases, our criminal lawyers implement discreet media strategies to protect your reputation and prevent prejudicial publicity.
• Sentencing Advocacy: Following conviction, our criminal defense lawyers present compelling mitigating factors and alternative sentencing options to minimize incarceration.
• Appellate Representation: Our criminal defense lawyers continue fighting through the appeals process, identifying procedural errors and constitutional issues that could overturn unfavorable verdicts.
• Professional License Protection: We coordinate defense strategies that address both criminal proceedings and administrative actions to safeguard your professional credentials.
• Asset Forfeiture Defense: Our criminal defense lawyers challenge government attempts to seize your property through parallel civil forfeiture proceedings.

When facing criminal allegations, having experienced and dedicated representation can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Varghese & Associates, P.C. today to discuss how our criminal defense lawyers can protect your rights, reputation, and future.ur Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Protect Your Rights

Criminal Defense Cases We Take in NYC

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers represent clients facing a wide range of serious allegations in New York City courts and federal jurisdictions. We provide strategic, discreet representation for individuals and organizations confronting complex legal challenges.

Securities Fraud

Our securities fraud defense lawyers defend clients against various forms of securities violations:

• Insider Trading: Representation for executives, financial professionals, and others accused of trading based on material, non-public information.
• Market Manipulation: Defense against charges of artificially influencing security prices through deceptive practices.
• Investment Advisor Fraud: Defending financial professionals against allegations of misrepresenting investment strategies or performance.
• Accounting Fraud: Representation for executives and accountants accused of manipulating financial statements to mislead investors.
• Regulatory Reporting Violations: Defense for alleged failures to properly disclose information required by the SEC and other regulatory bodies.

Consequences of Securities Fraud Convictions

Securities fraud convictions carry severe penalties, including substantial prison sentences (up to 20-25 years for serious violations), multi-million dollar fines, disgorgement of profits, permanent industry bars, and lifetime reputational damage. Corporate executives may face personal liability, and companies can suffer devastating financial and reputational consequences. Additionally, civil litigation from shareholders and investors often follows criminal cases, potentially resulting in significant financial judgments.

Healthcare Billing Fraud

Our healthcare fraud defense lawyers represent healthcare providers facing accusations related to improper billing practices:

• False Claims Act Violations: Defense against allegations of knowingly submitting false claims to government healthcare programs.
• Upcoding: Representation for providers accused of billing for more expensive services than were actually provided.
• Phantom Billing: Defense against charges of billing for services never rendered to patients.
• Unbundling: Representation for providers charged with improperly separating bundled procedure codes to increase reimbursement.
• Medical Necessity Fraud: Defense for healthcare professionals accused of ordering or billing for medically unnecessary services or treatments.

Consequences of Healthcare Billing Fraud Convictions

Healthcare fraud convictions can result in imprisonment (up to 10 years per count), exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs, loss of professional licenses, substantial fines and penalties (often triple damages under the False Claims Act), and mandatory restitution. Healthcare organizations may face corporate integrity agreements requiring costly compliance programs and oversight. Professional reputations are irreparably damaged, and civil liability to insurance companies and government programs typically follows criminal proceedings.

Controlled Substance Violations

Our opioid distribution defense lawyers defend medical professionals facing allegations related to prescription practices:

• Improper Prescribing: Representation for physicians accused of prescribing medications without legitimate medical purpose.
• Opioid Distribution: Defense for healthcare providers charged with excessive or inappropriate opioid prescribing.
• Prescription Forgery: Representation for medical professionals accused of altering or fabricating prescriptions.
• DEA Compliance Violations: Defense against charges stemming from alleged violations of DEA regulations and recordkeeping requirements.
• Prescription Drug Diversion: Representation for healthcare workers accused of diverting medications from legitimate medical channels.

Consequences of Controlled Substance Violations

Controlled substance violations by medical professionals can lead to imprisonment (often 10+ years for distribution charges), complete loss of DEA registration, revocation of medical licenses, substantial fines, and forfeiture of assets. Healthcare practitioners face permanent exclusion from federal healthcare programs and destruction of professional reputations built over decades. For opioid-related offenses, recent federal prosecutions have resulted in particularly harsh sentences as authorities respond to the nationwide epidemic.

