Allegations of financial wrongdoing can upend a career overnight. Federal agents don’t move fast. They build their cases quietly, collecting documents, tracking transactions, and interviewing witnesses long before anyone hears about charges. By the time an accusation surfaces, the groundwork is already in place. That’s when experience matters most for anyone facing white collar crime allegations in San Antonio.

What We Defend Against in San Antonio

Every white collar case brings its own set of challenges, but the patterns are familiar. Company funds disappear, records don’t add up, or someone inside the business raises a red flag. We step in when the stakes are highest, handling cases like:

• Embezzlement: Company money diverted for personal use, often hidden behind altered books or unauthorized transfers.
• Money Laundering: Layers of transactions meant to disguise where funds really come from, making the paper trail hard to follow.
• Wire Fraud: Schemes that use emails, texts, or online platforms to move money or mislead others for financial gain.
• Tax Evasion: Income or assets left off the books, sometimes through creative accounting or offshore accounts.
• Securities Fraud: False statements or hidden risks tied to investments, leaving buyers or investors exposed.

Clients come to us because they know these cases don’t just threaten finances. They put reputations and futures on the line. We’ve seen how quickly a quiet inquiry can turn into a federal indictment, and we know how to respond when the pressure mounts.

How We Handle Federal and State Charges

When a case lands on our desk, the first question is always about jurisdiction. Sometimes, federal agencies like the FBI or IRS take the lead, especially if money crosses state lines or involves national banks. Other times, Texas prosecutors handle matters that stay within state borders. The real challenge comes when both sides move at once, each building their own case and demanding answers.

• Federal Jurisdiction: Charges tied to interstate transactions, federal programs, or multi-state operations often draw in federal prosecutors.
• State Prosecution: Offenses that happen entirely within Texas, or that break state-specific laws, stay with local authorities.
• Parallel Proceedings: Federal and state cases can run side by side, forcing a defense that covers both fronts at once.
• Agency Involvement: Investigators from the FBI, SEC, or IRS dig deep, often working together and sharing information.

We’ve handled cases that cross these lines, coordinating defense strategies that address every angle. Our experience with both federal and state systems means clients in San Antonio don’t get blindsided by overlapping investigations or conflicting demands.

Our Approach to Financial Crime Defense

When the government brings a white collar case, they rely on mountains of paperwork and digital evidence. We don’t just react. We dig in, challenging every assumption and exposing gaps in the story. Sometimes, the facts show a lack of intent or reveal that internal controls were followed. Other times, negotiation makes sense, especially when the evidence is thin or the risk of trial is high.

• Evidence Analysis: We review every document, email, and transaction, looking for inconsistencies or missing context.
• Intent Defense: Proving that actions were mistakes or misunderstandings, not deliberate crimes, can shift the outcome.
• Compliance Review: Showing that policies and procedures were followed can undermine the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiation Strategy: When appropriate, we pursue reduced charges or alternative outcomes that protect careers and families.

Clients often worry about more than just the legal outcome. A single accusation can damage a lifetime of work. We build defenses that protect not only freedom, but also the reputation and livelihood that clients have spent years building in San Antonio.

What to Do When Accused of White Collar Crime

Facing a financial crime charge isn’t just about answering questions. It’s about making the right moves from the start. Early decisions shape the entire process, from how investigators view your actions to what options remain on the table. We guide clients through every step, making sure nothing gets overlooked and no opportunity is missed in San Antonio cases.

Protect Your Rights and Your Future

The Law Offices of Gary Churak stands ready to defend your case. Call us at 210-545-3850 or schedule a consultation to discuss your situation confidentially.