The topic of White Collar Crimes covers a broad area of the law. To simplify the concept of a White Collar Crime, most have to do with the misappropriation of money, or fraud, or tax charges. They are broadly called White Collar Crimes because they often happen in a business situation, but can happen to just about anyone. You don't have to be an executive to to get arrested in a so called White Collar Crime.
Some of the more common White Collar Crimes include: White collar crimes can be prosecuted at the state level or federal level, or both. Penalties for being convicted of white collar crime typically consist of fines, restitution and, in some cases, prison.
Some of the more common white collar crimes are defined below:
BRIBERY
Bribery is defined as the "corrupt payment or receipt of anything of value in return for official action".
EMBEZZLEMENT
Embezzlement is defined as the "fraudulent conversion of property of another by a person in lawful possession of that property".
EXTORTION
Extortion is defined as "forcing a person to give up property through the use of violence, fear or under pretense of authority".
FORGERY
Forgery is defined as the "making or altering of a false writing with intent to defraud".
FRAUD
Fraud is defined to be "an intentional perversion of truth" or a "false misrepresentation of a matter of fact" which induces another person to "part with some valuable thing belonging to him or to surrender a legal right".
LARCENY
Larceny is the "taking and carrying away of tangible personal property of another by trespass with intent to permanently (or for an unreasonable time) deprive the person of his interest in the property". Larceny must involve personal property, and it must be capable of being possessed, and carried away.
PERJURY
Perjury is the "willful and corrupt taking of a false oath in regard to a material matter in a judicial proceeding".
In addition to the above, crimes such as COMPUTER FRAUD, TELEMARKETING FRAUD, TAX EVASION, TAX FRAUD, INSURANCE FRAUD, crimes committed under the jurisdiction of commodities law and securities law also fall under the definition of white collar crimes.
It is imperative that you protect your legal rights. Never agree to talk to officials or answer any of their questions regarding a possible investigation into a white collar crime until you have discussed the matter with a White Collar defense atttorney like Brian Michaels who is experienced in white collar crime and an expert in both the state and federal court systems.
All of the above crimes, either felony or misdemeanor, are very serious charges and can carry life changing consequences. If you or someone you know has been arrested, or is being investigated for a crime, you need advice from an experienced Business Crimes Lawyer now! Protect your rights and your freedom.