White Collar Crime Attorney in Forsyth County

Strategic Defense For Your Career, Reputation & Future

If you have been contacted by investigators, received a subpoena, or been arrested for a financial offense in Forsyth County, you are facing more than just criminal charges. Your job, your business, and your name in the community may all be at risk, and you may not know where to turn.

At The Epps Law Group, we focus our practice on criminal defense from our office in Cumming. We defend clients accused of serious offenses, including complex white collar matters. We understand how disruptive an investigation can be, and we work to step in quickly, protect your rights, and help you avoid missteps that can make your situation worse.

Led by Attorney Kyle E. Epps, III, our criminal defense team takes a client-centered approach. We listen to your concerns, explain the process in clear terms, and develop a plan that aims to limit the damage to your record, your career, and your family.

If you are being investigated, silence is your best defense. Contact a white collar crime attorney in Forsyth County at (678) 257-4507 or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our 30 years of experience work for you.

Understanding White Collar Crimes Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, "white collar crime" is an umbrella term for non-violent offenses characterized by deceit, concealment, or a violation of trust for financial gain. These crimes are largely governed by Title 16, Chapter 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), which covers forgery and fraudulent practices.

To mount an effective defense, a Forsyth County white collar crimes lawyer must differentiate between the various statutes used by prosecutors:

• Theft by Conversion (Embezzlement): Under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-4, this occurs when a person lawfully obtains funds or property under an agreement to make a specific financial disposition but instead knowingly converts the property to their own use. This is common in workplace settings where an employee is entrusted with company assets.
• Identity Fraud: Defined under O.C.G.A. § 16-9-121, this involves the willful and fraudulent use of another person’s identifying information without their consent. In 2026, with the rise of AI-driven fraud, these cases have become increasingly technical.
• Forgery: Georgia classifies forgery into four degrees. First-degree forgery involves the intent to defraud by altering or delivering a written instrument in such a manner that it purports to have been made by another person.
• Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations): Found in O.C.G.A. § 16-14-4, this is the state’s most powerful tool. It allows the prosecution to link various "predicate acts" (like fraud or bribery) into a single enterprise charge. A conviction under RICO carries much harsher penalties than the underlying crimes themselves.

Our firm identifies the specific statutory triggers in your case, ensuring that a simple accounting error or a breach of contract is not misconstrued as a criminal act.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of White Collar Convictions in Georgia

The consequences of a white collar conviction in Forsyth County go far beyond a fine. Georgia law treats financial crimes with increasing severity based on the dollar amount involved.

Criminal Sentencing

• Theft and Fraud (Value under $1,500): Typically a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
• Theft and Fraud (Value $1,501 to $24,999): A felony punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.
• High-Value Theft (Value over $25,000): This can result in a sentence of 2 to 20 years.
• RICO Violations: A conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, along with fines that can be three times the amount gained.

Collateral Consequences

• Professional Licensing: Convictions for "crimes of moral turpitude" often lead to the automatic revocation of medical, legal, or accounting licenses.
• Civil Liabilities: Victims often file parallel civil lawsuits, leading to massive restitution orders that can bankrupt an individual.
• Employment Barriers: A fraud conviction is often a permanent bar to working in any sector involving finance, government, or management.

How White Collar Cases Move Through Forsyth County Courts

Some clients first learn of formal charges when a warrant is issued and they are arrested or told to surrender. Others receive notice of accusations after a grand jury returns an indictment. In Forsyth County, felony level white collar cases are often heard in the Forsyth County Superior Court, while some lower-level charges may proceed in the Forsyth County State Court.

When you hire a white collar criminal defense attorney in Forsyth County that judges see regularly, that attorney can guide you through each phase. Early on, this may involve advising you during interviews, arranging a self-surrender if appropriate, and addressing bond issues so you can remain with your family while the case is pending.

