According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), white-collar crimes “are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust.” The motivation for these crimes is “to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services or to secure a personal or business advantage.”
Because white-collar crimes are often committed behind closed doors and in secret, there are many misunderstandings regarding them and how they’re prosecuted.
Common Myths Surrounding White-Collar Crime
White-collar crimes aren’t pursued aggressively.
Because white-collar crimes are nonviolent, many people are under the incorrect assumption that law enforcement agencies won’t pursue them as aggressively. However, white-collar crimes are taken very seriously and law enforcement agencies will work hard to build a case against you.
If convicted, you won’t serve jail time.
In the wake of the financial crisis, attitudes towards white-collar crimes are changing. Though it may not be a violent crime, white-collar crimes can still negatively affect hundreds of people and families.
According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, 40 percent of people convicted of fraud got prison time in 1985. Today, that number is closer to 70 percent.
Only Wall Street CEOs can be convicted of white-collar crimes.
Most people hear the term “white-collar crime” and imagine that it’s limited to bankers, investors, or CEOs, but, in reality, it is far more expansive. A white-collar crime is any complicated crime committed solely for financial gain, which many people are found guilty of every year. If you or someone you know is facing legal challenges related to sex crimes, consult with a seasoned Denver sex crime lawyer to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
From charity organizers to small business owners, virtually anyone can find themselves being investigated for a white-collar crime.
Any criminal defense lawyer can tackle a white-collar case.
Colorado white-collar crimes require an attorney well-versed in laws regarding white-collar crimes and a strategic defense strategy. If you bring an experienced attorney like Kevin Cahill onto your case before anything has gone public, one of his main focuses will be to strategically defend you so that your rights are upheld and the government is prevented from taking action against you.
If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime, it’s important to make sure you’re well represented. Contact criminal defense attorney Kevin Cahill today. Give us a call at (720) 445-9887! We are here to help make sure you know all of your options when facing a criminal sentence.