White collar crimes are commonly referred to any type of criminal crimes that do not involve physical violence and that relate largely to financial matters. People charged with white collar crimes have the same rights and protections as defendants accused of other crimes because white collar crime involve mostly the same legal principles.
What sets white collar crimes apart from other types of crimes is the fact that they are often very complicated and involve complex legal and factual issues. The possible penalties include fines, prison sentences and criminal forfeiture. This is precisely why it is so important to immediately hire an experienced Central Valley white crime collar attorney to help protect your legal rights and avoid a conviction or harsher sentence.
Different Types of White Collar Crimes
There are many different types of criminal allegations that fall under the umbrella of a white collar crime. Some common types of white collar crimes are discussed below:
- Criminal fraud. Criminal fraud is a charge that is brought either against an individual or a business. Since business entities cannot be imprisoned, prosecutors often file criminal charges against the corporate actors as well. However, the business can be hit with substantial fines. A criminal fraud conviction can wreak havoc on the person or the company’s reputation. Examples of criminal fraud include: bank fraud, cellular phone fraud, computer fraud, insurance fraud, and credit card fraud.
- Insider trading. Insider trading has received a lot of media attention in the recent years. This is a serious charge that can subject the individual to significant civil and criminal liability.
- Embezzlement. An embezzlement charge is brought when an individual, who has been entrusted with money or property, is allegedly accused of appropriating the funds or property for his or her own use and benefit.
- Extortion. A criminal charge of extortion is brought when one person illegally obtain property from another by actual or threatened force, fear, or violence or under cover of official right.
Penalties for White Collar Crimes
The potential penalties in white collar crime convictions can be very harsh because it involves the possibility of both civil and criminal penalties. Most white collar crime defendants do not have any prior experience with the criminal justice system, and the possibility of the consequences can understandably loom large in their minds.
Most white collar crime offenses result in civil lawsuits, brought either by the federal or state government, or by the victims of the offense. The resulting civil liabilities of these suits are in addition to, not a substitute for, the penalties imposed in the criminal case. The civil liabilities are often more harsh, or just as harsh, as the criminal penalties.
Call an Experienced Central Valley Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone that you care about has been arrested or charged with a crime, it is imperative that you immediately hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to help protect your legal rights and ensure that you have the best defense possible to avoid a criminal conviction.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Central Valley criminal defense attorney Gurjit Srai, please call us at (209) 323-5558 or (559) 314-2796, or complete our online form.