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Last Modified on Nov 04, 2025
If your business is based in North Carolina and there is the possibility that your corporation could be facing federal criminal charges, the right move is to secure a skilled federal criminal defense attorney who has experience in defending corporations in federal criminal cases in North Carolina.
Corporate Crimes in North Carolina
Corporate crimes that occur in North Carolina are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The Eastern District hears cases in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Wilmington, while the Western District hears cases in Charlotte, Asheville, and Statesville.
There is also a state-level specialized business court, the North Carolina Business Court, that hears cases involving complex business or commercial litigation issues. These cases are heard in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem.
Corporate crimes are difficult to define since corporations can be found guilty of numerous types of crimes. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation tracks arrests for various types of crimes. Many corporate crimes are considered white collar crimes. In 2024, arrests for common types of white-collar crimes included:
- 577 forgery and counterfeiting cases
- 2,378 fraud cases
- 697 embezzlement cases
Common Types of Corporate Crime in North Carolina
Corporate crimes typically consist of offenses considered to be white-collar crimes. White-collar crimes encompass a range of non-violent offenses committed for financial gain.
Corporations can engage in white-collar crimes using deception, manipulation, or by abusing the trust of consumers. One of the key features of white-collar crimes is the need for criminal intent on the part of the violator before the actions are considered a crime.
Corporate crimes could be considered federal or state, depending on the scope of the crime and the individual characteristics of the corporation. Some crimes can be under both federal and state jurisdiction. Common corporate crimes in North Carolina include:
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Tax evasion
- Identity theft
- Money laundering
Common Defenses to White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes can be tried at either the state or federal level, depending on the specifics of the case. Federal cases often occur after long-term, strategic investigations. Defense strategies in these types of cases require careful consideration.
A highly knowledgeable federal criminal defense attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and craft an effective defense strategy. Common defense strategies include:
- Challenging the jurisdiction of the case. A case can only be tried in federal court if it meets certain requirements. Arguing that the requirements have not been met could get the case referred to state court.
- Amendment violations. Federal agents are bound by the same regulations as state agents. If agents engage in behaviors that violate Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights, the defense can motion to have the affected evidence suppressed.
- Lack of criminal intent. The government must prove that the defendant knowingly and willfully committed the illegal acts. Proving the defendant had no intention of breaking the law could get the case dismissed.
- Coercion or duress. The defense could show that the actions were performed under the threat of force or by force.
- Corporate responsibility shield. With large organizations, it could be an effective defense to argue that the illegal actions were committed by a select few employees without senior leadership having knowledge of the actions.
A skilled federal criminal defense attorney can also help with negotiating for reduced charges, file motions to have evidence suppressed, negotiate plea agreements for reduced sentences, or petition for lenient sentencing.
Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
It can be difficult to hire a federal criminal defense lawyer with the necessary experience in corporate criminal representation. North Carolina criminal defense cases can be complex and require the unique training of a federal criminal defense attorney. At the W. James Payne Law Firm, we have decades of experience representing corporations in state and federal courts. We strive to provide strong legal defenses for every client.
FAQs
Are Corporations Protected from Being Charged with Crimes?
Corporations are not protected from being charged with a crime. Corporations can be held liable through vicarious liability for any illegal actions performed by their employees when those actions are within the scope of their employment and performed for the benefit of the company. Many federal laws define who a person is in such a way that corporations can be held liable in the same way as an individual can.
What Is the Second Chance Act in North Carolina?
The Second Chance Act in North Carolina was signed into law in 2020 and provides additional relief for anyone with a non-violent conviction or charge on their record. The bill expands the types of felony and misdemeanor convictions eligible for expungement after the expungement requirements are met. The bill also allows for the automatic expungement of charges that were dismissed or when a “not guilty” verdict is reached.
Can Corporations Represent Themselves in Federal Court?
A corporation cannot represent itself in federal court. A corporation is considered its own legal entity under the law, but it is not considered a natural person that can conduct its own case in court. The only person who could represent a corporation in court is a licensed attorney. If any individual attempted to represent the corporation in court who was not a licensed attorney, they would be guilty of the unauthorized practice of law.
What Should I Do If Federal Agents Come to My Home or Business?
If federal agents come to your home or business, you are not legally obligated to meet with them unless they have a warrant. If they are requesting a conversation, you have the right to have an attorney present during the conversation. If federal agents request copies of documents, you should not provide them without your attorney present. Even if agents claim they are investigating someone else, if you make incriminating statements, they could be used against you.
Hire North Carolina Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Corporations facing federal criminal cases involving white-collar criminal activity need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who can guide them through the intricacies of the case while offering sound legal advice. Contact the W. James Payne Law Firm now to schedule your initial consultation.
