Wisconsin Financial Crime Defense Lawyers

Financial crimes — fraud, embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and other white collar offenses — allege that you used deception or abused a position of trust for financial gain. These cases tend to involve voluminous documents and financial records, and they almost always require the State to prove something difficult: that you acted with intent to defraud or misappropriate. That requirement is frequently the weakest part of the prosecution’s case.

At Strang Bradley, we defend people and professionals across Wisconsin against state and federal financial criminal allegations. We dig into the records, reconstruct what actually happened, and challenge the State’s theory of intent at every turn.

Financial Crimes We Defend

• Fraud — including insurance, mortgage, securities, and check fraud
• Embezzlement and theft by an employee or fiduciary
• Forgery and uttering
• Identity theft and unauthorized use of personal identifying information
• Credit card fraud and financial transaction card crimes
• Money laundering and unlawful financial transactions
• Tax fraud and evasion
• Welfare, unemployment, and government benefits fraud

How We Defend Financial Crime Cases

• Attacking intent — showing the conduct was a mistake, misunderstanding, or authorized
• Demonstrating good faith and the absence of any scheme to deceive
• Reconstructing the financial record to rebut the State’s narrative
• Challenging the reliability and completeness of the documents and audits relied upon
• Suppressing evidence obtained through unlawful searches of records or devices
• Negotiating restitution-based resolutions that can avoid a felony conviction

State and Federal Exposure

Financial crimes can be charged in Wisconsin state court or, when they cross state lines or involve federal programs, in federal court — where the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and agencies like the IRS may be involved. Federal charges carry their own sentencing guidelines and can involve mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy counts layered on top of the underlying conduct. We defend clients in both systems and tailor the strategy to the forum.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged or Investigated

• Contact a lawyer before speaking with auditors, investigators, or agents.
• Gather and protect the documents that support your account.
• Avoid discussing the matter with coworkers or anyone who could become a witness.
• Contact a financial crime defense attorney as early as possible — ideally before charges are filed.

Why Choose Strang Bradley for Your Financial Crime Case

Financial crime cases are won in the details of the documents. Our attorneys are comfortable with complex financial records, know how to work with forensic accountants, and understand how to attack the element of intent that the State must prove. Whether your case is in state or federal court, we build a defense designed to create reasonable doubt and protect your livelihood.