Charity Scams

Many charitable organizations use outside solicitors to obtain donations, and most of the solicitations are done via telephone calls. Telemarketing solicitations for donations is not a crime under Wisconsin law, however the solicitors cannot call numbers listed on the Wisconsin "no call" list.

Frauds

Charity scams come in many forms. In some situations, the company soliciting funds on behalf of the charity has no tie to the organization, thus their claims are false. Those actions can result in numerous charges, including fraud.

Van Wagner on Good Morning America

Attorney Chris Van Wagner was interviewed by Good Morning America during a special segment focused on charity scams. The Good Morning America commentator stated that more than one billion dollars goes to charities every year, but the high costs of solicitations cause many charities to turn to outside vendors. A charity solicitation vendor makes calls on behalf of a charitable organization, asks for donations, and usually handles the receipt of such donations.

Racketeering - RICO

Wisconsin prosecutors however have sought more serious charges for charity scam activity. In a recent charity scam case, they brought charges against the alleged defendants for racketeering under the RICO act. Charges stemming from the RICO act usually involve organized crime (the mob).

Penalties

Racketeering is a Class E Felony in Wisconsin, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment, fines up to $50,000, or both. Repeat offenders can be sentenced to an additional 2 years imprisonment with prior misdemeanor convictions, and addition 6 years imprisonment with prior felony convictions.

investigations - arrests

White collar crimes are very complex charges that can involve many agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, White Collar Crime Unit, Internal Revenue Service, local county prosecutors and district attorneys, and the state attorney general. In certain situations, the grand jury may be involved in the original indictment. Investigations can also include many other agencies, and continue over a span of time ranging from days to years. The consistent fact amongst all white collar crimes of this magnitude is that they require a criminal defense attorney who is both knowledgeable of the system and experienced in trying white collar crime cases.

white collar criminal defense attorneys

The attorneys at Van Wagner & Wood have represented people in both federal and state of Wisconsin courts, tried cases ranging from conspiracy to RICO and racketeering, and won acquittals that other law firms thought impossible.

Van Wagner & Wood's criminal defense attorneys offer a free initial consultation to people who are either under investigation for a white collar crime or have already been arrested on a white collar crime charge. Those attorneys also represent people who have already been convicted of a white collar crime, but want to appeal the conviction or sentence.

free initial consultation

For a free initial consultation with an attorney at Van Wagner & Wood, please call 1-888-663-8163.