Tax Evasion

Our tax evasion defense lawyers develop comprehensive defenses for various tax-related charges:

• Income Underreporting: Defense for individuals accused of failing to report all sources of income to tax authorities.
• Offshore Account Violations: Representation for clients charged with concealing foreign financial accounts from the IRS.
• False Deductions: Defense against allegations of claiming improper or inflated tax deductions.
• Employment Tax Fraud: Representation for business owners facing charges related to employment tax withholding or payment issues.
• Filing False Returns: Defense for individuals or businesses accused of submitting tax returns with knowingly false information.

Consequences of Tax Evasion Convictions

Tax evasion convictions typically result in imprisonment (up to 5 years per count), substantial fines (up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations), and mandatory payment of all unpaid taxes plus interest and penalties that can exceed 75% of the unpaid amount. Additional consequences include reputational damage affecting business and employment opportunities, potential loss of professional licenses, asset forfeiture, and lengthy periods of supervised release with ongoing reporting requirements to tax authorities.

Money Laundering

Our money laundering defense lawyers represent clients charged with various forms of money laundering:

• Structured Transactions: Defense against charges of deliberately structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements.
• Shell Company Operations: Representation for individuals accused of using shell companies to conceal the source of funds.
• Smurfing: Defense for clients charged with breaking large transactions into smaller ones to avoid detection.
• Trade-Based Laundering: Representation for those accused of concealing illicit funds through falsified trade transactions.
• Digital Currency Laundering: Defense against charges involving the use of cryptocurrency to obscure the origin of funds.

Consequences of Money Laundering Convictions

Money laundering convictions carry imprisonment of up to 20 years per count, fines up to $500,000 or twice the value of the transactions, and comprehensive asset forfeiture that can extend to legitimate business interests. Defendants often face parallel civil forfeiture proceedings even before conviction. International money laundering charges may trigger financial sanctions and travel restrictions. Financial professionals convicted of money laundering face permanent industry bars, while businesses involved may suffer terminal reputational damage.

Bank Fraud

Our criminal defense lawyers defend against various forms of alleged fraud against financial institutions:

• Check Fraud: Representation for individuals accused of altering, forging, or fraudulently endorsing checks.
• Loan Fraud: Defense against charges of providing false information on loan applications.
• Mortgage Fraud: Representation for real estate professionals, lenders, and borrowers facing mortgage fraud allegations.
• Identity Theft for Financial Gain: Defense for individuals accused of using others' identities to open accounts or obtain credit.
• Credit Card Fraud: Representation for clients charged with unauthorized use or manufacturing of credit cards.

Consequences of Bank Fraud Convictions

Bank fraud convictions result in severe penalties including up to 30 years imprisonment, fines up to $1 million, mandatory restitution, and asset forfeiture. Professional consequences include permanent exclusion from employment in financial services industries and lasting damage to credit ratings and financial opportunities. Convicted defendants often face lifetime financial scrutiny and reporting requirements, while foreign nationals may face deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the United States.

Wire and Mail Fraud

Our criminal defense lawyers handle cases involving the use of communications in alleged fraud schemes:

• Investment Schemes: Defense against charges of using electronic or mail communications to promote fraudulent investments.
• Internet Fraud: Representation for individuals accused of using electronic communications for deceptive practices.
• Insurance Fraud: Defense for clients charged with submitting false information or claims through mail or electronic means.
• Telemarketing Fraud: Representation for those facing allegations related to misleading sales or marketing practices.
• Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes: Defense against charges of operating fraudulent investment or business operations using wire or mail.

Consequences of Wire and Mail Fraud Convictions

Wire and mail fraud convictions carry up to 20 years imprisonment per count (30 years if involving financial institutions), substantial fines, mandatory restitution, and asset forfeiture. Federal sentencing guidelines escalate penalties based on financial loss amounts, victim numbers, and sophistication of the scheme. These charges are often combined with other offenses, creating compound liability. The broad interstate jurisdiction of these statutes allows federal prosecution even for predominantly local conduct.

