What Are White Collar Crime Offenses?
The term white collar crime has its origins in the late 1930s. At that time, a sociologist outlined contrasts between non-violent offenses and crimes involving physical force. Because office workers and other professionals traditionally wear white collar shirts as part of their work attire, non-violent crimes committed in the context of corporate, professional, or business settings began to be referred to as white collar offenses.
Because individuals in positions of influence participate in white collar crimes, these offenses can have far-reaching consequences for individuals and society, even if they don’t involve physical violence. As a result, criminal consequences can be severe, and it is important to hire a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer if you suspect you are being investigated for criminal activity.
Fraud, Money Laundering, and More
White collar crimes encompass a range of offenses but they share some commonalities as these types of crimes often involve manipulation or abuse of power for personal and monetary gain. Some examples of white collar crimes include the following:
- Corrupt practices or bribery. When a public official or individual offers, receives, solicits or gives something of value in order to have an impact on the actions of another.
- This charge is often connected to wrongful or criminal deception for financial gain, examples include securities fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, and healthcare fraud. Identity theft charges can also fall under fraud.
- When a person is entrusted to handle funds, typically the funds of an employer, and they use them for another purpose, they are embezzling.
- Money laundering. In order to shield money from being legally assessed, individuals who are money laundering pass the funds through various transaction layers to hide it from review.
- Illegal trading. It is insider trading when an individual tradies stocks and financial securities because they have information that is not public.
Because white collar crimes involve intricate financial transactions, the charges can be complicated to fight. A strong defense is often reliant on extensive documentation and specialized legal knowledge. As soon as you connect with a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer they can begin to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Negotiation and Plea Bargaining
Sometimes there is an outcome that does not absolve the individual from the charges but has the charges reduced, which can minimize penalties. A criminal attorney can look over the evidence the prosecution has secured and engage in negotiation on your behalf. Even though a criminal conviction for a white collar crime can have severe consequences, including substantial fines, probation, and even imprisonment, a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer may be able to mitigate these damages, so the offense will have a smaller impact on your personal and professional life.
Are you concerned about being charged with a white collar crime? These types of crimes are non-violent offenses committed in professional or business settings, and they often involve deceit, fraud, or financial manipulation. If you suspect you are being investigated for a non-violent offense, hire the legal team at King Law Group to protect your rights. Schedule your free consultation today.
