You’ve probably heard the term “white collar” before in reference to certain crimes. Perhaps you’ve even watched the hit TV show White Collar, featuring Matt Bomer, a highly intelligent con artist working with the FBI to catch other criminals.
But what exactly are white collar crimes and why would you need a white collar crime defense lawyer?
The FBI defines white collar crimes as follows:
“Reportedly coined in 1939, the term white-collar crime is now synonymous with the full range of frauds committed by business and government professionals. These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are not dependent on the application or threat of physical force or violence. The motivation behind these crimes is financial—to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services or to secure a personal or business advantage.”
In criminology, white collar offenses differ from blue collar crimes in that blue-collar crime is any crime committed by an individual from a lower social class. White-collar crime, on the other hand, is associated with crime committed by someone of a higher-level social class. Blue collar crimes are often considered more obvious and easily detected by law enforcement.
Types of White Collar Offenses
Such offenses can include many things, but most notably white collar crimes tend to be non-violent acts involving theft or fraud. Those charged with such crimes can be individuals, businesses or corporations.
White collar offenses can include such things as:
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Tax fraud, tax evasion
- Bank fraud
- Bribery
- Counterfeiting
- Identity theft
- Conspiracy
- Healthcare fraud
In fact, the last item on this list is becoming more common, as federal investigators probe Medicare fraud and Medicaid fraud, when the government is overcharged for medical costs. Such healthcare fraud often may involve compounding pharmacies.
White Collar Crime Penalties & Punishments
In any case, lying, cheating and deceit are usually components of white collar crimes. But again, such crimes don’t typically involve violence. However, penalties for these non-violent crimes can still be severe.
Indeed, persons facing a white collar crime charge should seek a skilled white collar crime defense lawyer, which the Neal Davis Law Firm can provide. We are experienced in handling many kinds of white collar crime cases, and we work hard to get charges dropped or reduced for our clients.
For example, just last month our client was the only one of 21 defendants in federal court to get probation, not prison, when facing a white collar crime charge of one count of conspiracy to commit fraud.
The case involved a massive India-based money laundering and conspiracy scheme for which 20 other defendants all received prison sentences — some for more than 12 years. Yet the only client represented by the Neal Davis Law Firm was the only defendant shown the leniency of probation.
Another client of ours received what even the federal judge in the case called “lenient” punishment. This was for fraudulently pocketing almost $290,000 in military pension checks sent to the man’s late uncle for 20 years. The sentencing guidelines for the crime of theft of public money called for a minimum of 18 months in prison. Instead, after our client was shown in court to be a remorseful family man, he received probation, not prison, with the promise of restitution.
Our experienced Houston healthcare fraud defense lawyers also stand ready to help Americans facing a charge of compounding pharmacy fraud. Such a charge has become more common recently as overzealous federal investigators have cast wide nets seeking those who deceive the government to gain unearned payments for healthcare products and services.
Whatever type of white collar crime charge you face, when you need a knowledgeable theft or fraud defense attorney for Harris County, Fort Bend County or Montgomery County, contact Neal Davis. We fully understand the need for swift action and discretion in such cases, and we know how to fight effectively for your legal rights.
Contact us today and you’ll receive and free and confidential legal review of your case. Don’t delay; your future may depend on it.