Sentencing and Penalties: What to Expect in White-Collar Crime Convictions

White-collar crimes are typically criminal offenses that involve some sort of financial theft committed by individuals in powerful positions; usually in business, corporate, or political settings. Common cases of white-collar crime include money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, bribery, and counterfeiting.

While white-collar crimes may not be violent, they carry severe penalties that can see offenders serve years in prison and pay hefty fines. If you are facing white-collar crime charges, it is crucial to immediately contact a criminal defense attorney for help due to the complexity of these cases.

White Collar Crimes and Their Penalties

The sentencing and penalties for white-collar crime vary based on the type of offense. The cases can fall under misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity. Defendants may also face civil lawsuits from victims or the government. To help you understand the legalities surrounding white-collar crime, below are sentencing and penalties to expect during white-collar crime convictions in Georgia.



1. Embezzlement

Embezzlement (legally recognized as theft by conversion in Georgia), refers to when an individual responsible for an asset or property that isn’t theirs misuses or controls it without the owner’s permission. If you are charged with embezzlement of anything worth less than $500, you risk a prison sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $1000. Embezzlement of property or assets worth more than $500 attracts a $ 1,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison. This is also true if the victim is aged 65 years or older.



2. Identity Fraud

You commit identity fraud when you willfully use someone else’s personal data without their permission to commit fraud or deceive someone else. The conviction for identity fraud in Georgia is between 1 and 10 years in prison, and/or a $100,000 fine. Subsequent offenders may get 3-15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250000, or both. The court may also require the defendant to make restitution to the victims.



3. Money Laundering

Money laundering involves obtaining money made illegally and passing it through various channels and transactions to hide its origins and make it appear as proceeds of a legal business. The offense is usually filed at the federal court and attracts a prison sentence of up to 20 years.



4. Securities Fraud

Just like money laundering, securities fraud is prosecuted in federal courts. The crime covers various illegal activities involving market manipulation or investor deception. The penalty for a securities fraud is a five-year prison sentence for every fraud instance, and a fine based on the securities’ value.



If you or someone you know is facing white-collar crime charges in Georgia, Davis Madden & Associates, P.C., can help. We have over 15 years of experience handling major felony cases, including white-collar crimes. Contact us today to discuss your case!

The material provided on this blog site does not/is not intended to constitute legal advice. All content is for general information only.