White Collar Crimes
The term “white collar crime” was coined by Professor Edwin Hardin Sutherland in 1939. It was used to make a distinction between violent crimes typically committed by members of lower classes and nonviolent, financial crimes committed by individuals of higher classes. White collar criminals are typically employed businessmen and businesswomen in a position of power that gives them access to company funds and assets. They abuse this privilege and devise criminal schemes so that they can benefit financially.
Types of White Collar Crimes
There are a number of white collar crimes, but they are all similar in that they typically involve fraud, or other means of illegal acquiring money, and are almost always nonviolent. Some common white collar crimes include:
- Investment, securities, mortgage, or health care fraud
- Bribery
- Embezzlement
- Computer and internet crime
- Credit card theft or identity theft
- Insider trading
- Forgery
- Money laundering
While white collar crimes may seem less severe than violent crimes because no one is physically hurt, these financial crimes can greatly affect many individuals by robbing investors, employees, and companies of their money and leaving them with nothing. Small white collar crime cases may sometimes result in a less severe conviction and shorter prison time than other crimes, but some major white collar crime cases have recently resulted in life imprisonment for those involved, as well as substantial fines and restitution payments.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with a white collar crime, you may face an aggressive prosecution in court and steep penalties if convicted. Don’t enter the courtroom unprepared. For sound legal advice and assistance with your white collar crime charges, please contact the experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
