A federal case involving financial crimes of any kind can result in serious penalties for a defendant if convicted. White collar crimes is a category reserved for criminal activities committed with the intent of financial gain, typically through deception, fraud and other types of coercive means. Anyone under investigation for white collar crimes or charged with these crimes would be wise to take their situation seriously.
White collar cases are complex, often involving both state and federal laws, and they can take months or years to investigate. It is never too early to secure defense counsel, especially when facing the possibility of serious charges in the future. The sooner you start protecting your rights and defending your future interests, the better it will be for you long-term.
Types of white collar crime
White collar crime is a federal crime, which means the stakes are higher and the penalties steeper. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Internal Revenue Service, investigate these cases. Common types of white collar crime include:
- Embezzlement
- Tax evasion
- Money laundering
- Identity theft
- Racketeering
- Credit card theft
- Health care fraud
White collar crime may be more common than you think. For example, you may not be guilty of embezzling funds from your place of work, but you could face charges for lying on an insurance claim. Tax evasion can include what many consider minor violations of tax laws, including lying about income on tax returns, hiding assets or paying less.
The right defense
There are many ways to build an effective defense for white collar criminal charges. The best approach for you depends on the details of your individual situation, criminal history and more. There are a variety of state and federal laws involved in these types of cases, and the experience of your attorney matters. Securing legal counsel is crucial the moment law enforcement wants to question you or you hear of an investigation.
An assessment of your case can help you understand the specific legal options available to you. Your future interests are worth defending, and you can start this process by securing legal counsel from a knowledgeable Michigan defense attorney. The case against you is serious and the penalties are steep, but a conviction or guilty plea is not your only option.
