What Crimes are Considered White Collar?

MINNESOTA WHITE COLLAR CRIMES LAWYER

When it comes to discussing crime, when charged  by the law you will be charged with specific crimes. However, when it comes to talking about these crimes, many lawyers will classify them under different terms that represent the seriousness of the charges. Everyone knows that a violent crime like assault merits harsher punishments. However, one of the more ambiguous crime classifications is the term “white collar,” which refers to white-collared shirts worn by your standard office worker or business person. Typically the term white collar can help you denote a few specific things about a crime.

A WHITE COLLAR CRIME IS NON-VIOLENT

One of the defining features of a white collar crime is that is it non-violent. Many confuse some theft-based crime with white collar crime, but if they are potentially violent like robbery or burglary, then it doesn’t fit the bill. However, that doesn’t mean some theft isn’t white collar. Typical, technology-based theft crimes are considered white collar because of their non-violent nature.

A WHITE COLLAR CRIME MAY BE FINANCIAL

Often what helps people separate white collar crimes from all other crime is by noting that it is of a financial nature. Unlike a violent crime, for example, there is no motivation through anger to commit a white collar crime. Instead the motivation is more like greed. Identity theft, insurance fraud, embezzlement – all white collar crimes and all crimes motivated by the need for more money. What makes it easier to identify white collar crimes from other classifications is that they will always have that financial element.

A WHITE COLLAR CRIME MAY BE COMMITTED BY THOSE IN BUSINESS

The reason a white collar crime is referred to by that specific moniker is that it implies that it is more likely for a business person or government official to commit it. They have the white collar suits instead of the blue collared work shirt of your standard laborer. Of course, anyone, no matter their status in life, can commit a white collared crime. Anyone can steal mail and commit identity theft. However, often it happens with people who have the opportunity, like for example a CEO that defrauds investors or a fund manager that embezzles funds.

WHAT ARE WHITE COLLAR CRIMES?

You have the three aspects that usually define a white collar crime, but there are a lot of charges out there. Furthermore, as a white collar crime, what does that mean for the potential punishments?

White collar crimes include:

  • Fraud
  • Bribery
  • Insider Trading
  • Racketeering
  • Embezzlement
  • Copyright Infringement
  • Money Laundering
  • Identity Theft
  • Forgery
  • And Many Types of Cybercrime

For all of the above, the punishments will vary depending on the severity of the crime and sometimes the crime itself. The issue with white collar crime punishments is that there has always been quite a bit of disparity between the sentences. This can often work in your favor if you have a talented lawyer that can help argue your case.

However, while the potential for a prison sentence and how long that might be can vary, usually with financial crimes you will be expected to pay restitution to the wronged parties if any loss occurred to them.

NEED HELP? CONTACT A MINNESOTA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Are you being charged with a white collar crime? It may not seem as serious as other violent crimes, but the punishments will be just as serious if you don’t defend yourself. If you are being charged with a white collar crime in Minnesota, contact us today to see what the professionals at the Speas Law Firm can do to help you. Don’t be lax in your own defense no matter how serious the crime is.