Embezzlement

Our criminal defense lawyers represent professionals accused of various forms of misappropriation:

• Corporate Embezzlement: Defense for executives and employees charged with misappropriating company funds.
• Trust Fund Misappropriation: Representation for fiduciaries accused of improperly using assets held in trust.
• Client Fund Mishandling: Defense for attorneys, accountants, and others charged with misusing client funds.
• Non-Profit Organization Theft: Representation for individuals accused of misappropriating charitable or non-profit assets.
• Public Fund Misuse: Defense for government employees charged with embezzling public monies.

Consequences of Embezzlement Convictions

Embezzlement convictions can result in substantial prison sentences (often determined by the amount taken), significant fines, mandatory restitution, and permanent loss of professional licenses and certifications. Professional fiduciaries face enhanced penalties and permanent disqualification from positions of financial trust. Defendants must often liquidate personal assets to satisfy restitution orders, and employers may pursue separate civil litigation for additional damages. The breach of trust aspect often leads to particularly stringent sentencing.

Corporate Compliance Violations

Our criminal defense lawyers defend against charges stemming from alleged regulatory failures:

• Securities Exchange Act Violations: Representation for businesses facing charges related to securities trading and reporting requirements.
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Violations: Defense against allegations of improper payments to foreign officials.
• Sarbanes-Oxley Violations: Representation for executives and companies charged with violating corporate governance standards.
• Environmental Compliance Failures: Defense against criminal charges stemming from alleged environmental regulation violations.
• Financial Reporting Irregularities: Representation for corporations and executives facing charges related to financial disclosure requirements.

Consequences of Corporate Compliance Violations

Corporate compliance violations can result in organizational penalties exceeding $100 million, individual executive imprisonment, debarment from government contracts, mandatory corporate monitors, and enhanced regulatory oversight that can last for years. Criminal convictions often trigger shareholder derivative suits and class action litigation. Companies may face suspension of licenses and permits essential to operations, while executives can face personal liability for corporate conduct through "responsible corporate officer" doctrines.

HIPAA Violations

Our criminal defense lawyers represent healthcare entities and professionals in privacy-related matters:

• Unauthorized Disclosure: Defense against charges of improperly disclosing protected health information.
• Medical Record Theft: Representation for those accused of stealing or improperly accessing patient records.
• Privacy Rule Violations: Defense for healthcare organizations charged with systematic HIPAA compliance failures.
• Electronic Health Record Misuse: Representation for healthcare workers accused of accessing records without authorization.
• Failure to Safeguard Information: Defense against charges related to inadequate protection of patient data.

Consequences of HIPAA Violations

Criminal HIPAA violations can result in imprisonment ranging from 1-10 years depending on intent, fines up to $250,000 for individuals and $1.5 million for organizations, and mandatory exclusion from federal healthcare programs. Healthcare professionals face loss of licenses and certifications, while organizations may be required to implement costly corrective action plans under regulatory supervision. The reputational damage from patient privacy breaches often leads to significant loss of business and public trust.

Kickback Allegations

Our criminal defense lawyers defend healthcare providers and others against improper incentive charges:

• Anti-Kickback Statute Violations: Representation for those accused of offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration for referrals.
• Stark Law Violations: Defense against charges related to physician self-referral to entities with financial relationships.
• Fee-Splitting Arrangements: Representation for healthcare professionals accused of improper payment sharing.
• Pharmaceutical Company Inducements: Defense for individuals charged with accepting improper benefits from drug or device manufacturers.
• Referral Network Schemes: Representation for providers accused of participating in coordinated referral arrangements with financial incentives.

Consequences of Kickback Allegations

Healthcare kickback convictions can result in imprisonment up to 10 years per violation, criminal fines up to $100,000, civil penalties up to $100,000 per kickback plus three times the amount of the remuneration, and exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs. Healthcare providers face loss of licenses and hospital privileges, while organizations may be required to operate under corporate integrity agreements with strict compliance requirements. These cases often trigger parallel False Claims Act litigation with potential treble damages.

Identity Theft

Our criminal defense lawyers handle various cases involving alleged misappropriation of personal information:

• Financial Identity Theft: Defense against charges of using others' identities for financial gain.
• Medical Identity Theft: Representation for those accused of using another's identity to obtain healthcare services.
• Criminal Identity Theft: Defense for individuals charged with providing another's identification during arrest or investigation.
• Synthetic Identity Theft: Representation for clients accused of creating fictitious identities using real and fabricated information.
• Child Identity Theft: Defense against charges of misusing minors' personal information for financial purposes.

