Criminal charges involving alleged white collar criminal activity can have serious implications for your life. If convicted, you could face penalties that may include time bars, fines and loss of your career. Federal and state governments prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law, and even though these cases lack an element of violence, a conviction could result in years of your life in prison.
It is in your interest to take your situation seriously whether you are under investigation or already charged. With a proper defense, you may be able to effectively confront the charges against you. This starts with a more thorough understanding of what you are up against and how you can fight the case against you. White collar crime typically involves any illegal activity committed with the intent of financial gain.
Types of white collar offenses
White collar crime is a broad term used to describe various types of criminal activity. It usually involves some type of deceit or scheme in order to access funds, receive money or run a scheme with the intent of committing some type of fraud. Common types of white collar crime include:
- Fraud – Fraud is a broad description used for activities that use deception to defraud someone out of his or her money. Types of fraud include credit card fraud, health care fraud and securities fraud.
- Tax evasion – This type of crime involves intentionally avoiding the payment of taxes by hiding income, illegally transferring property or simply failing to pay required taxes. Both individuals and Kentucky businesses can commit tax evasion.
- Embezzlement – This type of white collar crime involves taking money from someone to whom you owe some type of fiduciary duty. Employees, financial investors and those trusted with someone else’s money can commit embezzlement.
Your defense against white collar criminal charges should be based on the nature of the case against you, the prosecution’s evidence and your criminal history, as well as other factors.
Where should you start?
It can be overwhelming to learn you are under investigation for white collar criminal activity, but you can start now to work on a strategy with which you can fight back and preserve your future interests. Even if you are not yet formally charged, you have certain rights that are worth protecting, no matter what you are facing and the details of your individual case.
