White collar crimes are prosecuted at either the state or federal level. Because most of these crimes cross state lines, they are mainly charged at the federal level. Such crimes are also very complex. Unlike district courts, federal courts have the resources to carry out investigations and bring in expert witnesses to help them and the jury understand the complex issues of the case.
Prosecutors are usually very aggressive and aim to put the criminal in jail. The process usually starts with investigations into financial fraud or misconduct. Once the federal agencies think they have sufficient evidence to convict, they forward the matter to a prosecutor. A judge will issue an arrest warrant if convinced by the prosecutor that there is probable cause that a crime was committed. The prosecutor will also ensure that the suspect does not use proceeds from a financial crime to cover his or her bail.
If the suspect can post bail, he or she will be arraigned in court, and the judge will inform the suspect of the charges and ask for a plea of guilty or not guilty. With a not guilty plea, the hearing will begin.