White-Collar Wives Need Protection
White collar crimes cost us trillions of dollars in this country every year. The majority of the swindlers—3/4 of whom are men—are married, and their spouses frequently have no idea what is going on until the fraudster is charged. Nevertheless, spouses in these situations pay a hefty price. And while it’s true that both men and women find themselves in this predicament, far more women are left trying to figure out what the future holds when their spouse is convicted of a white-collar crime.
The White-Collar Wives
Just because wives don’t know about or participate in the crimes for which their husbands are being prosecuted doesn’t mean women are spared from dismal consequences. The shock of the charges sends many women into a panic, and as their husbands are handcuffed and sent to serve their sentences in federal prisons, women are left to clean up the mess that the family has had to deal with, face potential financial ruin, and figure out next steps. The long arm of the criminal justice system, it seems, reaches the families of convicted felons, and there are few resources out there to help those families navigate a perplexing and trying situation.
Facing Facts
The alarming news that your spouse is being prosecuted may come with entreaties for understanding and assertions of innocence. But you need to know more than nine out of ten such indictments lead to a guilty plea,holding your breath in the hopes of a favorable verdict may not be in your best interests. Rebuff the notion that delaying the acquisition of protections for yourself and your family is necessary in the name of loyalty. You need protection right now. Other things that you need to get real about include:
- You need your own knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will be focused on looking out for your best interests!
- Getting a divorce may be the only way to protect your assets because community property is often seized in order to punish offenders or to pay restitution. Although it may be difficult, it may be best to address this early in order to give yourself a decent chance of keeping what’s rightfully yours.
- You will be responsible for half of the tax debt on the ill-gotten gains if you file jointly. Avoid this by filing alone. While you’re at it, steer clear of any other legal entanglements the minute you learn that your spouse is under investigation.
- Once you learn of the investigation, don’t create new accounts for yourself or anyone else, and don’t move money around. Be aware that all financial transactions—legitimate or not—will be closely scrutinized. Don’t do anything to make it appear that you may be trying to hide assets.
- Understand that conversations with your spouse are protected, but a clever official may still attempt to get information out of you. Avoid this by putting off any conversations with law enforcement or investigators until your attorney is present.
- Don’t discuss the case with anyone else. Your friends and family won’t be able to refuse to answer questions, because they don’t have the marriage confidentiality that you have!
- Know that even though your conversations with your spouse are protected, anything said after the divorce is not, so take heed.
- Expect that your phones will be tapped. It’s perfectly legal if the feds got a warrant to listen in on your spouse.
Protecting You
You’re guilty of nothing more than being married to a likely criminal, but your world is falling apart anyway. Avoid getting drawn into the chaos by insisting on having the shrewd and experienced Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers at Lobo Law on your side. Schedule a confidential consultation in our Las Vegas office today.
Source:
embroker.com/blog/white-collar-crime-statistics/
