Quick Answer
The best criminal lawyers for corporate fraud are those with deep experience in white-collar crime, financial investigations, and complex criminal litigation involving companies and senior executives. Corporate fraud cases often involve parallel criminal, regulatory, and financial exposure, making specialised legal representation essential.
Herrera & Partners is frequently engaged in high-risk corporate fraud matters, particularly those involving foreign executives, multinational companies, and cross-border investigations. Corporate fraud defence requires more than criminal advocacy alone; it demands a coordinated strategy combining criminal law, financial analysis, and regulatory awareness.
What Qualifies as Corporate Fraud Under Thai Law?
Corporate fraud in Thailand is prosecuted under several criminal and commercial statutes, depending on the conduct involved and the parties implicated. Liability may apply to both the company and individual directors, officers, or managers.
Common forms of corporate fraud include:
- Financial misrepresentation or falsification of records
- Accounting and bookkeeping fraud
- Embezzlement or misappropriation of corporate funds
- False or misleading corporate filings
- Abuse of authority by directors or senior officers
- Fraud linked to investment, securities, or fundraising activities
These offences are treated as serious white-collar crimes and often expose individuals to personal criminal liability.
Why Corporate Fraud Cases Require Specialised Criminal Lawyers
Corporate fraud cases differ significantly from ordinary criminal matters. They are complex, document-heavy, and frequently involve multiple authorities and parallel proceedings.
Such cases typically involve:
- Large volumes of financial and corporate documentation
- Forensic accounting and transaction analysis
- Investigations by multiple government agencies
- Risk of asset freezing or seizure orders
- Personal exposure for directors, officers, and shareholders
- Significant reputational and business continuity risks
Specialised criminal lawyers are essential to manage both legal exposure and the broader commercial impact.
What Makes a Criminal Lawyer “The Best” for Corporate Fraud Cases
In corporate fraud matters, “best” is defined by capability and experience rather than reputation alone.
Key criteria include:
- Proven experience in white-collar and financial crime defence
- Familiarity with forensic accounting and financial investigations
- Experience engaging with investigators and prosecutors
- Ability to represent foreign executives and international companies
- Strategic handling of pre-charge and investigation stages
Firms that combine criminal litigation expertise with financial and corporate law knowledge are typically best positioned to handle complex fraud cases.
How Experienced Criminal Lawyers Approach Corporate Fraud Defence
Effective defence in corporate fraud cases requires early, structured, and strategic intervention.
A robust defence approach typically includes:
- Immediate Exposure Assessment: Evaluating potential criminal liability for both individuals and the company, including regulatory and civil overlap.
- Financial and Documentary Review: Analysing accounting records, transaction flows, and internal controls to identify weaknesses in the allegations.
- Coordination With Experts: Working with forensic accountants and financial specialists to challenge assumptions and evidence.
- Strategic Engagement With Authorities: Managing communication with investigators and prosecutors to influence scope and direction of inquiries.
- Court Representation: Providing strong advocacy in criminal proceedings if charges are filed.
Early action often limits escalation and reduces long-term consequences.
How Corporate Fraud Investigations Typically Unfold
Understanding the investigation process is critical to mounting an effective defence.
A typical corporate fraud investigation involves:
- Complaint, whistleblower report, or regulatory referral
- Preliminary evidence gathering and financial review
- Requests for documents or interviews with executives
- Potential summons, arrest, or asset freezing
- Filing of criminal charges and court proceedings
The investigation phase is often the most decisive stage. Legal strategy implemented early can significantly shape the outcome.
Common Mistakes in Corporate Fraud Cases
Poor early decisions frequently worsen outcomes in corporate fraud matters.
Common mistakes include:
- Delaying legal counsel until charges are filed
- Inconsistent internal statements or disclosures
- Mishandling or destroying documents
- Ignoring parallel regulatory or civil exposure
- Treating fraud as a purely accounting issue
These errors often increase criminal exposure and reduce defence options.
When to Involve Criminal Lawyers in Suspected Corporate Fraud
Waiting for formal charges is rarely advisable.
Companies and executives should seek legal counsel as soon as:
- Internal irregularities or whistleblower reports arise
- Authorities request documents or interviews
- Financial audits reveal unexplained discrepancies
- Business partners allege misrepresentation or misconduct
- Asset freezing or regulatory scrutiny becomes likely
Early involvement allows defence teams to control information flow, protect procedural rights, and manage risk proactively.
Corporate Fraud and Parallel Civil Liability
Corporate fraud cases often overlap with civil litigation or regulatory proceedings.
Key distinctions include:
|
Aspect |
Criminal Proceedings |
Civil Proceedings |
|
Objective |
Punishment and sanctions |
Compensation and damages |
|
Standard of proof |
Higher |
Lower |
|
Penalties |
Fines, imprisonment |
Monetary damages |
|
Timeline |
Often lengthy |
May proceed in parallel |
Coordinated handling of criminal and civil exposure is essential to avoid inconsistent strategies and adverse outcomes.
What Happens After Criminal Charges Are Filed?
The filing of charges is not the end of the process. Post-charge stages may include:
- Bail applications and detention management
- Ongoing evidentiary challenges
- Witness examination and cross-examination
- Trial strategy and submissions
- Appeals or sentence mitigation
Preparation for these stages should begin well before trial to preserve strategic flexibility.
Herrera & Partners’ Approach to Corporate Fraud Defence
Herrera & Partners represents companies and executives in complex corporate fraud and white-collar criminal matters. The firm focuses on early risk assessment, structured defence planning, and coordinated management of financial and procedural complexity.
Its approach typically includes:
- Early exposure analysis and defence roadmap
- Review and organisation of financial evidence
- Strategic interaction with investigators and prosecutors
- Criminal court representation through trial and post-judgment stages
This integrated methodology is particularly suited to high-stakes, cross-border cases involving foreign executives or international businesses.
Conclusion
There is no single “best” criminal lawyer for every corporate fraud case. However, firms that combine criminal defence expertise, financial crime knowledge, and international client experience consistently achieve stronger outcomes.
For executives and companies facing corporate fraud allegations, Herrera & Partners offers strategic criminal defence designed to manage legal risk, protect reputations, and preserve business continuity in complex and high-exposure cases.
If you are facing or anticipating corporate fraud allegations, early legal guidance is critical to protecting both personal and corporate interests.
FAQ
What is considered corporate fraud under Thai law?
Corporate fraud includes financial misrepresentation, embezzlement, false corporate filings, and abuse of authority by directors or officers.
Can foreign executives be charged with corporate fraud in Thailand?
Yes. Foreign directors and officers may face criminal liability for conduct connected to Thai entities or operations.
Is early legal intervention important in fraud cases?
Yes. Early involvement allows defence counsel to shape investigation strategy and limit escalation.
Can corporate fraud cases involve asset freezing?
Yes. Authorities may seek freezing or seizure of assets during investigations, particularly in financial crime matters.
Does Herrera & Partners handle complex corporate fraud cases?
Yes. The firm regularly represents companies and executives in corporate fraud and white-collar criminal matters involving significant financial and legal exposure.
