When facing charges for white-collar crime, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. While these crimes are not violent in nature, you still can be facing felony charges and devastating consequences that may not only affect you, but all your family, your business, and finances. A criminal defense attorney from Lerner and Rowe Law Group will build a strong defense for your Arizona white-collar crime charges.
In this article, our seasoned Arizona criminal defense attorneys will review different types of white-collar crimes, potential consequences, and defense strategies we may be used to help you.
What Is White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crime refers to non-violent, financially motivated criminal activities that are typically committed by individuals, businesses, or government officials in positions of trust and authority. These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust. Conversely, white-collar crimes can be committed against individuals, organizations, or the government.
Common Types of White-Collar Crime in Arizona
White-collar crime is a wide-ranging category of nonviolent offenses committed for financial gain through fraud or deception. These crimes can range from embezzlement, tax evasion, to healthcare fraud. Other common white-collar crimes in Arizona include:
- Fraud: the intentional deception of another person or entity for financial gain. This can include a variety of schemes, such as identity theft, pyramid schemes, and investment fraud.
- Money laundering: the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money. Money laundering can involve a variety of methods, such as transferring money through multiple accounts, investing in assets that are difficult to track, or using offshore accounts.
- Insider trading: buying or selling of securities based on non-public information. This type of crime is illegal because it gives the insider an unfair advantage over other investors.
- Cybercrime: using computers and networks to commit crimes, such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks.
- Credit card fraud: using a credit card without permission.
- Identity theft: Stealing someone else’s personal information, such as their name, Social Security number, or credit card number, and using it without their permission.
Additional white-collar crimes include:
- Bribery: offering or accepting anything of value in exchange for official action.
- Perjury: lying under oath in a court of law.
- Forgery: making a false or unauthorized copy of a document.
- Obstruction of justice: tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses.
- Insurance fraud: filing a false insurance claim or making false statements to obtain insurance benefits.
- Racketeering: engaging in a pattern of organized illegal activity. Racketeering is often associated with organized crime syndicates, but it can also be committed by individuals or groups in legitimate businesses.
Legal Consquences
White-collar crime convictions can have serious consequences, both immediate and long-term. In addition to fines, restitution, and even prison time, a conviction can lead to:
- Job loss
- Revocation of professional license
- Difficulty finding future employment
- Damage to personal and professional reputation
- Difficulty obtaining credit or loans
- Loss of civil rights
Most white-collar crimes are felonies. If you are charged with any felony in Arizona, you could be sentenced to more than one year in prison.
Defending Against White-Collar Crime Charges in Arizona
White-collar crimes can have a significant impact on individuals, businesses, and the economy. These crimes often lead to financial losses, job losses, and the collapse of businesses. A white-collar crime conviction can have a devastating impact on your social and professional life, leaving you with a stigma that can potentially last a lifetime. This is why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to build a strong case in your favor.
Some common white-collar crime defenses include:
- Entrapment: if law enforcement enticed you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed, you may be able to argue entrapment.
- Lack of intent: in white-collar cases, the prosecution must prove that you acted with intent to defraud. If they cannot prove intent, you may be able to get the case dismissed.
- Insufficient evidence: if the prosecution’s case is weak or missing key evidence, your attorney may be able to argue for a dismissal.
- Illegal search or seizure: if evidence against you was obtained illegally, it may be thrown out.
- Statute of limitations: if charges are filed after the statute of limitations has expired, you may be able to get the case dismissed.
- Coercion/duress: if you were forced to commit the crime under threat of harm to yourself or others, you may be able to argue that you acted in duress.
There are a number of different white collar crime defenses, and the best defense for a particular case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances. In some cases, cooperation and plea bargaining can be viable defense strategies. This would entail your attorney negotiating a deal with the prosecution where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Contact an Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Defending against Arizona white-collar crime charges can be challenging, but with the right strategies and the right defense lawyer, it is possible to protect yourself. The Arizona criminal defense attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Law Group have a proven track record of developing strong defenses for our clients and winning cases.
If you or a loved one have been arrested and are facing white-collar crime charges, contact us at 602-667-7777, or request a FREE online form. We’re also available via LiveChat. Our attorneys are standing by 24/7, ready to serve you.
The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.