The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
The term “white-collar crime” can be used to describe a wide range of offenses and is usually focused on dishonesty or cheating in the business world. These crimes are typically committed by business professionals under the guise of legitimate business dealings. My criminal defense lawyers won’t judge you if you are facing white-collar crimes. My white-collar crimes defense lawyers will be with you every step of the way. White collar crimes generally involve some form of fraud or deceit used for monetary gain. White Collar Fraud crimes are often very serious felonies and these crimes can be charged as federal or state crimes. A person accused of a white collar crime can face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000.
The term “white collar crime” is mainly used to describe many non-violent criminal activities. White-collar crimes don’t deal with weapons, violence or drugs. Because of this, many people falsely assume these crimes do not need to be taken serious. If you’re facing criminal charges that are of a white-collar nature and you do not realize how serious these charges are, you are negatively impacting your future. The damage may very well be irreparable and it will be tough to move on with your life after your criminal case is settled.
The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan defends our clients against a variety of white-collar crime charges:
A white-collar investigation often involves months of federal or state agents digging through your private financial records before an arrest is ever made. Because the government is already building a massive case against you, you cannot afford to wait and “see what happens.” You must hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away. Our firm moves with a professional sense of urgency to launch a counter-investigation, protecting your professional licensure and your family’s future from the devastating impact of a felony conviction. Do not let a corporate allegation destroy everything you have built—secure the premier criminal defense in West Michigan today.
Defending Complex Financial and Corporate Allegations in West Michigan
White-collar defense requires a technical understanding of both state and federal statutes. Google rewards pages that provide this level of detail.
Embezzlement (MCL 750.174): Whether it involves $200 or $100,000, embezzlement charges in Grand Rapids carry severe penalties, including prison time and mandatory restitution.
Money Laundering (MCL 750.411): We defend clients accused of concealing the origins of “illegally obtained” funds. These cases often hinge on complex banking audits.
Healthcare & Medicare Fraud: In a city like Grand Rapids, home to “Medical Mile,” healthcare fraud investigations are aggressive. We protect providers, pharmacists, and administrators from devastating federal indictments.
Wire & Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): These are federal heavy-hitters. If the FBI or IRS is at your door, you need an attorney who understands the Western District of Michigan federal court rules.
The Critical “Pre-File” Investigation Stage
White-collar cases are unique because they often start with a “Target Letter” or a subpoena rather than an arrest.
“In Grand Rapids, the best time to hire Shawn Haff is before you are charged. If you have been contacted by the FBI, IRS-CI, or the Michigan Attorney General, the clock is already ticking. We specialize in ‘Pre-File Defense’—conducting internal audits and negotiating with federal prosecutors to prevent an indictment from ever being filed. When your professional license and reputation are on the line, there is no substitute for an aggressive, urgent defense.”
Why We Are the Best Choice for Financial Crimes Defense
Challenging “Specific Intent”: Many white-collar crimes require the prosecution to prove you intended to defraud. We often argue that the “crime” was actually a complex accounting error or a lack of proper corporate oversight—not a criminal act.
Forensic Evidence Scrutiny: We don’t just read the police report. We dive into the spreadsheets, bank statements, and metadata. We find the holes in the prosecution’s paper trail.
Protecting Your Reputation: A white-collar accusation can ruin a career even without a conviction. We prioritize discretion and work to resolve matters quietly whenever possible to protect your standing in the West Michigan business community.
What is the difference between state and federal white-collar charges? State charges are handled in the Kent County 17th Circuit Court, while federal charges go to the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building in Grand Rapids. Federal cases carry much harsher sentencing guidelines.
Can a business be charged with a white-collar crime? Yes. In Michigan, corporations can be held liable for the actions of their employees. We provide “Corporate Defense” to protect the entity and its stakeholders.
Should I provide a statement to investigators to clear my name? Never. In white-collar cases, “cooperating” without an attorney is a trap. One misremembered detail can lead to a charge of “Making False Statements to Federal Officials.” Call Shawn Haff at 616-438-6719 first.
Fraud is lying in order to induce someone to believe the lie and give up something of value. The three types of fraud charges are mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud. However, fraud is frequently broken down into other categories such as:
Both embezzlement and fraud charges can be very complex and very unique for every individual. This makes it very important to have an experienced Grand Rapids fraud defense lawyer in your corner. At the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan, we can provide you with aggressive criminal defense against any and all forms of fraud or embezzlement charges.
Embezzlement charges come about if you are entrusted with property or money by a business or an individual and are then accused of stealing that money or property. Examples of these kinds of white-collar crimes include:
Being accused of a white collar crime crime is stressful not only for you, but it is very stressful for your family and anyone else that is close to you in either a personal or business relationship. Your emotions are probably running high because you are facing criminal charges.
If you are a professional person such as a stock broker, lawyer, doctor or a business owner, you must take action to protect your reputation. Attorney Shawn James Haff and his lawyers are The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan know how to get you the best results possible. We will fight zealously for your rights and do whatever we can do to get you best possible results. We know your career, reputation and family lifestyle are on the line.
No matter what type of fraud you are being investigated for or have been charged with, we can assist you through the process. By fighting the prosecution at every turn, we can help to minimize the consequences you face and will strive to have your charges eliminated. Whether you are facing accusations of securities fraud, health care fraud, business fraud, insurance fraud or any other type of white-collar crime, you can rely on our experience to protect your rights in court. My white-collar crimes defense lawyers will be with you every step of the way.
White-collar crimes are many times prosecuted as federal charges. The feds have vast resources that they use to help get convictions. Federal convictions carry much serious consequences than state convictions typically do. Our good attorneys will be able to help you fight back. We will even the odds and give you a fair shot at receiving justice. The sooner you obtain our legal services, the better chances are you will get the result you desire. We have handled numerous white collar crimes in our careers. We will conduct our own investigation into your case and make sure the facts of your case are clear. Call Shawn now at 616-438-6719 and let him help you get the best results possible.