As the case moves forward, our work typically includes reviewing discovery, assessing the strength of the evidence, and filing appropriate motions. We look for weaknesses in how financial records were gathered, how statements were taken, and whether legal standards for search and seizure were followed. We also discuss with you the risks and benefits of negotiations with the prosecution versus proceeding toward trial.

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation

Many white collar cases begin quietly, long before anyone is arrested. You might receive a call from a law enforcement investigator, a letter requesting documents, or questions from your company’s compliance department. How you respond in these early moments can affect what happens next.

If you believe you are under investigation, these steps can help protect you:

• Remain calm and avoid discussing the situation with coworkers, friends, or social media contacts.
• Do not meet with investigators or provide written statements without first speaking to a criminal defense lawyer.
• Preserve relevant documents and electronic information rather than deleting or altering anything.
• Gather basic information about what has been requested or alleged so you can share it with our team.

When you contact our white collar crimes attorneys in Forsyth County, we can review what has happened so far, discuss how investigators or your employer have approached you, and help you decide on the next steps. In some situations, early legal guidance can influence whether charges are pursued, how they are framed, or what evidence is presented to the court.

Why Choose Our Firm For White Collar Cases

When you are looking for a white collar crime lawyer in Forsyth County, you need more than general legal knowledge. You need a criminal defense team that understands how prosecutors build financial and business-related cases, and that takes the time to learn the details of your role, your company, and your risk.

Our firm is devoted to criminal defense work in North Georgia, and that focus matters. Because we regularly defend clients facing DUI, drug, and violent felony charges, we are used to high-stakes situations and aggressive prosecution tactics. We apply that same determination and careful preparation to white collar matters that can threaten your freedom and your livelihood.

Attorney Kyle E. Epps, III leads our team and is involved in each case. Clients are not treated like file numbers. We take time to understand how allegations may affect your professional licenses, your current position, and future opportunities. We also know that communication and discretion are critical in a white collar criminal case in Forsyth County. You can trust us.

If you need white collar criminal defense in Forsyth County, we focus on protecting both your legal rights and your long-term stability.

• Start With Listening: We examine your role in the organization, decision-making processes, account access, and communications to understand the full context.
• Analyze The State’s Case: We evaluate how prosecutors may frame the allegations and identify weaknesses, including issues involving intent, financial calculations, or shared responsibility.
• Develop A Tailored Strategy: We craft a defense that considers both the charges and the broader impact on your career, record, and family.
• Explore Resolution Options: When appropriate, we pursue strategies to reduce charges or limit penalties while providing honest guidance about risks and possible outcomes.

If you are searching for white collar criminal defense in Forsyth County, we encourage you to reach out to our team to discuss your specific concerns. We are here to help you understand your options and to work toward the most favorable path available under the circumstances.

To speak confidentially with our criminal defense team, call (678) 257-4507 or reach out online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to investigators before hiring a lawyer?

It is generally safer to speak with a lawyer first. Investigators may seem friendly, but anything you say can later be used in court or taken out of context. We can help you decide whether to speak, what to share, and how to protect yourself.

Can a white collar conviction affect my professional license?

Yes, many licensing boards treat dishonesty or financial crimes very seriously. A conviction can trigger separate disciplinary actions that threaten your ability to work in your field. We consider licensing issues when advising you and discuss potential impacts before you make critical decisions.

Will you keep my white collar case confidential?

We treat every client’s matter as confidential and handle white collar cases with particular discretion. We do not discuss your case with employers or others without your permission, and we are mindful of how court filings and appearances may affect your privacy and reputation.

How quickly can your team get involved in my case?

We strive to respond quickly when someone contacts us about a potential investigation or arrest. In many situations, we can begin advising you before formal charges are filed, which may help you avoid mistakes and better position your defense.

What can I expect during my first meeting with you?

During an initial consultation, we listen to your account of what has happened, ask focused questions, and review any documents or notices you have received. We then outline potential issues, explain how white collar cases often proceed in the local courts, and discuss how our firm can assist.

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