“White-collar crime” is a generic term that’s usually used to describe non-violent financial crimes involving things like fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering. White-collar crime is typically carried out through methods such as creative accounting processes, deceptive financial schemes, or even by simply making use of private or semi-private personal or financial information.
Someone convicted of white-collar crime may not carry the same stigma as someone convicted of a violent crime, but the penalties for these types of crimes can be severe and include substantial fines as well as many years in prison.
Examples Of White-Collar Crime In Kentucky
Some examples of charges that would fall under the category of white-collar crime are:
- Bank fraud and embezzlement
- Fraud against the government
- Election law violations
- Mass marketing fraud
- Health care fraud
- Public corruption
- Money laundering
- Corporate fraud
- Securities and commodities fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Financial institution fraud
- Welfare fraud
- Insider trading
Because of the nature of financial crimes and the institutions and organizations that are often involved, white-collar crimes often fall under the jurisdiction of various federal agencies as well as breaking Kentucky’s state white-collar crime laws. For example, common white-collar crimes such as tax evasion, counterfeiting, credit card fraud, and mail fraud involve banks, interstate transactions, and the federal government itself.
Depending on what is suspected, white-collar crimes could be investigated by Kentucky authorities along with one or more federal organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the US Postal Inspection Service, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Penalties And Consequences Of White-Collar Crime In Kentucky
The criminal justice system sometimes treats white-collar crime differently because there is no physical violence involved. This usually manifests as significantly higher monetary punishment (large fines) and relatively lower prison sentences when compared to those convicted of committing violent robberies or theft. There is no guarantee of this type of treatment, however. The possibility of a long sentence in a harsh prison environment is always on the table.
Aside from the direct threat of large fines and a long time in prison, there are several other possible consequences. Licensed financial professionals could find their license revoked. Assets can be seized, even without a conviction. Then, of course, someone accused of any type of financial fraud is not going to have an easy time finding a new job in any sort of similar business. The mere accusation of a white-collar crime can turn someone’s personal and professional life into a nightmare.
The Challenges Of Defending White-Collar Crime Charges
Anyone charged with any type of crime has a lot at stake as they build their defense but white-collar crimes are especially delicate by their very nature. Whereas accusations of physical crimes rely on things like cameras and witnesses, proving or disproving the occurrence of a white-collar crime often involves sifting through and interpreting many layers of complex data and financial information. A skilled white-collar crime defense lawyer will know what to look for and how to use it to your best advantage.
Aside from the raw evidence of the case, there may be other beneficial avenues worth pursuing as well. For example, you may be able to provide important information to authorities that could be used to negotiate lesser charges. It’s possible that an investigation or arrest was carried out incorrectly or illegally, too. There are plenty of legitimate tactics that could greatly enhance your chances of a good outcome. Starting early and making sure there is time for your attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of the facts is crucial.
Speak With A Kentucky Criminal Defense Lawyer
At Baldani Law Group, our team has over 100 years of combined experience. We have the knowledge, the drive, and the dedication to get the best possible results for your Kentucky white-collar crime case.
If you’ve been accused of any white-collar criminal offense in the state of Kentucky, or even if you suspect that an accusation may be coming, speaking with a competent criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is critical for achieving good results.
Contact us online anytime or call (866) 906-2629 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll be happy to go over the details of your case and discuss exactly what we can do to help you.