White collar crimes are classified as non-violent crimes that are financially motivated and committed by a governmental entity or a business executive. In the last decade, state and federal agencies have aggressively targeted businesses in efforts to identify any fraudulent activity, especially those businesses that are subject to governmental regulations. Matters which were previously considered civil now often result in criminal investigations that can have devastating effects on the financial well-being of a company and its directors or partners. If you are being investigated for fraud or another white collar crime, retaining an attorney with experience in white collar crime defense is vital to protecting your reputation and finances.

Common Charges

Some of the most commonly charged white collar crimes include:

• Bank fraud;
• Blackmail;
• Bribery;
• Cellular phone fraud;
• Computer fraud;
• Copyright infringement;
• Counterfeiting;
• Credit card fraud;
• Currency schemes;
• Forgery;
• Embezzlement;
• Identity theft; and
• Money laundering.

These types of white collar crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the particular circumstances. Regardless, violation of white collar crime laws always requires an act of deception, which can encompass a wide range of acts, including:

• Intentional over-billing for goods or services that were never provided;
• Improper financial reporting;
• Requesting reimbursement or insurance coverage for non-existing damages;
• Illegal use of credit card information;
• Providing bribes;
• Investment scams;
• Concealing funds from tax authorities;
• Illegally dumping toxic waste;
• Unethical sales practices;
• Price fixing; and
• Insider trading.

Penalties

The penalties for conviction of a white collar crime vary widely, although most include a monetary fine, a prison sentence, or a combination of the two. Judges are often given little discretion in pronouncing sentences and must follow a set of sentencing guidelines, which take into account the specific crime as well as whether the defendant has any prior criminal record.

Those convicted of white collar crimes may also be forced to face civil lawsuits brought by those who claim to be victims of that person’s fraudulent activity, as well as both the federal and state governments. These lawsuits may seek any profits obtained in the commission of the crime, a process known as disgorgement. The government may also attempt to seize any assets that were purchased with the proceeds of the crime. Additionally, individual victims may also bring suit demanding restitution for the losses they claim to have suffered as a result of the defendant’s illegal activity.

Being charged with or investigated for a white collar crime can have serious consequences for a person’s finances, emotional well-being, reputation, and employment prospects, so obtaining the services of an attorney who specifically offers white collar crime help is imperative. If you live in Georgia and have been charged with fraudulent activity, please contact a member of our experienced white collar crime law firm in Atlanta, Georgia at (404) 250-1113 for a free consultation with the attorneys at Thomas, Webb, and Willis LLC.