What Is White Collar Crime?
“White collar crime” is not an official legal term, but the phrase is often used when professional businessmen or women are accused of committing criminal offenses. The expression dates back to the 1940’s, when the words “blue collar” and “white collar” were popularly used to distinguish between manual and clerical workers. Thus, a white collar criminal is a person with an executive or otherwise professional career who engages in criminal activities, usually for profit.
There is a popular notion that people convicted of white collar crimes are usually given minor “slap on the wrist” penalties. This is not an accurate perception, however. If you have been accused of larceny, fraud, or any other criminal offense, you could be facing extended jail time and staggering legal fees. To learn about your legal rights and options, call the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices by calling (217) 328-6000 today.
Examples of White Collar Crimes
The definition of white collar crime has two basic components: it is a non-violent offense and it involves some kind of financial gain for the perpetrator. Most of the people accused of such crimes are business owners, politicians, financial workers, and other types of professionals. Offenses that can be considered white collar include:
- Tax fraud or tax evasion
- Bribery of government officials, businesses competitors, etc
- Embezzlement (the act of spending company or government money on personal purchases)
- Larceny (taking another party’s legal property with the goal of selling or keeping it permanently)
- Business, insurance, or other forms of fraud
- Racketeering (participation in any illegal or fraudulent business for personal profit)
Offenses like these are taken very seriously in state and federal courts. If you have been accused of fraud or any other form of white collar crime, you need an attorney you can count on. Our experienced Champaign fraud defense attorneys can provide the consistent and thorough assistance you need.
Contact Us
The Champaign white collar defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices are proud to protect the rights of accused individuals. To discuss how we could help you, contact our offices today at (217) 328-6000.