Toronto Fraud and White Collar Crime Lawyers
Fraud and White Collar Crime
Fraud and white-collar crime allegations often involve extensive financial records, digital evidence and competing explanations for a transaction or business decision.
At Shikhman Barristers, the legal analysis examines dishonesty, knowledge, intent and authority, as well as whether the evidence supports a criminal allegation rather than a civil, employment or commercial dispute.
Fraud and Related Financial Allegations
The firm represents individuals in financial and fraud-related investigations at both pre-charge and post-charge stages, including matters involving fraud, theft, breach of trust, money laundering and related financial offences.
The applicable charge depends on the conduct alleged, the relationship between the parties, the handling of money or property and the records available to the Crown.
Documents, Transactions and Digital Records
The evidence may include contracts, invoices, bank records, accounting material, emails, messages, access logs and data obtained from phones or computers.
The records must be organized and examined in context. A disputed transaction, accounting error or failed business arrangement does not establish criminal dishonesty on its own.
Available 24/7 for Your Call
Legal issues do not always happen during business hours. Shikhman Barristers is available 24/7 to take your call, answer your initial questions, and discuss your next steps.
Knowledge, Intent and Authority
Financial cases frequently turn on what a person knew, what authority they held and what they intended at the time of the transaction.
The defence may need to distinguish individual conduct from the decisions of a company, business partner, employee or professional adviser.
Searches, Production Orders and Electronic Evidence
Financial investigations may involve search warrants, production orders, banking records and the seizure of electronic devices.
The defence examines the legal basis for the investigation, the scope of the material obtained and whether constitutional protections were respected.
Parallel Regulatory, Employment and Civil Proceedings
The firm also provides early-stage advice in white collar and regulatory investigations before charges are laid, including strategic risk assessment and defence planning. A financial allegation may also lead to a workplace investigation, professional discipline, civil litigation or regulatory proceedings in addition to a criminal case.
Statements or documents provided in one process may affect another. The response should be coordinated before detailed information is given to an employer, regulator or investigator.
Discretion in Financial Investigations
An investigation can affect professional standing, business relationships and access to financial accounts before any finding is made.
Sensitive records and personal information are handled with discretion throughout the representation.
Is Every Business Dispute a Criminal Matter?
No. A contractual disagreement, unsuccessful investment or unpaid debt does not automatically establish fraud. Criminal liability depends on the evidence and the elements of the offence.
When to Contact a Lawyer
Contact a criminal defence lawyer as soon as an arrest occurs or a surrender is being considered. Early advice allows time to identify possible sureties, gather relevant information and prepare the proposed release plan.
SPEAK WITH OUR FIRM
Request a Confidential Consultation
If you are under investigation, have been arrested or are facing a criminal charge, bail hearing, trial or appeal, contact Shikhman Barristers to discuss your circumstances and understand the next step. If you have been detained or arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the allegation.
416-365-3151
Toll-free: 1-888-508-9178
Available 24/7
Email: info@crimlawcanada.com
*Submitting this form does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please do not include confidential or time-sensitive information. Shikhman Barristers must confirm that it is able to act before a lawyer-client relationship is established.