Don’t Be Fooled by the Name, White Collar Crime Cases Can Carry Some Pretty Serious Consequences. Don’t Face Them Alone!
Though, in theory, all law violations remain just as illegal as the rest, the world of criminal justice regularly categorizes different types of crimes. As such, you might’ve heard of terms like pink collar crimes, red collar crimes, and white collar crime cases.
In this article, we’ll walk you through an overview of the latter. Even if these cases aren’t as flashy as other violations regularly presented in media (primarily, those that are violent), white collar crime cases are quite common and can come with some serious consequences.
As a result, if you or someone you know is facing prosecution for a white collar crime in or near Worcester, MA — or you simply want more information — don’t hesitate to contact our legal experts for help. You can reach out online or give us a call: (508) 570-3037.
What Is Considered White Collar Crime?
The phrase behind these cases was birthed in 1939, and since then has remained a staple in the justice system nationwide. In simple terms, it relates to any non-violent crime committed by professionals within the business and government sectors.
So, you can expect cases involving money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, credit card theft, public corruption, and more to fall under the definition. (Click here for a complete list of offenses that may be considered white collar crime cases.)
What Punishments Accompany a White Collar Crime Charge?
As with most cases, the answer to this question can differ widely depending on what offense occurred, the damages it caused, and other variable factors.
That being said, most offenders can expect to face prison time when charged with a white collar crime. Even if it is set as a misdemeanor in place of a felony, the investigation process can be a long wait for defendants.
However, this might also be a blessing in disguise for some: During this investigation period, and before the case is submitted to prosecutors, an experienced defense attorney could intervene to reduce charges — or have them dropped entirely.
If this doesn’t happen, law enforcement will likely move forward to request an arrest warrant and place the individual under arrest.
What Kind of Defense Strategies Are Used for White Collar Crime Cases?
If a defendant does end up facing criminal charges, they can still work with an attorney to form a defense plan. As always, the stronger the defense, the higher their chances are of having charges reduced: that’s why it’s crucial to partner with an experienced legal partner like Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP.
At this point, they will likely present one of two common strategies. The first, called “absence of intent,” implies that the defendant wasn’t aware they were breaking the law. The second, called “entrapment,” suggests that the defendant was coerced by law enforcement or government officials to commit the crime.
Some other potential defenses used in white collar crime cases include duress, intoxication, and incapacity.
Need a Strong Team to Help You Face a White Collar Crime Charge?
As with any offense, white collar crime cases should never be taken lightly. To ensure you have the strongest defense possible, reach out to Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP, today to speak with our experienced legal experts.