Facing a White Collar Criminal Charge in Salem? Know Your Options
If you’re under investigation or facing charges for a white collar crime in Salem, New Hampshire, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of what comes next. These offenses are often complex, involve large amounts of documentation, and can carry serious penalties, including prison time, financial penalties, and long-term damage to your professional reputation.
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we understand how high the stakes are in these cases. Our white collar crime defense attorney in Salem is composed of experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor who brings insider knowledge of how these cases are built and prosecuted. We defend individuals and professionals across Salem and nearby towns who are charged with white-collar offenses, including embezzlement, Forgery, Money Laundering, Bribery, Tax Evasion, Occupational Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Cybercrime, Insurance Fraud, Counterfeiting, and Identity Theft.
What Are White Collar Crimes Under New Hampshire Law?
White collar crimes in New Hampshire generally refer to non-violent offenses that involve deceit, fraud, or financial gain. Many of these are defined under Title LXII of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), which includes crimes ranging from fraud and forgery to computer-related offenses. Some commonly charged white collar crimes in the Salem area include:
Embezzlement
Embezzlement (RSA 637:10) occurs when a person in a position of trust—such as an employee or financial officer—unlawfully takes or uses funds for personal benefit. This often involves company money, nonprofit assets, or client funds. The severity of the charge typically depends on the amount of money involved.
Forgery
Forgery (RSA 638:1) involves making, altering, or presenting false documents with the intent to deceive or defraud. Common examples include forged checks, contracts, or identity documents. This crime is treated seriously and may result in felony charges depending on the item forged.
Money Laundering
Money laundering (RSA 491:7-b) is the act of disguising the origins of illegally obtained funds by routing them through legitimate businesses or transactions. The goal is to make illicit money appear legal. Prosecutors often use financial records and digital evidence to support these charges.
Bribery
Bribery (RSA 640:2) involves offering or accepting something of value in exchange for influence over a decision or action, often involving public officials or business deals. The crime focuses on corrupt intent, not whether the act was completed. Bribery of a public servant is treated as a serious offense in New Hampshire.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion (RSA 641:7) includes failing to file tax returns, underreporting income, or fraudulently claiming deductions to avoid paying taxes. While the IRS may investigate, state-level tax offenses are also criminally prosecuted. Penalties can include back taxes, interest, fines, and imprisonment.
Occupational Fraud
Occupational fraud involves dishonest conduct by employees or executives within a business, such as skimming, fake billing, or payroll manipulation. These cases typically involve internal investigations and financial audits. Depending on the scope, it may lead to felony charges.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud includes submitting false insurance claims, billing for services not rendered, or inflating costs. This can involve doctors, clinics, billing staff, or patients. Even small violations can escalate into criminal charges if there’s evidence of intentional fraud.
Cybercrime
Cybercrime (RSA 638:16–18) covers offenses involving computers, networks, or digital data. Examples include hacking, unauthorized access, online scams, or identity theft through digital platforms. These crimes often involve both state and federal laws, depending on the scope.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud (RSA 638:20) occurs when a person knowingly submits a false claim or exaggerates losses to collect money from an insurance company. This can include staged accidents or fake injury reports. It’s considered a felony when the value involved meets certain thresholds.
Counterfeiting
Counterfeiting (RSA 638:28) includes making or distributing fake currency, legal documents, or branded goods with the intent to deceive. It often overlaps with forgery and fraud statutes. Even possession of counterfeit materials with the intent to distribute can result in prosecution.
Identity Theft
Identity theft (RSA 638:26) involves using someone else’s personal information—like Social Security numbers or bank details—without their consent, often to commit fraud. It can lead to significant financial loss for the victim. In New Hampshire, this is typically charged as a felony.
Each of these charges requires the prosecution to prove intent and a pattern of deception, which means evidence can often be challenged with the right legal strategy.
How the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson Builds a Strong Defense
Our team at the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson takes a strategic, thorough, and aggressive approach to every white collar crime case. We work closely with you to analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a defense that fits your circumstances.
Our criminal defense lawyers do more than simply react to charges. We proactively engage with prosecutors and investigators, question the legality of searches and seizures, challenge financial documentation, and examine whether there was a true criminal intent behind the alleged conduct.
We also recognize that these charges often stem from misunderstandings, accounting errors, or business disputes that spiral into criminal accusations. When appropriate, we work to resolve the case in a way that avoids trial through pretrial negotiation, dismissal, or alternative resolutions.
Penalties and Consequences of White Collar Convictions in New Hampshire
While these crimes are non-violent, their penalties can be just as severe as violent offenses. Under RSA Title LXII, many white collar crimes are classified as felonies, which may result in:
- Lengthy prison sentences
- Heavy fines
- Restitution to alleged victims
- Probation or parole
- Professional license suspension or revocation
- Damage to employment prospects and reputation
The exact penalties depend on the value of the property or money involved, the number of offenses, and whether the defendant has prior convictions.
For example:
- Forgery involving more than $1,500 may be charged as a Class A felony (RSA 638:1), carrying up to 15 years in prison.
- Embezzlement over $1,500 is similarly a felony (RSA 637:11), with the same penalty range.
- Computer-related offenses and identity theft also often fall under felony categories depending on the severity of the impact.
Why Choose Our Salem Criminal Defense Team
Choosing a defense attorney for a white collar case isn’t just about courtroom experience—it’s about finding someone who understands the business, legal, and personal consequences of these charges. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we focus on personalized, result-driven strategies that aim to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Our firm stands out because:
- We understand financial, digital, and regulatory evidence.
- We are known for our aggressive, trial-ready approach.
- We tailor strategies to fit the complexity of your case, whether it’s a local dispute or part of a larger federal investigation.
If you live in Salem, New Hampshire, or surrounding areas, and you’ve been accused of a white collar offense, don’t wait. Contact us now to set up a strategy session and find out how we can help you move forward.
Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson Today
The sooner you act, the more options you may have. If you are under investigation or facing charges for a white collar crime in Salem, New Hampshire, now is the time to speak with an attorney who understands how to handle these serious and complex matters.
Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson to schedule a strategy session and begin building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a white collar crime in New Hampshire?
White collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses involving deception for financial gain. Common examples in New Hampshire include embezzlement, fraud, forgery, and identity theft, as outlined under RSA Title LXII.
Can white collar crimes result in jail time?
Yes. Many white collar crimes in New Hampshire are felonies and can lead to significant prison sentences, depending on the amount of money involved and whether the person has prior convictions.
Is it possible to avoid trial in a white collar case?
In many cases, yes. An experienced Salem criminal defense attorney may be able to resolve the case through negotiation, dismissal of charges, or other pretrial outcomes.
How does the state prove a white collar crime?
The prosecution typically relies on documents, emails, witness statements, and financial records to show intent to deceive or defraud. A skilled attorney can challenge the credibility and admissibility of that evidence.
What should I do if I’m being investigated for a white collar crime?
Contact a White Collar Crimes defense attorney immediately. Don’t speak to investigators or turn over documents without legal advice. Early legal help can make a major difference in your case.