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Chicago White Collar Crime Lawyer
A white-collar crime is one that is non-violent in nature with most often a financial motive. It is frequently characterized by deceitful acts whose purpose is to avoid losing money or property or to gain a business or personal advantage.
Most often, those accused of committing a white-collar crime have no experience of being on the wrong side of the law. The legal system is complex and without an experienced legal team by your side, the consequences can be severe and haunt you long-term. The experienced team at Chicago Trusted Attorneys® is here to minimize the negative impacts on your future.
Types of White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are complex and the investigations can be lengthy. Many are familiar with some of the types of crimes in this category as we have seen both celebrities and high-profile individuals accused of bribery, fraud, and other deceitful acts for financial or personal gain.
Some examples of white-collar crimes include but are not limited to the following.
Money Laundering
This involves funneling fraudulent funds through legitimate accounts or businesses. Those who deal with large amounts of money using this strategy to introduce the involved money into the general cash revenue of legal establishments where it intermingles with legal funds.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 protects financial institutions affected by money laundering.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud involves the use of technology in some form, either telecommunications or the internet, to commit fraud.
Examples include:
- Being contacted by a long-lost relative needing money
- Selling services or products never provided
- A fraudulent website impersonating a company and charging fees
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a form of theft and can range in level of severity and complexity. It can range from stealing petty cash from your employer to a complicated scheme where billions of dollars are reappropriated from the company’s accounts to that of the embezzler.
The funds may initially be obtained legally, but then are used or transferred for unauthorized purposes. When this happens, you may face severe financial and other penalties.
Bribery
Bribery pertains to giving or receiving cash or any item of value in exchange for services or favors that you normally wouldn’t be entitled to. Offering payment to persuade someone with the responsibility to go against their duty is known as seeking undue influence over their actions.
If you’ve been accused of being involved in a bribe, you may face penalties. Your lawyer can help you address these charges and get them reduced or dismissed.
Identity Theft
Billions of dollars are lost in the United States alone due to identity theft. This refers to the unauthorized use of another individual’s personal information with the intent of deceitfully obtaining goods or services, and in severe cases in order to commit another felony.
There is a wide range of penalties based on the value of fraudulent assets obtained. To determine what penalties you could face and your best options for a defense, talk to your lawyer.
Classifications of White Collar Crime
How your charges are classified will make a big difference in the charges you face.
White-collar crimes are investigated by government entities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and state authorities. These departments will thoroughly investigate the details of your case. The government has professionals on their side, and you should too.
Individual crimes are committed by one individual or by a group of individuals. Some of the most common types of individual white-collar crimes include identity theft, counterfeiting, and fraud including a Ponzi scheme which is a fraudulent investment scheme.
Corporate crimes occur at the corporate level. It is committed by a business entity or any individual who identifies or represents that entity. In general, it refers to unethical business transactions and practices committed in relation to an organization. Examples include money laundering and insider trading.
Seek Out Professional Trusted Legal Defense
When accused of any type of white-collar crime, it is critical to connecting with a lawyer who specializes in this type of defense in your area. The laws pertaining to white-collar crime are complex and can carry financial penalties running from hundreds to thousands of dollars and potential jail time. The severity can range from Class I to Class X felonies.
It does not take much for a white-collar crime to become a felony, and as some are closely related, it’s not uncommon for multiple charges to be made. Due to the complex nature of these cases, your best chances for a favorable outcome lie in the hands of a skilled legal team.
Trust the professionals at Chicago Trusted Attorneys® to create your best defense against white-collar charges. Call us at 312-931-5411 or complete the online form below today to get in touch with our firm.