Consequences of Identity Theft Convictions

Identity theft convictions carry sentences of up to 30 years for aggravated cases, substantial fines, mandatory restitution, and extended periods of supervised release with financial monitoring. Enhanced penalties apply when identity theft involves more than 10 victims, exceeds certain financial thresholds, or targets vulnerable populations. Defendants often face multiple charges across state and federal jurisdictions for the same conduct. Non-citizens convicted of identity theft typically face deportation and permanent inadmissibility.

Computer Crimes

Our criminal defense lawyers represent clients facing technology-related charges:

• Unauthorized Access: Defense against allegations of hacking or accessing systems without permission.
• Data Theft: Representation for individuals accused of stealing proprietary information or trade secrets.
• Computer Fraud: Defense for clients charged with using computers to perpetrate fraudulent schemes.
• Malware Distribution: Representation for those accused of creating or distributing harmful software.
• Cyber Extortion: Defense against charges related to ransomware or other digital extortion methods.

Consequences of Computer Crime Convictions

Computer crime convictions can result in up to 20 years imprisonment for serious violations, substantial fines, forfeiture of equipment used in offenses, and restitution orders that can include costs of system restoration and security improvements. Convicted individuals face permanent restrictions on computer and internet usage, ongoing monitoring of digital activities, and potential lifetime registration requirements in certain jurisdictions. Technical professionals face permanent exclusion from the industry and difficulty obtaining any employment requiring security clearances.

Antitrust Violations

Our criminal defense lawyers defend businesses and executives against anti-competitive practice allegations:

• Price Fixing: Representation for companies accused of colluding with competitors to set prices.
• Bid Rigging: Defense against charges of coordinating bids to manipulate procurement processes.
• Market Allocation: Representation for businesses charged with dividing markets with competitors.
• Group Boycotts: Defense for companies accused of collectively refusing to deal with certain suppliers or customers.
• Monopolization: Representation for businesses facing charges of illegal attempts to monopolize markets.

Consequences of Antitrust Violations

Antitrust violation convictions carry criminal penalties including up to 10 years imprisonment for individuals and fines up to $100 million for corporations or twice the gain/loss amount. Companies face substantial civil damage exposure through class action lawsuits that can award treble damages to injured parties. Businesses may be subject to court-ordered divestitures, structural reorganizations, and ongoing compliance monitoring. International antitrust violations can trigger prosecution across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.

Public Corruption

Our criminal defense lawyers represent individuals accused of improper public-private relationships:

• Bribery: Defense against charges of offering or accepting something of value to influence official actions.
• Honest Services Fraud: Representation for public officials accused of depriving constituents of honest services.
• Extortion Under Color of Official Right: Defense for officials charged with obtaining property through their position.
• Federal Program Fraud: Representation for individuals accused of theft or fraud involving federally funded programs.
• Campaign Finance Violations: Defense against charges related to improper political contributions or expenditures.

Consequences of Public Corruption Convictions

Public corruption convictions result in substantial prison sentences (often 10+ years for serious violations), significant fines, forfeiture of proceeds, and permanent disqualification from public office and government employment. Officials face loss of pension benefits and retirement funds, while defendants may be required to pay damages equal to the value of government contracts improperly obtained. These cases receive intense media scrutiny, resulting in permanent reputational damage that extends to family members and associates.

Signs You're Being Investigated for a Crime

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers frequently represent clients who were under investigation long before they realized it. Recognizing the early warning signs of a federal or state investigation can provide critical time to develop a proactive defense strategy.

