White collar crimes typically refer to a type of crime committed by business people, entrepreneurs, public officials, and professionals through deception, as opposed to street crimes which tend to involve force (i.e., violent crimes). Although white collar criminal charges are usually brought against individuals, corporations may also be subject to sanctions for these types of offenses.
The most common white collar offenses include: Bank Fraud, Bankruptcy Fraud, Bribery, Computer Hacking, Counterfeiting, Credit Card Fraud, Cyber Crime, Email Interception, Embezzlement, Extortion, Forgery, Health Care Fraud, Identity Theft, Indecent Exposure, Insurance Fraud, Internet Fraud, Investment Fraud, Money Laundering, Pandering, Pyramid Schemes, Racketeering / RICO, Securities Fraud, Tax Evasion / Tax Fraud, Telemarketing Fraud and Wire Fraud.
Depending on whether Federal or State law has been violated, white collar crimes can be prosecuted at the Federal or State level. Penalties vary, but in some cases can result in large fines, home detention, community confinement, costs of prosecution, forfeitures, restitution, supervised release, and imprisonment.
A number of Federal agencies including the FBI, the Internal Revenue Service, the Secret Service, U.S. Customs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, participate in the enforcement of Federal white collar crime legislation. In addition, most states employ their own agencies to enforce white collar crime laws at the State level.
We Can Help
It takes an attorney with the confidence and know-how to deal with Federal and State authorities when it comes to defending individuals and/or corporations against white collar criminal charges. If you or your organization have been accused or charged with such a crime, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately. Early intervention in criminal matters, specifically white collar offenses, has helped us achieve some outstanding results, and will be pivotal to the outcome of your case.
