Best White Collar Crime Lawyers in Berikon

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Founded in 2007
3 people in their team
English
Based in Berikon in the Mutschellen region, Advokatur und Notariat lic. iur. Stephan Eichenberger, Rechtsanwalt und Notar, combines an advocacy practice with a full notarial service. Led by lic. iur. Stephan Eichenberger and supported by attorney MLaw Fabienne Senn-Kaufmann, the office serves...
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About White Collar Crime Law in Berikon, Switzerland

White-collar crime refers to non-violent offenses typically committed in commercial, professional or government contexts. In Berikon, Switzerland - which sits in the canton of Aargau and is part of the Swiss legal system - common forms include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, bribery, money laundering, tax offenses, accounting and reporting violations, and certain cyber-enabled crimes targeting businesses or financial systems. These matters are handled under federal criminal law and a range of regulatory regimes, with investigations and prosecutions conducted by cantonal authorities in most cases and by federal authorities when the case is complex or cross-border.

Because Switzerland operates on a civil law model, investigations are often led by prosecutors who gather evidence before a trial. Individuals and companies facing allegations should take them seriously early on, since investigative measures can include searches, asset freezes, provisional measures and criminal charges that carry fines, imprisonment, professional consequences and civil liability.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

White-collar matters often involve technical law, complex financial records and multiple jurisdictions. You may need a lawyer if any of the following apply:

- You are contacted by police, a cantonal prosecutor or a regulatory authority regarding suspected fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, bribery or related conduct.

- You receive a search-warrant notice, a request for documents, or a demand to surrender electronic devices.

- You face or anticipate criminal charges, or a company you work for is under investigation.

- There are civil claims linked to alleged misconduct, such as claims for damages, director liability or breach of fiduciary duty.

- You are worried about asset freezing, provisional seizure or enforcement measures that affect personal or corporate assets.

- You need help navigating regulatory investigations by financial supervisors, tax authorities or industry regulators, or if cross-border cooperation and mutual legal assistance may be involved.

A specialised lawyer provides immediate protection of rights, advises on how to interact with authorities, organizes the collection and preservation of evidence, negotiates with prosecutors or regulators, prepares procedural defences, and represents you in court or in administrative proceedings.

Local Laws Overview

White-collar crime in Berikon is governed primarily by federal legislation that applies across Switzerland, enforced locally by cantonal bodies. Key legal frameworks and institutions include the following:

- Swiss Criminal Code - sets out offences such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, and other criminal provisions relevant to economic wrongdoing. These provisions form the basis for criminal prosecution.

- Anti-Money-Laundering Law and related regulations - impose criminal penalties and reporting obligations on financial intermediaries and professions exposed to money-laundering risks. Professionals may have mandatory duties to file reports when they suspect money laundering.

- Swiss Code of Obligations - regulates corporate duties, accounting and bookkeeping obligations, directors duties and civil liability for companies and managers. Failure to meet statutory accounting duties can lead to criminal or civil consequences.

- Financial market and sector-specific legislation - laws such as the Banking Act, Market Abuse rules and FINMA supervision apply to regulated institutions and can trigger administrative sanctions in addition to criminal exposure.

- Cantonal criminal procedure - criminal investigations and prosecutions are usually conducted by the cantonal public prosecutor and tried in cantonal courts. For Aargau matters, the cantonal prosecuting authorities and courts apply federal criminal rules in local procedures.

- Federal authorities - in cases that are complex, cross-cantonal or cross-border, federal prosecutors or the Office of the Attorney General may take over. Mutual legal assistance and extradition issues are handled at the federal level.

Other practical points - proceedings in Berikon will generally be conducted in German. Reporting obligations under anti-money-laundering law and sectoral supervision may require firms to appoint compliance officers and maintain robust documentation to limit liability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly counts as white-collar crime in Switzerland?

White-collar crime covers non-violent economic offences such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, insider trading, accounting fraud, tax offenses, money laundering and some types of cybercrime that target businesses or financial systems. The defining feature is that the crimes arise from a professional or business setting.

What should I do if the police or prosecutor contacts me?

Remain calm. You should avoid making spontaneous statements about the facts. Ask whether you are a witness or a suspect and request to consult a lawyer. It is usually prudent to contact a lawyer before answering detailed questions or handing over documents or devices.

Do I have to answer questions from investigators?

