White Collar Crimes
Defending You Against White Collar Crimes
A white collar crime conviction can be devastating to your reputation, future and freedom. Not only will you face the risk of jail time, but you also may lose your job and professional licenses and be required to pay expensive fines and restitution.
At Powers Law, P.C., our New York attorneys help defend clients against state and federal white collar crime charges. With over 50 combined years of experience, our team provides our clients with dedicated advocacy and has a long history of success.
What Is A White Collar Crime?
A white collar crime is a nonviolent criminal act that’s usually committed for financial gain. Typically, white collar crimes are organized and often include deceit, concealment and/or violations of trust.
Common Examples Of White Collar Crimes
With such a broad definition, white collar crime covers many different types of criminal activities. Whether they’re committed through technology or embezzlement, white collar crimes are nonviolent and do not result in bodily harm.
Common examples of white collar crimes include:
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Identify theft
- Credit card fraud
- Health care fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Tax fraud
One of the most common types of white collar crime is financial fraud. Financial fraud can happen through bank fraud, corporate fraud or accounting fraud. In accounting fraud, someone intentionally manipulates business records.
Embezzlement involves taking money from someone to whom you owe a duty. Examples include investment advisers who use their clients’ money to invest themselves or employees who take money from their employers. Identify theft and credit card fraud happen when someone fraudulently obtains and uses someone else’s credit card or uses their identity to get a credit card.
When Does A White Collar Crime Become A Federal Offense?
A white collar crime is almost always a federal offense if it involves banking, a federal agency or the crossing of state lines. For example, federal offenses include bank fraud, antitrust violations, counterfeiting, identity theft, money laundering and mail fraud.
State-level white collar crimes involve a state agency and stay within state lines. However, some offenses can be charged as federal and state crimes, depending on the circumstances.
Potential Penalties For New York State White Collar Crime Charges Versus Federal Charges
New York state charges white collar crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances and severity of the crime. A charge in New York can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, community service and asset forfeiture. Prison time may range anywhere from a few months to 20 years.
Federal crimes have harsher penalties, with even longer prison sentences. Federal prison sentences can last for over 30 years for serious crimes and fines can be up to $1 million.
Does Intent Affect Your White Collar Crime Charge?
In white collar crimes, intent plays a huge role in a conviction, and it’s usually a key element that the prosecution must prove. Many white collar crimes revolve around the intent to defraud or cause harm. However, it is possible to inadvertently become swept up in a white collar crime without criminal intent.
Let’s Get Started On Your Defense
If you are charged with a white collar crime, contact our team at Powers Law, P.C., as soon as possible to get started on your defense. Our lawyers will defend your rights every step of the way. Call us at 631-242-2020 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our white collar crimes defense attorneys.