• Document Requests: Receipt of a subpoena, civil investigative demand, or informal request for records from a government agency may indicate an ongoing criminal investigation targeting you or your organization.
• Interview Requests: Contacts from law enforcement agents, regulatory investigators, or prosecutors seeking to "just ask a few questions" often signal that you are either a target or subject of an active investigation.
• Unexpected Regulatory Audits: Unusually thorough or targeted audits by Medicare, Medicaid, insurance companies, or financial regulators frequently precede formal criminal investigations in healthcare and financial cases.
• Grand Jury Subpoenas: Receipt of a grand jury subpoena for documents or testimony is a clear indication that prosecutors are presenting evidence to determine whether to issue criminal charges.
• Search Warrants: Execution of a search warrant at your home, office, or practice is among the most obvious signs of a criminal investigation and typically occurs only after substantial evidence has been gathered.
• Confidential Informants: Unusual questions from colleagues, patients, or business associates about specific transactions or practices may indicate they are cooperating with authorities as informants.
• Colleague Investigations: Learning that business partners, associates, or those in similar practices are under investigation may suggest that authorities are examining industry-wide practices that could include your activities.
• Digital Forensic Activity: Unexplained IT service disruptions, server imaging, or collection of electronic devices by your organization may indicate compliance with government requests for digital evidence.
• Civil False Claims Act Cases: The filing of qui tam whistleblower lawsuits under the False Claims Act frequently triggers parallel criminal investigations, particularly in healthcare fraud matters.
• Financial Account Scrutiny: Notifications of suspicious activity reports (SARs), unexpected account freezes, or detailed questions from financial institutions about transactions may indicate money laundering or fraud investigations.
• Third-Party Notifications: Receiving notice that your records were subpoenaed from patients, clients, financial institutions, or vendors suggests you may be under investigation, even if not directly contacted by authorities.
• Increased Insurance Denials: A sudden pattern of insurance claim denials or requests for unusual documentation may indicate that payers are cooperating with fraud investigators.
• Administrative Holds: Unexplained delays or holds on provider numbers, professional license renewals, or regulatory approvals can signal ongoing investigations by government authorities.
• Contact from Enforcement Divisions: Direct outreach from specialized enforcement units like the FBI Healthcare Fraud Task Force, SEC Enforcement Division, or Medicare Fraud Strike Force strongly suggests an active criminal investigation.
• Former Employee Inquiries: Unexplained contact from former employees, particularly those who departed under questionable circumstances, may indicate they are providing information to investigators.

If you recognize any of these warning signs, contact Varghese & Associates, P.C. immediately. Our criminal defense lawyers can conduct a discreet assessment of your situation, help you understand potential exposure, and develop strategies to protect your rights and interests during the investigation phase, when intervention can often have the greatest impact on the ultimate outcome of your case.

What To Do If Charged With a Crime in NYC

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers understand that being charged with a financial, healthcare, or corporate crime can be overwhelming and disorienting. The actions you take immediately following criminal charges can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

• Remain Silent: Politely decline to answer questions from investigators or prosecutors without your criminal defense lawyer present, as statements made without counsel can be used against you in court proceedings.
• Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately: Secure representation from a criminal defense lawyer experienced in your specific type of case before speaking with authorities or making any decisions about your case.
• Preserve All Documents: Maintain all potentially relevant records, financial statements, emails, text messages, and digital files that may be pertinent to your defense.
• Avoid Discussing Your Case: Refrain from talking about the details of your situation with colleagues, friends, or family, and never discuss your case on social media platforms or in electronic communications.
• Attend All Court Appearances: Missing scheduled court dates can result in bench warrants, bail revocation, or prejudice your case in the eyes of the judge.
• Follow Pretrial Conditions: Strictly adhere to any conditions imposed by the court, such as travel restrictions, reporting requirements, or limitations on professional activities.
• Understand the Charges: Work with your criminal defense lawyer to gain a clear understanding of the specific allegations, potential penalties, and elements the prosecution must prove.
• Consider Privacy Concerns: Implement appropriate measures to protect confidentiality during your case, particularly for healthcare professionals facing HIPAA-related charges or executives dealing with sensitive corporate matters.
• Evaluate Potential Collateral Consequences: Discuss with your criminal defense lawyer how charges might affect your professional licenses, employment, immigration status, or industry certifications.
• Gather Character References: Identify respected colleagues, community members, or associates who can attest to your character and professional integrity if needed for bail hearings or sentencing.
• Assess Financial Resources: Determine available resources for legal defense, potential restitution, and financial planning during what may be a lengthy legal process.
• Prepare for Media Interest: Develop a strategy with your criminal defense lawyer for handling potential media attention, particularly in high-profile white collar or healthcare fraud cases.
• Consider Regulatory Proceedings: Understand that criminal charges often trigger parallel administrative or regulatory proceedings that may require separate but coordinated legal representation.
• Explore Alternative Resolutions: Discuss with your criminal defense lawyer potential alternatives to trial such as diversion programs, deferred prosecution agreements, or negotiated pleas when appropriate.
• Maintain Professional Operations: When possible and legally appropriate, continue professional responsibilities while ensuring all actions strictly comply with applicable regulations and court restrictions.

