White collar crime cases in Louisiana are among the most aggressively prosecuted and the most technically complex in the criminal justice system. They can involve simultaneous federal and state charges, grand jury investigations, civil proceedings, and regulatory actions all running at the same time. The earlier you have experienced legal counsel involved, the more options you have.
By the time you know you’re under investigation, the government has already been building its case. White collar criminal investigations don’t announce themselves. They move quietly through subpoenas, financial audits, and witness interviews, often for months before a target is formally notified.
That is what makes early legal intervention so critical in these cases. At Capitelli & Wicker, our New Orleans-based white collar crime defense attorneys have spent over 30 years on both sides of these cases. We know how the government builds them and what it takes to fight back.
What is White Collar Crime?
White collar crimes are non-violent offenses that typically involve financial deception or fraud. These crimes are often committed by individuals in professional positions of trust. Common examples include:
- Health care fraud
- Financial crimes such as embezzlement and money laundering
- Public corruption
- Tax offenses and tax evasion
- Bribery and extortion
- Environmental violations
The Stages of a White Collar Defense Case
If you have been accused of a white collar crime, the first step you take toward justice is crucial. That’s why we advise that you contact an experienced white collar crime attorney as soon as possible after an accusation has been brought against you. Doing so can ensure you are getting the representation you deserve to protect your rights.
Defending white collar crime cases involves several stages, from initial investigation to potential trial and sentencing. An experienced defense attorney offers guidance through:
- Grand jury investigations: If you have been contacted as a target or witness before a grand jury, what you say and what you don’t say can have serious consequences. Experienced counsel is essential before any appearance.
- Pretrial hearings: Much of the most important work in white collar defense happens before trial. Suppression of evidence, challenges to indictments, and pretrial motions can significantly shape what a jury ultimately sees.
- Plea negotiation: Not every case goes to trial. When negotiation is in a client’s interest, having attorneys who are genuinely prepared to go to trial gives them far more leverage at the table.
- Trial and sentencing: When a case does go to court, white collar trials are often long, document-heavy, and technically complex. Jurors need to understand sophisticated financial transactions, regulatory frameworks, and industry-specific practices. Translating that complexity into a clear, compelling defense is a skill that takes years to develop.
Many white collar cases involve simultaneous criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. A skilled attorney must manage these parallel processes effectively to protect the client’s interests.
Common Types of White Collar Crimes in Louisiana
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud cases often involve complex regulatory issues. Common allegations include:
- Fraudulent billing of Medicare and Medicaid
- Kickbacks and violations of the False Claims Act
Defense attorneys must navigate these intricate laws and represent a variety of clients, from physicians to large healthcare organizations.
Financial Crimes
Financial crimes encompass a broad spectrum, including:
- Mail and wire fraud
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement
These cases often require a deep dive into financial records and an understanding of sophisticated financial transactions across multiple accounts, entities, or jurisdictions.
Public Corruption
Public corruption involves the misuse of public office for personal gain, including:
- Bribery of public officials
- Kickbacks
- Abuse of government funds
Defending these cases often means managing media exposure and protecting the client’s public image, in addition to addressing the legal charges themselves.
Tax Offenses
Tax crimes like tax evasion and fraud are serious federal allegations. Defense in these cases includes representation during IRS and Department of Justice investigations, as well as in court proceedings and sentencing. The interplay between civil tax liability and criminal exposure requires careful navigation from the outset.
Bribery and Extortion
Louisiana law treats bribery and extortion as distinct offenses with different elements and penalties. Understanding which charge applies and how it was allegedly committed is critical for building the right defense.
Government Investigations in Louisiana
Beyond criminal charges themselves, white-collar defense attorneys also represent clients in government investigations and regulatory matters, including:
- Internal investigations: Conducting thorough internal reviews to identify and address potential legal issues before they become criminal matters.
- State and federal audits: Guiding clients through complex audits and administrative proceedings where the findings can have criminal implications.
- Environmental violations: Defending against allegations under federal environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, which can give rise to both civil and criminal liability.
Capitelli & Wicker: White Collar Defense in New Orleans and Across Louisiana
When the stakes are this high, experience is everything. Federal investigators. Well-funded prosecutors. Charges that can upend a career, a business, and a reputation built over decades. This is the reality of a white-collar criminal case, and it is exactly the kind of fight Capitelli & Wicker was built for.
Our results reflect what serious preparation looks like in practice:
- Healthcare fraud: Successfully defended the owner of a healthcare company against all criminal and civil charges in a federal investigation
- Public corruption: Represented an elected official in a high-profile scandal, resulting in no charges filed
- Theft of government funds: Defended a government employee accused of theft, with no charges ultimately filed
Ralph Capitelli served as First Assistant District Attorney for Orleans Parish. Brian Capitelli served as President of the New Orleans Federal Bar Association. We know how these cases are built, and equally, we know what it takes to dismantle them. Contact our white collar defense team or call 504-582-2425.
Frequently Asked Questions About Defending White Collar Crime Cases in Louisiana
1. What makes white collar crime cases so complex to defend?
White collar cases typically involve large volumes of financial records, technical regulatory frameworks, and multiple overlapping proceedings (criminal, civil, and administrative), all running at the same time. They are also investigated by some of the best-resourced agencies in the country, often for months before any charges are filed. Defending them effectively requires attorneys who understand not just the law but also the industries and financial systems involved.
2. What should I do if I find out I’m under investigation for a white collar crime?
The most important thing you can do is contact an experienced white collar defense attorney immediately before speaking to investigators, before responding to subpoenas, and before taking any action that could be construed as interfering with an investigation. What you say and do in the earliest stages of an investigation can significantly affect the outcome.
3. Can white collar charges be brought at both the state and federal level at the same time?
Yes, and it happens regularly. Many white collar offenses violate both Louisiana state law and federal statutes, and prosecutors at both levels can pursue charges simultaneously. Federal charges often carry harsher penalties and are prosecuted by agencies with significant resources. An attorney experienced in both state and federal defense is essential in these situations.
4. Do white collar cases always go to trial?
No, many are resolved through negotiation, plea agreements, or dismissal before trial. However, having attorneys who are genuinely prepared and willing to take a case to trial gives you significantly more leverage in any negotiation. Prosecutors know the difference between a firm that will fight and one that won’t.
5. How long do white collar investigations typically last?
Federal white collar investigations can run for months or even years before charges are filed. During that time, the government is gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and building its case. If you become aware that you may be under investigation through a subpoena, a contact from agents, or information from a colleague, getting legal counsel involved immediately is critical.
6. What types of white collar cases does Capitelli & Wicker handle?
Our white collar defense practice covers healthcare fraud, money laundering, public corruption, tax offenses, bribery and extortion, environmental violations, and government investigations at both the state and federal level. We represent individuals, executives, and businesses throughout New Orleans, the surrounding parishes, and nationwide for federal matters.
