The phrase “white collar crime” can be a bit difficult to understand, especially because it is not technically an official criminal defense such as homicide or assault and battery. Much like the two aforementioned charges fall under the umbrella of “violent crimes,” the umbrella of white collar crimes includes charges such as fraud, embezzlement and others. Generally speaking, white collar crimes are crimes that are deceitfully carried out for financial gain.
This description of white collar crimes also happens to apply very well to fraud, which is arguably the most common type of white collar crime. Fraud occurs when one party deceives another for financial gain, though there are many types of fraud, including insurance fraud, security fraud, mail fraud and much more. If you are accused of any of these crimes, it is in your best interests to seek out legal assistance immediately.
There are other types of white collar crimes to be concerned about if you work in the corporate world, such as embezzlement, tax evasion and money laundering. Each of these crimes can carry steep legal penalties, and a conviction will almost certainly have a negative impact on your career. The risks of being convicted of a white collar crime are simply too great to ignore, which is why you need the help of an attorney.
In some cases, a white collar crime accusation can be a simple misunderstanding, such as spending company money on something you incorrectly believed was sponsored by your employer. We have over a decade of experience handling white collar crimes in Louisiana, so whatever the circumstances of your case are, we have likely dealt with something similar. If you have been accused of a white collar crime, do not wait to consult with an attorney and start building a case for your defense.