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Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C.
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Wisconsin White Collar Defense Attorney

Have you been charged with a white collar crime? The white collar defense attorneys at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C. in Racine will fight on your behalf.

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Need a Wisconsin White Collar Defense Attorney?

If you have been charged with felony fraud at the federal or state level, you are facing the full weight and resources of the prosecutor’s office. In many cases, the FBI or local prosecutor may have been investigating your case and gathering evidence against you for months. You need a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney with the skill, knowledge and network of professional resources to fight aggressively on your behalf.

I’ve Been Charged With White Collar Crimes. What Should I Do Now?

If you have come under investigation, or have already been charged with fraud or other white-collar felony offenses in a state or federal court in Southeastern Wisconsin, arrange for a free consultation with the attorneys at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., in Racine or Kenosha as soon as possible.

“Fraud and white collar crime cases often involve complex financial and technical evidence. I know how the prosecutor prepares the evidence. And I know the proper motions to protect you from illegal search and seizure of your personal information. I work with independent experts to investigate and prepare strong clear evidence for your defense.” - Attorney Patrick Cafferty

The Governing Statutes

White-collar prosecutions draw from a range of state and federal statutes depending on the conduct alleged. The most frequently charged include:

The common thread across these statutes is intent. The government must prove the defendant acted knowingly and willfully, not negligently. That distinction is where most white-collar cases are won or lost. Document retention, professional practice standards, and good-faith reliance on advice of counsel are all ways the defense can dismantle the government’s proof of intent.

Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., is a recognized Kenosha and Racine white-collar defense firm. We can offer representation for state and federal white collar crimes charges such as:

A Compassionate Advocate and Aggressive Defender of Your Rights

When you are charged with a white collar crime, there is usually complex financial evidence involved in the charges. In addition to your primary offense, there may be additional charges, such as conspiracy. If you face federal charges, there is a great deal at stake for you and your family. It is critical that your lawyer understands how to investigate and prepare the evidence in a way that clearly presents your case for reducing the charges or getting them dropped.

Rely on legal defense representation from an experienced compassionate advocate who will aggressively defend your rights. Our team handle each case personally and promises to:

  • Be an aggressive trial lawyer
  • Pursue a thorough motion practice
  • Conduct a thorough investigation of your case

