White collar crime typically refers to nonviolent financial offenses involving deceit or concealment to obtain or avoid losing money or to gain a personal or business advantage. These types of crimes are generally committed by individuals in the business world who, as a result of their job position, are able to gain access to large amounts of other people’s money.
White collar crimes can also involve international businesses that are covered under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA prohibits businesses in the United States to make payments to government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining businesses and contracts in foreign countries. It also prohibits third-party payments made to a third party with the knowledge that some or all of that payment will be passed on to a foreign government official as a bribe.
Types of White Collar Crimes
Some common types of white collar crimes include:
- Embezzlement
- Mortgage fraud
- Bank fraud
- Health care fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Computer fraud
- Mail or wire fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Bribery, misappropriation, extortion and public corruption
Defenses Against White Collar Crimes in Fresno County
White collar cases are very complicated and should be handled by an experienced defense attorney. Evidence involved in these types of criminal cases typically involve financial documents and intercepted communications showing some type of alleged financial fraud.
The sooner a Fresno white collar criminal defense attorney can get involved, the better. If you have not already been charged with a white collar crime but believe you are the target of an investigation, contact an attorney immediately. There are steps an experienced attorney can take to protect your legal rights and either avoid any criminal charges being brough against you or provide a successful defense to avoid a conviction.
Some common defenses in white collar crimes:
- Entrapment. You were enticed by undercover law enforcement agents to commit a crime.
- Lack of intent. Prosecution is unable to prove you had intent to commit the crime.
- Illegal search or seizure. Evidence used to prove your case was illegally obtained.
- Statute of limitations. The charges against you were not timely filed within the applicable time limits.
- Intoxication. You were drugged or intoxicated during the commission of the crime and your inebriation was involuntary.
- Coercion/duress. You committed a crime because you were forced via physical or verbal threats.
- Insanity. You are not responsible for a criminal conduct because of a mental illness or defect you had at that the time of the offense.
Call an Experienced Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in the Fresno and is seeking an expungement of your conviction record, it is in your best interest to immediately consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you learn your legal rights and options.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Fresno criminal defense attorney Gurjit Srai, please call (209) 323-5558 or complete our online form.