If a local, state, or federal investigator has approached you about a financial crime, you should not answer any questions. Ask for the officer or agent’s card, but politely decline to answer any questions over the phone, in person, or at a police station or office. The only thing you should say is that you are happy to cooperate, but you need to speak to your attorney.

Attorney Thom Goolsby has nearly 30 years of experience defending while collar crimes. He knows that just because someone claims you did something, it does not mean it can be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Do not hesitate to call Attorney Thom Goolsby. He is available to answer your questions, represent you in court, and speak with state or federal authorities on your behalf.

Attorney Thom Goolsby is well-versed in North Carolina and Federal white collar criminal laws. He understands how law enforcement approaches and investigates these allegations and how white collar criminal charges often stem from mistakes or shoddy record keeping. Let Attorney Thom Goolsby advise you, protect your due process rights, and fight to clear your name and keep you out of jail.

Fraud involves using deceptive behavior to obtain an unfair and illegal benefit. There are various fraud crimes under North Carolina and Federal law. Such crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies.

Common fraud crimes include:

• Obtaining property by false pretenses (NCGS §14‑100): Class H or Class C felony
• Possession or manufacture of fraudulent forms of ID (NCGS §14-100.1): Class 1 misdemeanor
• Obtaining signatures by false pretense (NCGS §14-101): Class H felony
• Obtaining property in return for worthless check, draft, or order (NCGS §14-106): Class 3 misdemeanor
• Worthless checks (NCGS §14-107): Class 3 or Class 1 misdemeanor, or Class I felony
• Defrauding an innkeeper or campground owner (NCGS §14-110): Class 2 misdemeanor
• Obtaining merchandise on approval (NCGS §14-112): Class 2 misdemeanor
• Forgery (NCGS §14-119 &120): Class I or Class G felony

If you are charged with any misdemeanor or felony fraud crime, contact a white collar criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Money laundering describes false transactions that hide the origins of illegally obtained funds and illegal transactions, such as embezzlement, fraud, or the sale of controlled substances. North Carolina does not have a specific money laundering statute. However, these actions can be charged as various fraud crimes.

You can also face Federal criminal charges for money laundering. If you are accused of trying to clean illegally obtained money, call a money laundering defense lawyer right away. You may be forced to defend against several state or federal charges.

If you intentionally try to avoid tax liability, such as providing state or federal authorities with false income information, you can be charged with a crime and assessed a penalty. Depending on the circumstances, you can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor or Class H felony, under NCGS §105-236(a).

When you are in trouble for your taxes and the authorities believe you were intentionally trying to defraud the government, the smart thing to do is call a tax evasion defense lawyer.