What Are White Collar Crimes?

 

Usually, we associate the word “crime” with people killing other people, robbing banks, or stealing money from another person or establishment because these are the types of crimes that we hear and see on the news from day to day. “White collar crimes”, on the other hand, may be known but are usually unidentified. Simply put, people may be familiar with examples of white collar crimes but don’t actually know that these are classified as “white collar”.

White collar defined

The term white collar crime was first coined by Edwin Sutherland in 1939. In one of his speeches, he defined such crimes to have been committed by a person of authority in the course of his term. He further theorized that these criminals are different from street criminals when taking motives and attributions into consideration. Today, however, the definition of white collar crime is still a subject of contention among experts of law. In a general sense, though, these crimes are nonviolent and are committed for financial gain.

Examples of white collar crime

There are many examples of white collar crime, some of which are the following:

 1.       Blackmailing

This is an act in which a person threatens to expose secrets, pose physical harm to people or their properties, in exchange for money.

 2.       Bank fraud

This is when people engage in a scheme wherein the aim is to illegally obtain money from a bank.

 3.       Extortion

This happens when a person or a group of persons engage in unlawful acquisition of somebody else’s property, money, or other assets by violent force – either actual or threat.

 4.       Embezzlement

This occurs when a person who is in charge of handling money uses it for personal reasons.

5.       Racketeering

When people establish and operate illegal business for financial profit.

 6.       Tax evasion

When people or an individual intentionally commits errors in filing income tax in an attempt to refrain from paying higher taxes

The above mentioned examples of white collar crime are only few of the actual number of white collar crimes existing today. Aside from these, there’s also money laundering, securities fraud, cellular phone fraud, and many others. People who are charged with white collar crime must seek the services of a professional white collar crime lawyer in order to be duly represented in court.

Looking for a white collar lawyer

Just like in choosing a doctor, you have to choose a white crime lawyer with care. Remember, this is the person who holds your chances in his hands. If you wind up with someone whose knowledge is direly limited and has only been practicing since recently, then your chances of winning at court will likely be lower. Here are some considerations for choosing a white crime lawyer:

1.       Is he someone you are at ease with?

You will have to expose all the details of the incident to your lawyer – imagine doing that to someone with whom you are not even comfortable just starting small talk with. Make sure your lawyer makes you feel at ease and unthreatened.

 2.       Does his rate fit your budget?

During consultation, clarify whether charges are hourly or flat. This should help you get the right expectations in terms of budget.

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Cedric Loiselle is a passionate and versatile writer specializing in a wide range of niches. It would help you a lot if you read his articles especially when you are looking for the best white collar crime lawyer New Orleans can offer, such as those under Ben Bagert Law Firm.