Contact an Experienced Racine White Collar Defense Attorney

From offices in Racine and Kenosha Wisconsin, the criminal defense lawyers at Cafferty & Scheidegger defend the rights of people charged with state and federal criminal offenses throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Contact the firm to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Racine and Kenosha fraud defense attorney right away. You are welcome to call or text us 24 hours a day at 262-632-5000.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a white collar crime in Wisconsin?
White-collar crimes are non-violent financial offenses, typically charged under federal statutes such as wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343), mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341), bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344), money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956), healthcare fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347), and federal tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201). State-level analogs include forgery under § 943.38, identity theft under § 943.201, and tax fraud under § 71.83.
How long do you go to federal prison for white collar crimes?
Maximums vary by statute. Wire fraud and mail fraud each carry up to 20 years per count under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1343, jumping to 30 years if the scheme affects a financial institution. Healthcare fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1347 is up to 10 years. Money laundering under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 is up to 20 years. Actual sentences are driven by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines based on loss amount, role, and acceptance of responsibility.
What is the difference between state and federal white collar charges?
Federal cases carry no parole, the 85% time-served rule applies (18 U.S.C. § 3624(b)), the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines drive offense level, and discovery is more limited at charging because of the grand jury process. State cases under § 939 follow Wisconsin's bifurcated initial-confinement plus extended-supervision structure. The same conduct can sometimes be charged at either level; federal exposure is almost always higher.
What does the government have to prove for fraud charges?
Federal fraud statutes require proof of a scheme to defraud, intent to defraud, and use of the relevant instrumentality (mail under § 1341, wire under § 1343, financial institution under § 1344). Intent to defraud (knowing and willful conduct) is the element most cases turn on. Good-faith reliance on advice of counsel, industry practice, and document retention are routine defenses to the intent element.
Can white collar charges be reduced through cooperation?
Often yes. Federal sentencing under USSG § 5K1.1 allows the government to file a substantial-assistance motion that lets the court depart below the guideline range. Cooperation is fact-intensive and risk-laden; it should never be discussed with the government except through experienced defense counsel who can negotiate proffer protections and evaluate the actual benefit against the disclosure cost.
Is restitution required in white collar cases?
Yes, in nearly every case. The Mandatory Victims Restitution Act (18 U.S.C. § 3663A) requires full restitution to identifiable victims for most federal fraud, theft, and property offenses. Restitution is separate from any fine and is enforceable as a federal civil judgment for 20 years. Loss amount also drives the USSG offense level, so restitution and sentencing are tightly linked.
How long does a federal fraud conviction stay on your record?
Permanently. Federal felony convictions are not expungeable in the way some state convictions are. Pardon by the President is the only route to remove the conviction. The conviction surfaces on every background check for life, costs federal firearm rights under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and triggers professional-licensing consequences in nearly every regulated industry.
Should I talk to FBI agents if they want to interview me?
Not without a federal defense lawyer present. Statements to federal agents can be charged separately under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 (false statements to a federal officer, up to 5 years per count) even when the statements are made before any other charge is filed. The Martha Stewart precedent is the cautionary tale. The right answer to an unscheduled federal interview request is to politely decline and call counsel.
Can a federal white collar case be dismissed before trial?
Sometimes. Pre-indictment defense work occasionally persuades the U.S. Attorney to decline prosecution, especially when intent evidence is weak or when document review reveals good-faith conduct. After indictment, motions to dismiss for failure to state an offense, suppression motions, or selective-prosecution challenges can narrow the case. Acquittal at trial requires defeating the intent element.
What defenses work against white collar charges?
Effective defenses include lack of intent to defraud (good-faith disputes about the law, reliance on advice of counsel, industry practice), insufficient nexus to interstate commerce or the federal instrumentality (mail, wire, bank), suppression of evidence obtained through overbroad search warrants or improper grand jury subpoenas, and statute-of-limitations defenses. Each is fact-driven and built off line-by-line discovery review.
How much does a Wisconsin federal white collar lawyer cost?
Flat-fee in some cases, hourly in complex multi-defendant or multi-count cases. The range tracks document volume (which can run to terabytes in fraud cases), grand jury exposure, anticipated motion practice, whether the case is going to trial, and forensic accounting needs. Free initial consultation produces a scoped quote against the actual charges.

Why Choose Cafferty

Free Consultation

From our offices in Racine and Kenosha Wisconsin, the criminal defense lawyers at Cafferty & Scheidegger defend the rights of people charged with state and federal criminal offenses throughout Southeastern Wisconsin (Racine, Kenosha, Walworth). If you or a loved one is charged with a crime, contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Racine criminal defense attorney right away. For urgent matters, you are welcome to call or text us 24 hours a day at (262) 632-5000.

We Defend You

The attorneys at Cafferty & Scheidegger have excellent knowledge of the state and federal court system throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. They are aggressive trial lawyers that are recognized for integrity and hard work. Our law firm’s strength lies in our exceptional pre-trial investigation and case preparation. We come to the prosecutor’s office prepared with the facts and ready to help you get the best possible outcome for your charges. Our priority is always to keep you out of jail and avoid a conviction on your record, whenever possible.

Proven Experience

The dedication of the team at Cafferty & Scheidegger to client service and their record of success has earned them listings as Wisconsin Super Lawyer® from 2008 - 2026. In addition, their reputation for high standards has earned them an AV Distinguished rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Cafferty & Scheidegger is backed by more than 32 years of trial skills and courtroom experience.

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