Last year, the reported loss attributable to white-collar crime was almost $60 billion . However, only 3% of yearly federal prosecutions are for white-collar crimes.
If you’ve committed a white-collar crime, the best thing you can do for your life and your case is to hire an attorney experienced in defending white-collar cases.
Keep reading to learn more about white-collar crime and what to do if you’re accused of one.
What Is a White-Collar Crime?
There are many different types of white-collar crime. Generally speaking, though, white-collar crimes are non-violent and financially motivated. They are still criminal offenses and can carry very heavy potential sentences, which are usually based not on the financial gain to the Defendant, but the loss to the victim(s). One can be sentenced based even on the intended loss and/or cumulative loss amount in multi-defendant conspiracy cases.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of white-collar crimes.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud occurs when an individual knowingly makes a false claim or statement that a person received benefits, services or payment under an authorized program. In other words, an individual deceives a healthcare program for their financial gain.
Some examples of healthcare fraud are:
- Prescription drug fraud
- Modifying medical records
- Billing for non-covered services
- Falsifying diagnoses for bigger payments
If you’re convicted of healthcare fraud, you could be facing jail time, fines, and loss your medical license and practice. Don’t hesitate to hire a white-collar criminal defense attorney if you’re charged with healthcare fraud.
Cybercrime
Did you know that in 2020, over 300 million people were affected by data breaches due to cybercrime?
Within cybercrime, there are crimes against people, crimes against property, and crimes against the government. In cybercrime cases, as with all criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the government to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, there is a lot of work to be done to counter the government’s case, which will usually involve hundreds of thousands if not millions of “documents,” to include forensice images of computers, servers, and devices, electronic communications spanning years, bank and other financial records, and more.
The best legal representation will help you mount a defense which can range from challenging the investigation to proving your computer or systems were hacked.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud occurs when false information or deception is used to steal money from a bank, a bank’s depositors, or another financial institution.
There are different types of bank fraud, including:
- Fraudulent loans and accounting fraud
- Internet bank fraud, bank impersonation, and phishing
- Credit card and check fraud
Punishment for even one count of bank fraud–one of the most frequently charged white-collar crimes–can include fines up to $1 million and prison sentences of up to 30 years. Proving ignorance or innocence in a bank fraud case is tough, document and fact intensive. Guilt vs. innocence can hinge on a tiny detail, and such a defense should only be undertaken by a qualified white-collar crime attorney.
Mail Fraud
When someone schemes to get money or property falsely by sending things through the mail, it’s considered mail fraud. (If done electronically, it’s wire fraud).
If you’re convicted of even one count of mail fraud, you could serve up to 20 years in prison and owe up to $250,000 in fines. Depending on the breadth of the alleged scheme, the penalties could increase, too.
White-Collar Crimes Require the Best Lawyers
White-collar crimes can result in very significant prison sentences, fines, restution and forfeiture if convicted. If you’ve been charged with fraud or any other white-collar crime, don’t wait. Call a seasoned defense attorney with specific and sufficient experience in the field of white-collar crime.
While you might feel trapped, your lawyer will explore every single possibility to prove your innocence.
Are you ready to have peace of mind knowing the best white-collar crime lawyer is on your side? Contact me with any questions or concerns.
