A lawyer can help you by giving you legal advice and legal representation at different stages of the criminal justice process.

If you own a business or work in a business you may want legal advice:

• if you are being investigated by a regulatory body;

• if you are being prosecuted; or

• to help you to take steps to make sure you do not break the law.

A lawyer can assist you by giving you legal advice about:

• investigation processes;

• disclosure obligations;

• production orders;

• what to do if your staff or business is a witness or a victim in a case;

• compliance requirements; and

• settlements.

If you are arrested or asked by police to come to the police station for questioning in relation to a white collar or corporate crime a lawyer can help. A lawyer can:

• provide you with advice about your legal rights on the phone or in person;

• help you prepare a written statement; and

• assist you in understanding the processes especially in relation to bail and when you need to attend court.

If you have been charged with a white collar or corporate crime then a lawyer can provide you with advice about the offence you have been charged with. This means that they can clearly explain:

• exactly what the charge is;

• what the police need to prove for you to be convicted;

• what evidence the police have in the case against you;

• the strength of the case against you;

• what the penalties are if you are convicted;

• the likely penalty in your case; and

• what your options are.

In addition a lawyer can provide you with legal representation. This means they can:

• appear on your behalf in court;

• enter into negotiations on your behalf with the police or prosecution department; and

• represent you at your hearing, trial or sentence.

If you have been convicted and sentenced for a white collar or corporate crime then a lawyer can provide you with advice about what this means. They can clearly explain:

• what the conviction means;

• your criminal record;

• what your sentence is;

• how this will impact upon your employment or business; and

• how you can make sure you comply with the court’s order.

It is important to remember that white collar and corporate crime is governed by both Commonwealth and state or territory law. This means that some laws will apply to all businesses operating in Australia while others will vary depending on where you live. A lawyer from your state or territory is the best person to provide you with legal advice about how the law applies in your situation.