A white collar crime may not seem as serious as other offenses, but it can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and significant fines. If you or a loved one has been charged with a white collar crime, having an experienced criminal defense attorney is instrumental in achieving the best possible outcome. Below are answers to some common questions you may have about white collar crimes.

What You Need to Know About White Collar Crimes

What are white collar offenses?

Unlike other offenses, which typically involve violence, property damage, or illegal substances, white collar crimes usually don’t feature overtly criminal activity. These offenses typically consist of some type of financial scheme and are often committed by individuals in a professional setting.

What are some examples of white collar crimes?

The term “white collar crime” covers a wide range of situations in which someone allegedly abuses their position to enrich themselves. This category includes Ponzi schemes and other scams, as well as misuse of other people’s investments and theft. For example, postal workers might be accused of stealing credit cards from the mail, or CEOs may be charged with manipulating financial data to artificially inflate stock prices.

Are white collar crimes as serious as other offenses?

Because they don’t involve violence or threats, many people assume that white collar crimes are treated leniently by the court. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In fact, many white collar crimes involve entities in other states or computer data, which makes them federal offenses. These charges typically come with longer prison sentences and higher fines. Federal agencies will also have the investigative resources and expertise to build a stronger case than state law enforcement.

What legal strategies are available in white collar crimes?

White collar crime cases are typically complex and may require testimony from a variety of forensic accounts and other experts. Your criminal defense attorney can cross-examine the state’s witnesses to bring their credibility into question.

These cases also often involve complicated financial data, which can be difficult to interpret. Depending on the charges you’re facing, your attorney may be able to offer alternate explanations or introduce evidence showing that someone else might have been responsible for the crime.

If you’ve been charged with a white collar crime, the Law Office of Mike Hamilton will provide the zealous representation and personal attention you deserve. Their criminal defense attorney served as the District Public Defender of Fulton, MO, for nearly 20 years and now serves defendants throughout Columbia, Fulton, Boone, and Callaway counties. Visit their website for more on their criminal defense services, follow their Facebook for tips and advice, or call (573) 825-5698 to schedule a consultation today.

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