No - you have the right to remain silent. Under Swiss criminal procedure you may refuse to incriminate yourself. You also have the right to legal counsel. Speaking without a lawyer can harm your case, so seek advice before participating in interviews.

Can my company be prosecuted in Switzerland?

Yes. Companies can face criminal and administrative liability, sanctions and fines. Directors and employees may also face personal criminal exposure. Corporate investigations often involve parallel criminal, regulatory and civil proceedings.

Can authorities seize my assets or freeze bank accounts?

Yes. Prosecutors can seek provisional measures, such as freezing assets, provisional seizure and orders to preserve evidence. Such measures are common when investigators fear dissipation of assets or tampering with evidence.

How long does a white-collar investigation usually take?

It varies widely - from a few months for straightforward matters to several years for complex or cross-border cases. Cooperation between cantonal, federal and foreign authorities can extend timelines. Early legal help can sometimes speed up resolution or limit the scope of the investigation.

Are there special reporting obligations for professionals?

Yes. Certain professions and financial intermediaries are subject to anti-money-laundering reporting duties and must notify authorities if they suspect money laundering. Failure to report can itself lead to sanctions in regulated sectors.

Will a conviction mean I will go to prison?

Penalties depend on the offense, the facts and mitigating or aggravating circumstances. For serious fraud or large-scale offenses prison is possible. Many cases result in fines, conditional penalties or suspended sentences, but every case is different.

Do Swiss procedures include plea bargaining similar to other countries?

Switzerland does not follow the same formal plea-bargaining model as some other jurisdictions. However, prosecutors and defence counsel can agree on procedural shortcuts, simplified procedures or negotiated outcomes in certain cases. Any agreement depends on the prosecutor and the court.

How do I choose the right lawyer for a white-collar case in Berikon?

Look for a lawyer or firm with specific experience in criminal defence, financial crime, regulatory investigations and, if relevant, international mutual legal assistance. Ask about language skills, previous case experience, approach to investigations, fee structure and whether they work with forensic accountants or IT specialists when needed.

Additional Resources

When seeking information or help, consider these types of bodies and organisations in Switzerland and in the canton of Aargau - they can provide official guidance, oversight or contact points for investigations and supervision:

- Cantonal prosecuting authority in Aargau - the public prosecutor's office that conducts criminal investigations at the cantonal level.

- Kantonspolizei Aargau - responsible for law-enforcement actions and initial investigative measures in the canton.

- Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland - handles federal-level prosecutions in complex, cross-cantonal and international cases.

- Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) - central authority for receiving and analysing reports of suspected money laundering.

- Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority - FINMA - supervises banks, insurers and other regulated financial institutions and can take administrative sanctions.

- Federal Tax Administration and cantonal tax authorities - for tax-related investigations and assessment matters.

- Swiss Bar Association and local or cantonal bar associations - can help locate qualified defence counsel and provide information on legal aid and professional standards.

- Industry associations and compliance networks - many sectors have guidance on preventing and responding to white-collar risks, which can be useful if you are a regulated firm.

Next Steps

If you suspect you are under investigation or are contacted by authorities, take these practical steps:

- Stop and preserve evidence - avoid deleting emails, messages or documents. Preserve devices and relevant records, and keep a record of all contacts with investigators or other parties.

- Contact a specialised lawyer immediately - early advice can protect your rights, guide how to respond to requests and limit exposure. Choose counsel experienced in white-collar crime and comfortable with German language proceedings in Aargau or arrange for an interpreter.

- Do not make spontaneous statements to investigators or third parties - consult your lawyer before providing documents, making statements or negotiating.

- Prepare a factual timeline and gather documents - work with your lawyer to collect contracts, accounting records, emails and other evidence that support your position.

- Consider engaging forensic experts - for complex accounting or IT issues, forensic accountants and IT specialists preserve and analyse electronic evidence and strengthen your defence.

- Explore procedural options - your lawyer can advise on immediate measures such as challenging searches or seizures, filing complaints and negotiating with prosecutors when appropriate.

- Budget for legal costs and consider legal aid - ask about fees, retainers and whether you qualify for cantonal legal assistance or insurance that may cover defence costs.

Facing a white-collar matter can be stressful and technically demanding. Prompt, experienced legal guidance focused on Swiss criminal, regulatory and corporate law will help you protect your interests and navigate the process in Berikon and the canton of Aargau.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.