LAW 643LEC - White Collar Crime

What is meant by the term white collar crime? This class focuses on how these types of cases are investigated, prosecuted and defended. Which statutes are used by federal and state prosecutors to pursue white collar criminals, and what tools, such as search warrants and grand jury subpoenas, are used to investigate white collar crimes? What strategies are used by defense attorneys to defend white collar criminals before and after charges are filed? May in house or private defense counsel ethically represent a corporation and individual employees? What issues arise if a corporation is paying attorneys to represent its employees during a criminal investigation? What criminal statutes are applicable? These are the types of issues that will be discussed during this course. The course material and lectures will be largely drawn from the instructor?s 30 years of experience with white collar crimes in state and federal courts, as a military attorney and criminal defense attorney. Various investigative techniques and strategies used by the prosecution will be highlighted, including the use of the grand jury, search warrants, interviews of witnesses by special agents and the use of informants. We will examine and discuss white collar crimes committed against individuals, corporations and the government such as mail and wire fraud, tax evasion and bribery. Case law regarding issues in white collar prosecutions, such as evidentiary and other trial issues, will be discussed. Students will be asked to participate extensively in class discussions regarding hypothetical issues, case law and current prosecutions as they are developing.

Credits: 3