Find Out What To Do If You’re Charged With a White Collar Crime
In this entry, we continue our Legal Lingo series by focusing on charges for white collar crimes and why partnering with a lawyer is an absolute must if you face such charges.
What is a white collar crime?
The phrase “white-collar crime” was reportedly coined in 1939 to refer to nonviolent crimes committed for monetary gain. Examples of white collar crimes include but aren’t limited to:
- Extortion (forcing someone to give up money by threat of violence)
- Identity theft
- Money laundering
- Tax fraud
- Forgery
- Insurance fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Credit card fraud
- Insider trading
What are the penalties for white collar crimes?
State and federal law enforcement agencies prosecute white collar crimes. Penalties can include monetary fines, prison sentence, restitution, forfeitures, reimbursement for legal costs, home detention, supervised release, and imprisonment, or a combination of all.
What’s the best defense for a white collar crime?
The prosecution of white collar crimes are incredibly complicated matters. In fact, it often takes government officials months or even years to build a case. That’s why it’s imperative to partner with a lawyer if you’re facing charges for white collar crimes – rightly or wrongly. After examining the aspects of your case, your lawyer will be in the best position to determine your defense. Because the burden is on the prosecution to prove intent, one of the most effective strategies is to demonstrate that – even if you benefited from an alleged crime – there was no intent to commit a crime. Other options include proving entrapment (that you were pressured to commit a crime) or negotiating a plea bargain to minimize any punishment.
If You’re Facing Charges for White Collar Crime, Save Your Reputation by Calling The Oswalt Law Group
If you’ve been charged with a white collar crime, it’s imperative to talk with a lawyer skilled in business and criminal law. Here at The Oswalt Law Firm, we’ll thoroughly analyze your case and aggressively fight to maintain your reputation. The first consultation is always free, so call us at (602) 225-2222.