In the 20th century, ‘white collar’ was used to denote workers who wore white shirts. Now, it refers to the people who work in offices and corporate settings and don’t engage in manual labor. Often, white-collar workers are more knowledgeable, have higher degrees, and earn well. They are considered quite prestigious in the eyes of the average individual and are involved in service industries such as medicine, food, finance, and government. That’s where the prevalence of white-collar crimes occurs, like fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, illegal tax evasion, insider trading, and more. It is a non-violent crime where no physical damage is done and is generally committed for financial and economic gain. Understand that you have a constitutional right to remain silent when questioned or when the prosecution makes statements. You also have the right to an attorney, meaning you can consult a lawyer for legal guidance and support.
Make sure you don’t provide any vague statements or act aggressively, as this could give away pointers to the opposing counsel that can later be used against you in court. Hire a lawyer; they will assist you in navigating the entire legal process and ensuring the best outcome. Contact a renowned firm like The Snow Legal Group to handle your case.
White Collar Crime and Its Impacts:
White-collar criminals engage in illegal activities forbidden by law for gain, power, and position, aside from monetary gain. That is why such crimes are complex and strenuous to detect and prosecute. Though they are not violent, they can have a devastating effect on an individual’s life who has been accused of such acts. They may lose their financial funds, assets, homes, life savings, and, worst of all, their jobs. White-collar crime can leave a criminal record, which can become a trademark of your entire life, causing you emotional and mental distress. The right attorney and the right authorities at the right time can help hold the responsible party accountable.
What Can Be Done in the Case of a White Collar Crime?
The first rule is to hire an exceptional attorney with experience and knowledge in handling such cases. Then identify and understand which of the following defense scenarios is best suited for you:
1. No Intent: If you had no intent to get involved in the criminal activity, i.e., the white-collar crime, you must have supporting evidence or documentation to prove your statement. If the prosecutor fails to prove your wrong intent, then the charges may be dropped.
2. Lack of Knowledge: You must show that you didn’t have the rudimentary knowledge or ability to discern that the act was illegal. It can support your case.
3. Plaintiffs & Defendants are Both Guilty: If the opposing party who has sued you has contributed to the white-collar crime or has a fair share in the criminal act, the charges are dropped. The prosecutor won’t be able to secure any restitution due to the lack of evidence.
4. Entrapment: If multiple entities, such as business leaders, enterprise heads, police, law enforcement forces, or other known individuals, have forced or pushed you to get involved in fraud or money laundering, the entire case is reevaluated. They may have used intimidating tactics. Most often, only the visible representative gets sued, while others go free. It is crucial to consult and share the details of your legal fight with your attorney; they are familiar with the tactics of such white-collar workers.
5. Prosecution Agreement: A white-collar crime lawsuit requires a bulk load of evidence such as financial statements, bank records, check registers, and transaction receipts. The opposing counsel might mislead you with certain documents, and your lawyer can identify discrepancies and argue against them. They can also assess situations where the prosecutor makes mistakes and errors.