Best White Collar Crime Lawyers in Melissia

About White Collar Crime Law in Melissia, Greece

White-collar crime covers non-violent, financially motivated offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, insider trading, tax evasion, money laundering, false accounting, and related regulatory violations. In Melissia - a suburb of Athens - alleged white-collar crimes are investigated and prosecuted under national Greek criminal and administrative law. Local matters are handled by the Hellenic Police and by prosecutors and courts in the Athens jurisdiction. Cases often involve both criminal sanctions and civil or administrative consequences, including fines, asset freezes, professional bans, and civil claims for damages.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

White-collar matters are legally and factually complex. You should consider hiring a lawyer when you face any of the following situations:

- You are the subject of a police inquiry, search, or seizure related to financial records or electronic data.

- You receive a notice or audit from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue or other regulator.

- You are interviewed by prosecutors or investigators about alleged fraud, bribery, money laundering, or tax offenses.

- Authorities freeze bank accounts, impose asset restraints, or seek preventive measures against you or your company.

- You are charged or formally indicted for a white-collar offence.

- You are a corporate officer who needs to manage internal investigations, compliance responses, or potential civil liability.

- There is a risk of extradition, international mutual legal assistance, or cross-border asset tracing.

A lawyer helps protect your rights, preserve and manage evidence, negotiate with authorities, prepare legal defenses, and coordinate forensic accountants or IT specialists when needed.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Greek law relevant to white-collar crime include:

- Criminal Code provisions - The Greek Penal Code criminalizes fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, forgery, and related offenses. Penalties vary based on severity and whether the act is considered a felony.

- Anti-money-laundering regime - Greece enforces AML rules that require reporting of suspicious transactions, asset freezing, and cooperation with the Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit. Money laundering offenses carry severe criminal penalties.

- Tax and customs law - The Independent Authority for Public Revenue pursues tax evasion and related financial crimes; substantial administrative penalties and criminal prosecutions can follow large-scale evasion.

- Capital markets and insider trading rules - The Hellenic Capital Market Commission regulates market abuse and insider trading. Violations can trigger criminal charges and regulatory sanctions.

- Anti-corruption and public procurement rules - Bribery and corruption involving public officials are criminal offences. The Hellenic National Transparency Authority and prosecutors handle investigations into public-sector corruption.

- Procedural rights and criminal procedure - Suspects have rights including the presumption of innocence, the right to legal representation, the right to remain silent, and procedural guarantees under Greek law. Investigations are led by police and prosecutors; serious cases proceed to indictment and trial in the competent courts of Athens.

- Civil and administrative consequences - Beyond criminal penalties, individuals and companies may face civil claims for damages, administrative fines, license suspensions, and professional disqualification.

- Statutes of limitation - Limitation periods depend on the offense and can be extended in complex financial crimes; an experienced lawyer can assess timing risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as white-collar crime in Melissia and Greece?

White-collar crime generally includes non-violent offenses motivated by financial gain - for example fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, money laundering, bribery, insider trading, false accounting, and document forgery. National criminal law defines the elements of each offence.

What happens if the police come to search my home or office?

Searches must be ordered by a prosecutor or judge and carried out under legal safeguards. You should remain calm, ask to see the search warrant, avoid obstructing officers, and contact a lawyer immediately. Do not voluntarily destroy or hide documents or data - doing so can create additional criminal exposure.

Will I automatically be arrested if I am under investigation?

Not necessarily. Arrest depends on the facts and the prosecutor's assessment of flight risk, risk of evidence destruction, or danger to public order. Investigations often begin without immediate arrest. If there is a risk of arrest, contact a lawyer right away.

Can investigators access my bank accounts or freeze assets?

Yes. Authorities may apply to a judge to freeze accounts or impose asset restraints, particularly in cases of suspected money laundering, fraud, or tax evasion. Freezes can be part of criminal or administrative actions and can significantly affect individuals and businesses.

Do I need a lawyer for an audit by the tax authority?

Yes. Tax audits can lead to administrative penalties and criminal charges for serious evasion. A lawyer with tax and criminal experience can advise on cooperation, documentation, mitigation strategies, and potential defenses if criminal exposure exists.

Can companies be prosecuted in Greece for white-collar crimes committed by employees?

Yes. Legal persons can face administrative fines, criminal liability in certain cases, and sanctions such as exclusion from public procurement. Companies are expected to maintain adequate compliance programs; absence of such programs can increase liability.

What penalties might I face if convicted?

Penalties vary by offense and severity. They can include imprisonment, heavy fines, confiscation or forfeiture of assets, civil damages, and professional bans. Complex financial crimes and money laundering cases usually carry more severe sentences.

How long do white-collar cases normally take?

Timelines vary widely - from months for simpler matters to several years for complex investigations involving forensic accounting, international cooperation, and asset tracing. Delays can occur at investigation, indictment, and trial stages.

Can I negotiate a settlement or plea in Greece?

There are limited mechanisms for settlement in criminal matters under Greek law and certain procedural reforms have introduced options for resolving cases short of trial in specific circumstances. The availability of negotiated outcomes depends on the facts, the charges, and prosecutorial discretion. Discuss options with a lawyer early.

How should I choose a lawyer for a white-collar issue in Melissia?

Look for an attorney with specific experience in criminal law and financial crime, familiarity with Athens courts and prosecutors, and access to forensic accountants and IT specialists. Ask about past cases, strategy, fees, and communication practices. If finances are limited, inquire about legal aid eligibility or limited-scope representation.

Additional Resources

Useful bodies and types of assistance for white-collar matters in Melissia and the wider Athens area include:

- Local police - contact the Melissia police station for immediate incident reports and to learn whether you are subject to an investigation.

- Hellenic Police - Economic Crime or Financial Crime divisions handle complex financial investigations.

- Hellenic Financial Intelligence Unit - the national unit for suspicious transaction reporting and AML coordination.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - audits and tax enforcement.

- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - oversight of market abuse and insider trading.

- Hellenic National Transparency Authority - anti-corruption complaints and oversight.

- Public Prosecutor's Office in Athens - prosecution of economic crimes.

- Athens Bar Association - for referrals to qualified criminal and regulatory lawyers practicing in the Athens area, including Melissia.

- Private specialists - forensic accountants, IT forensics firms, and compliance consultants who regularly support legal defense and internal investigations.

Next Steps

If you believe you are facing a white-collar investigation or risk of prosecution, take these steps promptly:

- Do not delay in contacting a qualified lawyer with white-collar or economic crime experience in Athens. Early legal advice preserves rights and shapes the investigation.

- Preserve documents and electronic records - avoid deleting files or communicating about the matter without counsel. Collect and secure contracts, invoices, emails, bank statements, and accounting records.

- If authorities contact you, request to speak with a lawyer before answering substantive questions. Exercise your right to remain silent as advised by counsel.

- Consider engaging forensic accountants and IT specialists through your lawyer to assess the facts and prepare a response.

- Notify your insurer if you have relevant legal expenses or directors and officers coverage, and consider internal compliance steps to limit further exposure.

- If you are a company, plan for a controlled internal investigation led by counsel to identify issues, preserve privilege where possible, and propose remedial measures.

- If finances are an issue, ask your lawyer about limited-scope representation, payment plans, or whether you qualify for legal aid under Greek rules.

Facing a white-collar allegation is serious but manageable with early, experienced legal assistance. Seek counsel quickly, document the facts carefully, and follow professional advice to protect your rights and interests.