WHAT ARE WHITE COLLAR CRIMES?

by Justin Van Den Heuvel

Many people go their entire lives without getting in trouble with the law. For people who deal with money, securities, and businesses in their careers, sometimes a simple mistake or misunderstanding can lead to accusations of white collar criminal activity. But what is a white collar crime, and is it that big of a deal? Many people fail to realize how serious an accusation or conviction for a white collar crime in Michigan can be and the effects it can permanently have on your personal and professional life. If you or a loved one has been accused of committing a white collar crime in Michigan, it is critical that you call the experienced white collar criminal defense attorneys at the Van Den Heuvel Law Office today.

What are White Collar Crimes?

White-collar crime is an umbrella term that covers a number of nonviolent criminal activities. White-collar crime typically does not involve any type of drugs, violence, or weapons in the commission of these offenses. Oftentimes, white-collar accusations involve incredibly complex financial transactions, fraud, or securities matters. Some of the most common white-collar offenses include the following:

• Bribery
• Conspiracy
• Credit card theft
• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Falsifying records
• Identity theft
• Insider trading
• Insurance fraud
• Internet fraud
• Money laundering
• Mortgage fraud
• Passing bad checks
• Racketeering
• Securities violations, and more.

Given the complex nature of these criminal activities, it is important that you have a seasoned white-collar criminal defense attorney representing you in your case. You need a lawyer who understands the nature of these transactions and can handle a thorough examination of all the financial documents, public records, bank statements, and more that are necessary in these types of criminal investigations.

Penalties for White Collar Crimes

The penalties for a white collar crime conviction can be serious, depending on the nature of the criminal activity alleged by the prosecution. In many white collar cases, state and federal charges may be brought against you, especially if any part of the alleged activity crossed state lines. While some people only think of driving across a state border, this can also mean phone calls, emails, and bank transactions that take place across states or countries. The federal government has extensive resources at their disposal to try and prove that a person committed a white collar offense, so you should retain a quality defense attorney the moment that you even suspect that you might be the subject of a federal investigation.

If convicted of a white collar crime you can face years, or even decades, of prison time in a state or federal penitentiary. You will have a permanent criminal record that will pop up on every background check for a job, housing, employment, and more. Oftentimes, the court will order restitution be paid to victims on top of other fines and court fees. Your professional reputation will be in tatters, and you will be labeled a criminal for the rest of your life.

Call or Contact Us Now

An accusation of white-collar criminal activity should not be taken lightly, so if you or a loved one is accused of a white-collar offense it is important that you call or contact the Van Den Heuvel Law Office in Michigan right away. Schedule a free consultation of your case with one of our experienced white collar defense attorneys now.  

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