If you or a colleague is facing criminal charges in New York City, contact Varghese & Associates, P.C. for immediate assistance. Our criminal defense lawyers provide strategic guidance from the initial investigation through final resolution, protecting your rights and working toward the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Understanding Your Criminal Case Timeline: What to Expect

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers recognize that knowing what to expect during criminal proceedings can help reduce anxiety and enable more effective participation in your defense. White collar and healthcare fraud cases often follow a complex path with multiple opportunities for strategic intervention.

• Initial Investigation: During this pre-charge phase, government agencies gather evidence through subpoenas, witness interviews, and records analysis, often without the knowledge of potential targets.
• Arrest or Summons: White collar defendants are frequently allowed to self-surrender through arrangements between their criminal defense lawyer and prosecutors, avoiding the public spectacle of an unexpected arrest.
• Arraignment: At this initial court appearance, you will be formally informed of charges, enter a preliminary plea, and have bail conditions set, which in financial and healthcare cases often involve restrictions on professional activities.
• Bail Considerations: In sophisticated financial or healthcare fraud cases, bail typically focuses on ensuring court appearances rather than detention, though travel restrictions and surrender of passports are common conditions.
• Discovery Process: Your criminal defense lawyer will receive and analyze evidence from prosecutors, which in complex financial or healthcare cases often involves massive volumes of digital records, financial data, and technical information.
• Pretrial Motions: Your criminal defense lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or resolve other legal issues, with particularly complex arguments often arising in cases involving regulatory interpretation or sophisticated financial transactions.
• Plea Negotiations: In white collar and healthcare cases, early negotiations may lead to deferred prosecution agreements, corporate integrity agreements, or plea arrangements that minimize professional consequences and incarceration.
• Pretrial Conferences: These court appearances address procedural matters, trial scheduling, and resolution of evidentiary disputes, which in complex cases may involve multiple specialized hearings on technical or financial evidence.
• Trial Preparation: Your criminal defense lawyer will develop case themes, prepare expert witnesses, create demonstrative exhibits to explain complex transactions, and prepare you for potential testimony.
• Trial Proceedings: White collar and healthcare fraud trials typically last longer than other criminal matters, often featuring complex expert testimony, voluminous documentary evidence, and detailed financial or medical testimony.
• Verdict: After deliberation, the jury or judge will deliver a verdict on each count charged, with sophisticated financial or healthcare cases often involving dozens of individual counts requiring separate findings.
• Pre-Sentence Investigation: If convicted, a probation officer will prepare a report analyzing your background and the offense, with financial loss calculations playing a particularly significant role in white collar sentencing recommendations.
• Sentencing Hearing: Your criminal defense lawyer will present mitigating factors and alternative sentencing proposals, often involving community service, restitution, or compliance programs as alternatives to incarceration.
• Appeal Process: Following conviction, appellate review may address procedural errors, improper evidence admission, or incorrect legal interpretations, with regulatory and statutory interpretation issues creating particularly strong appeal opportunities in many white collar cases.
• Collateral Proceedings: Beyond the criminal case, you may face license revocation hearings, civil lawsuits, asset forfeiture proceedings, or exclusion actions requiring coordinated legal representation.

At Varghese & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense lawyers guide clients through each phase of these proceedings with strategic planning, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail. Contact us as early as possible in the process to ensure the strongest possible protection of your rights, reputation, and future.

Protect Your Future Today

When facing criminal allegations, time is critical and experience matters. Contact Varghese & Associates, P.C. for a confidential consultation with our criminal defense lawyers who understand the complex legal, professional, and personal dimensions of sophisticated criminal matters in New York City. Your reputation, career, and freedom deserve nothing less than the strategic advocacy we provide.

