In Georgia's competitive business landscape, an investigation by authorities such as the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance or the Prosecutor’s Office can trigger a corporate crisis. These inquiries pose a severe threat not only to an executive's career, personal assets, and liberty but also to the company's financial stability, operational continuity, and public reputation. Our firm provides specialized crisis management and sophisticated criminal defense for corporate entities and their key officers. We understand that in these high-stakes situations, clients require more than just a lawyer; they need a strategic partner capable of navigating the dual threats of personal and corporate liability while protecting the business they have built.
The legal framework in Georgia presents unique challenges, most notably through the principle of corporate criminal liability established in the Criminal Code. This means a company can be prosecuted for crimes committed for its benefit by its leadership, creating a complex scenario where an executive and the corporation may face charges simultaneously. Our defense practice is built on an exhaustive understanding of the offenses that companies and their leaders most often face. This includes complex allegations of Tax Evasion (Article 218), which involves the intentional concealment of taxable assets; Legalization of Illicit Income or Money Laundering (Article 194), related to obscuring the criminal origin of funds; corporate Fraud (Article 180); and Misappropriation or Embezzlement (Article 182), which can stem from alleged breaches of fiduciary duties as defined under the Law of Georgia on Entrepreneurs.
For the individual executive, director, or board member, a criminal investigation is a profound personal challenge. Our immediate priority is to shield you from prosecutorial pressure and protect your fundamental rights. We provide discreet, one-on-one counsel, preparing you for any potential interrogation and ensuring you never face investigators alone. A crucial part of our strategy involves creating a separate and robust defense file focused entirely on your personal situation, carefully navigating any potential conflicts of interest that may arise between you and the company. Our defense work is meticulous, aiming to dismantle the prosecution's case by challenging evidence of your direct intent or knowledge of the alleged wrongdoing, with the ultimate goal of securing a pre-indictment resolution that protects your freedom and reputation.
When a corporation itself is targeted, our focus expands to ensuring business continuity while mounting a formidable legal defense. The immediate risk of frozen bank accounts can paralyze a company, preventing it from making payroll or paying suppliers. Our lawyers act decisively to challenge such measures, fighting to keep the business operational. A cornerstone of our corporate defense is conducting swift, privileged internal investigations. This allows us to confidentially ascertain the facts, identify the scope of potential liability, and preserve crucial evidence. Armed with this knowledge, we can advise the board on the most effective strategy, whether it involves negotiating with authorities to demonstrate remedial actions and seek leniency, or preparing a comprehensive defense to contest the charges outright and protect the company from crippling sanctions.
Navigating the Georgian justice system requires a clear understanding of the entire process, from the first summons to a potential trial. Our team guides clients through every critical stage. We manage the initial response to search warrants and subpoenas, oversee the complex evidence discovery phase, and act as your sole representative in all interactions with the prosecution. Where appropriate, we engage in strategic negotiations, exploring outcomes like deferred prosecution agreements that can resolve a matter without a criminal conviction. Should a trial become necessary, our seasoned litigators are prepared to vigorously defend you or your company in court, leveraging their deep experience with Georgian judicial practices in economic crime cases to fight for a full acquittal.
Our firm’s distinct advantage is our integrated expertise in both high-stakes criminal defense and complex corporate law. We are uniquely positioned to manage the intricate, often parallel, legal proceedings that define these cases. We develop a unified defense strategy that addresses the criminal investigation while proactively managing related risks, such as civil shareholder lawsuits or administrative penalties. This holistic approach ensures every decision is made with a full appreciation of its impact on all fronts, providing comprehensive protection for our clients' personal liberty and their corporate legacy.
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