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Many people hear about white-collar crime, but they aren’t entirely clear about what it is. That’s because many different crimes are considered white collar. “White-collar crime” is not an official, technical term, but a slang term that refers to any non-violent crime resulting in financial gain. It was first used in 1939.
White collar crimes are a type of economic crimes and financially motivated crimes, often prosecuted as financial crimes.
It can be challenging to defend yourself when charged with a white-collar crime, especially when many people do not understand what it is. That’s why it is vital to hire a knowledgeable attorney to help.
Many different offenses can be considered a white-collar crime. Examples include fraud (deceptive practices for financial gain), tax fraud (intentionally deceiving tax authorities to reduce tax liabilities), mortgage fraud (manipulating the mortgage or real estate process through deception), identity theft (fraudulent use of personal information), health care fraud (false medical insurance claims or fraudulent billing), securities fraud (deceptive practices in stock or investment markets), and public corruption (illegal acts by government officials or contractors). Other common crimes are tax evasion, which is the official term for not paying all of the taxes that you owe, and money laundering, or trying to hide the source of money received through criminal activity. Bribery is another example, and it could include offers of either money, services, or items of value.
When the term “white-collar crime” was first invented, most of the people accused were financial professionals. The word white collar refers to the professional clothing that those accused of this crime tended to wear. That stereotype is no longer relevant, however, although the term is still used. With the growth of digital technology, this type of crime has expanded. Now there are even more opportunities for the average citizens to be involved with white-collar crime. White collar criminal charges can be brought against a wide range of individuals, not just professionals, and white collar offenses are prosecuted in both state court and federal court, depending on the nature of the offense.
The sentences for white-collar crime range widely, depending on the scale of the crime. Some less serious offenses are charged as Class A misdemeanors. These charges carry a fine of up to $4,000 and a year in prison. Larger crimes can be charged as first-degree felonies, which carry a sentence of up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Potential penalties for white collar criminal charges can include prison time, substantial fines, and other consequences, and the number of people affected and a defendant’s criminal history can influence sentencing. Federal charges for white collar crimes are handled in federal criminal cases, which are often more complex and severe than state cases, and may involve federal prosecutors, federal agencies, and law enforcement officers. Federal investigations into federal white collar crimes can last more than a year and often involve federal agents, federal investigators, and government agencies such as the federal government.
That is why it is so important to hire a knowledgeable attorney if accused of white-collar crime. An experienced attorney with extensive experience and sophisticated knowledge of federal law and the legal process is essential for building a strong defense strategy and achieving a favorable outcome. Defense attorneys and criminal defense attorneys play a crucial role in defending clients, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and fully protect their rights throughout the legal process. Legal representation is vital for navigating plea deals, developing a defense strategy, and ensuring the best possible result in a criminal case.
If you are facing white collar crime charges in the San Antonio area or San Antonio, TX, contact us today for a free consultation and free initial consultation.
If you have been accused of a crime, a lawyer can help. When the crime relates to financial gain, there are a variety of ways to fight the charges. An experienced attorney can guide you through every stage of the criminal process and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your case.
The ideal scenario is to have the charges dismissed. This happens when there is insufficient evidence to charge you with a crime. This is ideal because you then get to avoid a trial. If the case cannot be dismissed, there is also the option for plea deals. In that scenario, you plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge or lighter sentence. Plea deals are a common resolution method in criminal defense and can play a crucial role in achieving a favorable outcome for clients. Finally, a lawyer could aim for non-trial mitigation, where you face lesser charges and lower punishments.
If the case still goes to trial, defense attorneys and criminal defense attorneys work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and fully protect your rights. They can fight for you in the courtroom by gathering evidence to prove your innocence in court or reduce your sentence if convicted.
It can be scary to be accused of white-collar crime. In some cases, you aren’t even aware that you are committing a crime, and then you find yourself dragged into a scary situation. Because no one was physically harmed, you might feel like there was not a “real” crime. However, you still need a lawyer, one who is well informed in white-collar crime and can help you fight these charges.
The lawyers at Zarka Law Firm are knowledgeable about white-collar crime laws in Texas and can help you understand what you will experience. Legal representation by experienced attorneys is essential for defending clients against white collar crime charges and ensuring the best possible result. We will help you gather evidence and fight the charges so that you can move forward with your life. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you fight a Texas white collar crime charge.
