Early intervention to protect
your name and career
Penalties, restitution, and collateral fallout
From insurance and bank fraud to embezzlement, identity theft, and wire fraud, white-collar cases hinge on intent and paper trails—not headlines. Castel & Hall LLP moves fast when subpoenas, CID letters, or search warrants land, coordinating interviews and document responses while building the record for court. Our broad
criminal defense perspective and discreet approach keep reputations intact while we analyze the numbers.
Penalties, restitution, and collateral fallout
Consequences can range from probation to state prison or federal custody, plus restitution and professional-license exposure. We evaluate whether a civil repayment, compliance remediation, or diversion framework is viable in smaller cases. For complex matters, we partner with forensic accountants and technology experts, then negotiate or litigate from a position of strength. If you’ve been contacted by investigators,
contact us before you answer questions.
Fraud & White-Collar Crimes – FAQ
I received a subpoena—am I a target?
Not necessarily. You could be a witness, subject, or target. The safest move is to have counsel contact the agency to clarify your status, negotiate scope, protect privileges, and avoid accidental admissions.
Can paying restitution make the case go away?
Sometimes restitution helps resolve state-level, lower-loss cases short of conviction, but it is not a guarantee—and in federal matters, it rarely ends the case by itself. Timing, admissions, and source of funds must be handled strategically.
Should I talk to company investigators during an internal probe?
Maybe—but get counsel first. Corporate counsel represents the company, not you. Statements can be shared with the government. Upjohn warnings and joint-defense considerations matter; a lawyer can set ground rules or advise you not to participate.
What is a “proffer” and is it safe?
A proffer is an off-the-record meeting with prosecutors to share your side. Protections are limited; they can still use your statements to investigate or impeach. Go only with experienced counsel and a clear strategy.
Will my devices be searched if agents show up?
Possibly. Warrants for phones and cloud accounts are common. Do not consent to broader searches, do not destroy data, and ask for counsel immediately. Chain-of-custody, scope, and particularity are frequent battlegrounds.
What’s the difference between state and federal fraud charges?
Federal cases (wire/mail/securities fraud) often involve larger losses, multi-district conduct, or interstate communications and carry different sentencing guidelines. Massachusetts state charges more often involve discrete incidents like insurance or benefits claims. Each forum has its own playbook.
How long can the government investigate before charging?
Statutes of limitation vary (often five years federally; state limits differ). Tolling can extend deadlines, especially in complex schemes. Early counsel can sometimes head off charges or narrow the theory.
Can I keep this civil instead of criminal?
Sometimes. Framing issues as contract disputes, accounting errors, or compliance lapses—paired with remediation—can help. But if agents are already involved, assume criminal exposure and plan accordingly.
Will cooperating always reduce my sentence?
Cooperation can help, but it must be credible, useful, and timely. There are risks: safety, business fallout, and admissions. Defense counsel will weigh alternatives like variance arguments, loss challenges, and restitution-first strategies.
Can professional licenses be saved?
Often that’s part of the plan: early disclosures, board-compliant language in plea agreements, and rehabilitation evidence. Coordinate criminal and licensing timelines so one doesn’t torpedo the other.
Follow the data—and challenge intent
We test each element: Was there an actual false statement? Did you rely on advice from others? Are spreadsheets or texts taken out of context? We challenge search scope, warrant affidavits, and digital forensics, and we prepare clients for grand jury or proffer sessions when strategic. With offices in Woburn and Framingham, we’re close to Boston federal court and state courts statewide.