What Is White Collar Crime and What to Do When Charged With One

Leah Davis Madden • February 17, 2023
White Collar Crime

What Is White Collar Crime and What to Do When Charged With One

(Atlanta, GA)


The prevalence of white-collar crime in the United States is due to the rise in corporate greed. White-collar crimes arise when someone takes advantage of a position of trust, embezzles funds, or engages in a fraudulent scheme. Here is a look at the definition of white-collar crime and what you should do when charged with one.



What Is White-Collar Crime?


According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, white-collar crime is illegal. Examples of these crimes include fraud, theft, extortion, money laundering, and bribery. White-collar crimes are executed for financial gain by business and government professionals. 


The difference between white-collar and blue-collar crimes is that the former is difficult to track and less obvious. For example, a blue-collar worker at a warehouse can steal a product from the warehouse floor, while a manager can steal a product through illegitimate financial transactions. Also, the blue-collar crime involves using force, whereas white-collar crime entails using financial schemes or fraud.


What Defenses Can Your Raise in Your White-Collar Case?


Some defenses your lawyer will raise on your behalf include duress, entrapment, lack of intent, and intoxication. If evidence shows that you were threatened or enticed to commit a white-collar crime, your lawyer can use the duress and entrapment defenses.


The prosecution must show you intended to commit a crime for a conviction to prosper. Therefore, if you have proof that the acts were unintentional or committed by mistake, your lawyer can apply the lack of intent defense strategy.


Another way your lawyer can seek a withdrawal of your case or a lesser sentence is by claiming that you were intoxicated when committing the crime. For this defense to hold, your lawyer has to present proof that you had no control over your actions and wouldn't have committed the crime if you were sober.



What Should You Do When Charged with a White-Collar Crime?


The charges for a white-collar crime include fines, prison time, home detention, and community service. You may be ordered to pay restitution. If you are sent to jail, the duration of your sentence will depend on the crime you are charged with.


The first thing you should do if you are charged with a white-collar crime is to seek legal counsel. Ensure you contact us at Davis Madden & Associates for a free estimate and help to weigh your options.


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



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