Financial Crimes Attorney Albany, NY

What Can a Financial Crimes Lawyer in Albany Do for You?

A financial crime charge in Albany moves fast. The state or federal legal team may have been building its case for months before your arrest. By the time you’re charged, they already have records, witnesses, and a plan.

At the Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC, we defend clients facing serious financial crime charges across Albany and all of New York State. James E. Tyner is an experienced trial attorney with over 20 years of criminal defense work. He knows how New York handles these cases and how to fight back.

Financial crime charges include fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, tax evasion, and related offenses. These are serious felonies. A guilty finding can cost you your license, your job, and your freedom. It can follow you for the rest of your life.

The Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC, handles a wide range of serious criminal defense matters. Financial crimes are one area where James’s depth of trial work gives clients a real edge. A free, private call is the right first step.

Why Acting Early Can Change the Outcome of Your Case

Every day without a defense attorney is a day the other side gains ground. These cases don’t get easier with time.

State and federal agents often start building financial crime cases months before an arrest. They gather bank records, transaction logs, and witness accounts. By the time you’re charged, that work is already done.

Delay hurts your defense in real ways. Witnesses talk to the state first. Key records may be harder to access. Early decisions, like whether to speak with investigators, can lock you into a bad spot before you’ve had any legal help.

Money laundering, bank fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement all carry stiff prison terms and heavy fines. Even a plea deal without proper defense can cost far more than you expect.

The federal enforcement picture underscores this urgency. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, federal fraud prosecutions remained at historically elevated levels through 2024 and 2025, with the DOJ charging over 3,500 defendants in COVID-relief fraud cases alone and recovering more than $1.4 billion. Financial crime cases at the federal level regularly result in asset freezes and sealed indictments before a defendant is even aware they are under investigation.

At the Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC, we step in right away. We review what’s been filed, find the weak spots in the case, and build a clear strategy around your facts. We also handle related charges, forgery, identity theft, and more, so you don’t need a different attorney for each piece of your case.

Why Albany Clients Choose James E. Tyner for Financial Crime Defense

When you’re facing a serious financial crime charge, you need a lawyer who knows these cases well, will work your case personally, and give you straight answers from day one.

Twenty Years of Criminal Defense in New York

James E. Tyner has practiced criminal defense for over 20 years. He earned his law degree from Albany Law School of Union University and his undergraduate degree in Economics from Union College in Schenectady.

He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York in 2005. That means he can defend you in both state and federal court, which matters in financial crime cases, where both may be involved.

James has handled serious criminal cases across the full range of New York criminal defense. He’s an experienced trial attorney who has taken cases to verdict, not just negotiated pleas. His record reflects that. He holds an Avvo rating of 10.0 and has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the American Association for Justice.

He’s also a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Schenectady County Bar Association, and the New York State Defenders Association.

A Proven Record in White Collar and Financial Crime Cases

James has a strong track record in white collar and financial crime cases across Albany and New York State. Some examples of past outcomes include:

Grand larceny charges against a contractor were dismissed after James convinced the state that no criminal conduct had occurred. A woman charged with issuing a bad check had her charges dismissed after James showed the check was not issued in bad faith. A New York State Department of Labor criminal inquiry into alleged fraudulent receipt of unemployment benefits ended with no charges filed, after talks with the agency.

Past results don’t guarantee a specific outcome in your case. Every case turns on its own facts. But these results reflect James’s ability to find the angles that work and push hard for his clients.

Direct Access and Statewide Reach

When you hire the Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC, you work directly with James. He handles your case from the first call through the final outcome. He returns calls fast — usually within the hour, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

James is based in Albany but handles serious criminal cases across all of New York State. If your case requires travel to another court or jurisdiction, he goes.

What Does a Financial Crimes Case Look Like in New York?

New York financial crime cases move through a clear legal path. Knowing each stage helps you stay informed and make good decisions.

Here’s what working with the Law Office of James E. Tyner looks like.

Free First Call

Your first step is a free, private call with James. Tell him what happened. He listens, asks the right questions, and gives you an honest read on where you stand. You leave the call knowing what you’re facing and what your options are.

Records and Proof Review

Once James takes your case, he gets to work right away. He goes through everything tied to your case. That includes bank records, transaction logs, search warrants, and any proof the state plans to use.

The stakes in federal financial crime cases have continued to rise. In 2024 and 2025, federal courts increasingly paired criminal sentences with aggressive asset forfeiture orders and restitution demands, meaning a conviction can impact bank accounts, property, and business assets well beyond the prison term itself. Understanding the full scope of exposure from the start is essential to building an effective defense.

Financial crime cases often involve both state agencies and federal investigators. James reviews it all. He looks for illegal searches, rights violations, and weak spots in the case against you. If your legal rights were broken at any point, he moves to challenge that proof in court.

Defense Strategy

Every financial crime case is different. Some defenses challenge how the proof was gathered. Others dispute intent, showing you didn’t knowingly commit a crime. Some show that no crime occurred at all.

James builds your defense around your specific facts. He explains each option in plain terms. You understand what each path means before any move is made.

Court and Talks With the State

Financial crime cases in New York can move through Albany County Court or the federal district court. The path depends on the charges.

James handles all court dates and talks with the state on your behalf. If the state offers a plea deal, James reviews it against the strength of the case and gives you his honest take. If trial is the right move, James is a tested trial attorney. He’ll fight.

Resolution

Most cases end in one of three ways: a dismissal, an agreed outcome, or a verdict at trial. James works toward the best result the law and facts allow.

If sentencing follows, he fights hard to reduce the impact on your life. He also walks you through any options after the case closes, appeals, or other legal steps that may apply.

Take Control of Your Defense While It Still Matters 

A financial crime charge is one of the most stressful things a person can face. Your reputation is at risk. So is your career, your freedom, and your family’s stability.

At the Law Office of James E. Tyner, PLLC, we understand what’s at stake. James has spent over 20 years defending people in exactly this situation, people who didn’t expect to find themselves facing criminal charges and didn’t know where to turn.

The first step is simple. Reach out. The call is free, and what you say stays private. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. That’s what the first meeting is for. James will help you see the path forward, clearly and without pressure.

Visit our contact page to schedule your free call. The sooner you act, the more we can do for you.

FAQs

What counts as a financial crime in New York?

New York law covers many types of financial crimes. Common ones include fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, and identity theft. Charges can be filed at the state or federal level. The facts of your case determine which charges apply.

Is a financial crime a felony in New York?

It depends on the amount involved. Under New York Penal Law, theft of $1,000 or more can be charged as a felony. Larger amounts bring more serious charges. Federal financial crimes often carry even harsher penalties.

Can I face both state and federal charges?

Yes. Some financial crimes break both state and federal law. Two separate agencies may review your case at the same time. An experienced financial crimes attorney in Albany can help you understand what you’re facing and where each charge comes from.

What should I do if I’m under review but not yet charged?

Get legal help right away. Don’t speak to agents or officers without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you. Acting early gives you the best chance to protect your rights from the start.

How long do financial crime cases take in New York?

These cases often take months or years to resolve. Complex fraud or money laundering cases involve large amounts of records. Federal cases tend to move slower than state cases. James can give you a clearer picture of the timeline once he knows your facts.