March 4, 2021
One of the common “white-collar” crimes is tax fraud, as a tax fraud lawyer in Hanover, MD, such as from Crepeau & Mourges, can explain. White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes but can still result in hefty fines or jail time if convicted, because they can involve large amounts of illegal income, fraud, and a knowing or intentional breaking of the law.
Types and Examples of White-Collared Crimes
There are multiple types of crimes that are considered white-collar, which is named as such because these criminals are typically business people (traditionally known for wearing white-collared shirts). By definition, a white-collar crime is a crime that does not include violence, but some type of theft (not in person, like a bank robbery) or other illegal financial gains – which is why tax fraud is a prime example of white-collar crime. Other types of white-collar crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Tax Fraud or Evasion
- Embezzlement
- Insider Trading
- Corporate Fraud
- Ponzi Schemes
- Extortion
- And more…
Penalties for White-Collar Crimes
Like most crimes, there is a multitude of possible penalties and degrees of penalty depending on the specific circumstances of your convictions. Some of the more common penalties are fines, jail time, paying restitution to injured parties, forfeiture of assets, probation, and community service. Some of the less considered consequences of being convicted of a white-collar crime are social and employment difficulties and isolation, because it could be hard to find a job once potential employers learn of your past, and friends and family may treat you differently. There is also the emotional trauma of being humiliated in a courtroom for your actions.
Work with a Lawyer
As you can see, white-collar crimes can have serious consequences and jail time even though they are non-violent in nature. The court typically takes these crimes very seriously and may not look on you favorably if you are charged with one of these crimes. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can prove to be beneficial. A lawyer can offer legal advice, a defense strategy, representation in court, and guidance on the entire legal process. It is typically recommended that you seek professional legal counsel when facing any type of legal charges against you, no matter the nature of the crime. Contact a law firm today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced lawyer in your area who can get started right away on your case.