NYC Criminal Defense Lawyer FAQs

How soon should I contact a criminal defense lawyer after learning of an investigation?

Our criminal defense lawyers recommend immediate consultation upon the first indication of an investigation. Early intervention often provides the greatest opportunity to shape the outcome, potentially preventing charges from being filed or influencing the nature of any charges brought.

What makes white collar criminal cases different from other criminal matters?

White collar cases typically involve complex financial evidence, technical regulatory issues, and substantial document review. These cases usually require specialized knowledge of business operations, accounting principles, and regulatory frameworks that general criminal defense lawyers may not possess.

Will hiring a criminal defense lawyer make me look guilty?

Securing representation is both a constitutional right and the prudent course of action for anyone under investigation or facing charges. Prosecutors and investigators expect individuals to retain counsel and do not view this as an admission of wrongdoing.

How are federal criminal cases different from New York state cases?

Federal cases typically involve more resources for investigation and prosecution, longer potential sentences, stricter sentencing guidelines, different procedural rules, and often concern matters that cross state lines. Our criminal defense lawyers practice extensively in both systems.

Can criminal charges affect my professional license even if I'm not convicted?

Yes. Many licensing boards can institute disciplinary proceedings based on the mere filing of charges, particularly for healthcare professionals, financial advisors, and attorneys. Our criminal defense lawyers coordinate defense strategies that address both criminal and licensing concerns.

Should I cooperate with investigators if I've done nothing wrong?

Even innocent actions can be misinterpreted in a criminal investigation. Our criminal defense lawyers advise against speaking with investigators without representation present, as statements can be used against you even if you believe you have nothing to hide.

What is the difference between being a 'target,' 'subject,' or 'witness' in a criminal investigation?

A target is someone the prosecutor believes has committed a crime and is likely to be charged. A subject's conduct is within the scope of the investigation but their status is unclear. A witness has information but is not suspected of wrongdoing. These designations can change throughout an investigation.

How are sentencing guidelines applied in financial and healthcare fraud cases?

Sentencing in these cases is heavily influenced by the calculated financial loss or intended loss, even if no actual loss occurred. Our criminal defense lawyers work to challenge these calculations, which can dramatically affect sentencing recommendations.

What should I do if agents show up at my home or office with a search warrant?

Remain calm, do not interfere with the search, and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not answer questions beyond providing basic identifying information, and make note of what areas were searched and what items were seized.

How long do criminal cases typically take to resolve?

Complex white collar and healthcare fraud cases often take significantly longer than other criminal matters, frequently requiring 18-36 months from investigation to resolution. The timeline varies based on case complexity, court calendars, and whether the case proceeds to trial.

What is a deferred prosecution agreement and how might it apply to my case?

A deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) is an arrangement where prosecutors file charges but agree not to pursue them if the defendant meets certain conditions over time. DPAs are more common in white collar cases and can be particularly valuable for preserving professional licenses and business operations.

How are digital communications and electronic records handled in criminal investigations?

Electronic evidence is increasingly central to white collar prosecutions. Our criminal defense lawyers work with forensic experts to challenge the collection, authentication, and interpretation of digital evidence, which often involves complex issues of privacy and data ownership.

Can I continue working in my profession while charges are pending?

This depends on the nature of the charges, your profession, employer policies, and any bail conditions imposed. Our criminal defense lawyers advocate for arrangements that allow continued professional practice, possibly with appropriate supervision or limitations.

What factors do prosecutors consider when deciding whether to file criminal charges?

Prosecutors weigh the strength of evidence, potential defenses, harm caused, whether the conduct was isolated or persistent, cooperation with authorities, remedial actions taken, and available resources. Our criminal defense lawyers engage with prosecutors during this decision-making process whenever possible.

How do I protect my privacy during a high-profile criminal case?

Our criminal defense lawyers implement comprehensive privacy strategies including protective orders for sensitive information, careful management of court filings, strategic handling of media inquiries, and coordination with employers or professional associations to minimize reputational damage.

If you have additional questions about your specific situation, contact Varghese & Associates, P.C. for a confidential consultation with our criminal defense lawyers. We understand the unique challenges of sophisticated criminal matters and provide the strategic guidance needed to navigate these complex legal situations.