St. Louis Magazine – July 2019

(Wang) #1

đĐĐ stlmag.com^ July 2019 The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.


Q
A


What is white-collar crime? White-collar generally refers to acts of fraud in
the traditional sense, to include actions involving Medicare, Social Security,
securities, mortgage, prescription ... and the list goes on. The term also refers
to corporate theft, espionage, embezzlement, taxes and other business-type
activities. Many people don’t know that individuals and businesses alike can
be charged with this type of crime.

I wasn’t aware that my actions constituted a crime. Will this help me in court?
As the old adage goes, ignorance of the law is no excuse. However, it still
may help. With white-collar crime, we are seeing an evolution in what law
enforcement—and ultimately the courts—consider criminal behavior. In a
sense, certain aspects of white-collar crime may be fluid: Think regulatory
changes, classification or scheduling of narcotics, mortgage lending changes
or Medicare. Accordingly, not completely understanding these changes can
be a mitigating factor in presenting a defense.

What should I consider when choosing an attorney for my case? It is imperative
that any person facing white-collar-type charges chooses an attorney with
relevant experience. One might want to see that the attorney has access to a
team of experts for purposes of litigating the matter with competence. Make
sure your attorney has provided representation for these types of matters with
some success. With federal cases, choose a federal practitioner.

Do I need a personal injury lawyer? If you or a family member are seriously
injured or killed as the result of a car or truck crash, a dangerous product, or
unsafe premises, it is best to promptly call a trial lawyer. Most experienced trial
lawyers will take the time to talk to you and discuss your situation without any
charge or obligation. If you then believe the lawyer can help you, it is best to
meet with him or her to personally review the facts of your case, learn about
his or her experience and decide if you are right for each other.
Most trial lawyers work upon a contingent fee basis, which means the lawyer
only gets paid if a recovery is obtained. Usually, the trial lawyer will agree to
advance all necessary litigation expenses and only get reimbursed if there is a
recovery. The contingent fee agreement gives people of ordinary means the
opportunity to obtain just compensation from insurance companies, corpora-
tions and wrongdoers without having to pay anything upfront or becoming
indebted for the fees and expenses of litigation.
So, if the need arises, call a trial lawyer and find out if help is available.
Newman Bronson & Wallis is an established firm of experienced trial lawyers
who have been helping people in the community for more than 40 years.

White-Collar Crime


EXPLAINED BY JOHN M. LYNCH

Pursuing Personal


Injury Claims


EXPLAINED BY LAUREN BRONSON

The Law Offices of John M. Lynch
7777 Bonhomme Avenue, Ste. 1200, Clayton, MO 63105
314-726-9999 | lynchlawonline.com

Newman Bronson & Wallis
2300 W. Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146
314-878-8200 | newmanbronson.com

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John M. Lynch

Lauren Bronson
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