What Is a White Collar Crime?
The phrase “white collar crime” is most often used to define state and federal felony offenses such as fraud, theft, and identity theft. Generally, white collar crimes are committed by executives and business persons for the purpose of financial gain. Effective criminal defense of white collar crimes requires expertise in the areas of forensic accounting, securities law, and insurance. If you or a family member has been charged with a white collar crime such as corporate theft, you can rely on the resources of Witson Law. We will fight hard to protect your freedom and your future after being charged with a white collar crime.
White collar crimes include, but are not limited to:
- Computer and Internet Fraud
- Bankruptcy Fraud
- Bribery
- Credit Card Fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Health Care Fraud
- Insider Trading
- Embezzlement
- Identity Theft
- RICO (Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act)
What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes?
Almost all white collar crimes are charged as felony offenses. Anyone convicted of a white collar crime is facing a minimum of one year in state prison, fine, restitution, community service, probation and more. Prison sentences can be as long as 30 years, depending on the nature of the crime. Additionally, a white collar crime conviction can be damaging to a person’s reputation, which can result in difficulty getting a new job or bank account.
If your business is under a white collar crime investigation, you need to be honest and wise when you respond to any questions. You will be expected to cooperate with investigators, but it is important that you do not incriminate yourself. Any information you disclose to an investigating agent can be used against you in a court of law. A white collar crime defense attorney from Witson Law can help you deal with investigators and work to protect your rights during the investigation.
We thoroughly prepare all of our cases for a successful trial. In many cases, the focus of the prosecution is to obtain restitution, rather than a lengthy prison sentence for a conviction. Prosecutors will understand that our proposals for restitution, reduction of charges, or dismissal must be taken seriously, or they risk losing the case in court.
Phoenix White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
Contact an experienced Phoenix white collar crime defense attorney to schedule a free consultation about the circumstances of your white collar crime charges. Even if you have not been charged, the time to start an effective defense is now. If you are under investigation for a white collar crime in Arizona, call Witson Law at (602) 358-8686.