White Collar Crimes 101

The majority of "white collar" crimes are committedof internal investigations or private investigations.
by salaried professionals using deception, as opposedWhite collar crimes do not represent an immediate
to violence or force, to perpetrate theft or fraud.threat to society; therefore, white collar crimes are
These crimes can be either misdemeanor or felonyoften investigated by federal authorities for a year
infractions of the law, and these types of crimes canor more before charges are filed against an individual
be prosecuted in state court, federal court, or both.suspected of committing these types of crimes.
There are many types of these offenses and mostIndividuals who believe they are under investigation
involved theft by deception or fraud. Such crimesfor a white collar crime should contact an attorney
include offenses such as:o Bank Fraudo Briberyofor assistance.
Credit Card Fraudo Forgeryo Embezzlemento TaxIf you are currently under investigation, have been
Evasioncontacted by law enforcement for questioning, or
Individuals convicted of committing a white collarhave received a subpoena for records or testimony,
crime can face punishments such as fines, restitution,you should contact a lawyer immediately. Individuals
forfeiture, or imprisonment. Additionally, individualsshould never agree to speak with law enforcement
accused or convicted of a white collar crime may beofficials in regard to white collar crime investigations
subject to additional consequences such as loss ofuntil they have discussed the matter with their
employment and loss of pension. Situations such asattorney. You want to be sure that information
these can threaten the financial stability and future ofprovided to law enforcement officers cannot not be
both the accused and their family.used against you in court. For that reason, it is
In many cases, individuals under investigation forimperative to consult an attorney as soon as you
these crimes are aware that they are underlearn you are under investigation.
investigation. Suspected individuals may be the focus