White-collar crimes are illegal actions committed by individuals working in business, government, or other professional settings. At the core of these crimes are fraudulent actions that deceive others, rather than physical violence or force being used to accomplish their goals; a white-collar criminal attempts to hide their criminal actions to achieve whatever goals they may have.
Tax evasion, embezzlement, credit card fraud, and other financial offenses are common types of white-collar fraud. An Ohio white-collar fraud attorney defends clients accused of financial wrongdoing. White-collar crimes frequently involve laws that are changing frequently. Being investigated or even charged with a white-collar crime does not mean that an individual’s freedom is lost. However, it does mean that a person in that position needs to have a plan.
What Are the Penalties Associated with White Collar Crimes?
There are severe consequences associated with being convicted of a white-collar crime. A convicted person will find that they have limited prospects in many areas of their lives, especially regarding future employment.
The type of crime with which they have been charged, as well as the degree to which it was committed, will ultimately determine the extent of their punishment. Fines, restitution to those defrauded, and prison time are common penalties for white-collar crimes.
Penalties beyond the criminal justice system include the removal of professional licenses. Consider that financial licenses, such as those related to financial planning, as well as a license to practice law, may be revoked from a convicted white-collar criminal. From there, victims of a white-collar criminal may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against the individual for compensatory damages arising from the financial malfeasance and fraud committed against them.
Being able to plan a case strategy in white-collar criminal defense means knowing the full range of potential punishments for the crime in question. Receiving guidance through these potential outcomes allows an accused individual to make good decisions about how to proceed in light of the evidence and circumstances of their case.
What Does a Plea Bargain Look Like in a White Collar Criminal Case?
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between a defendant and the prosecution. The individual charged with the white-collar crime would plead guilty to at least one charge. In exchange for pleading guilty, the individual receives a reduced or lighter sentence.
Plea bargains allow a person accused of a white-collar crime to receive a faster outcome in their case and eliminate the need for extended legal costs. Whether it is a good decision to make this sort of deal with a prosecutor’s office depends upon the facts of the case and the particular needs of the person and their family.
When Your Freedom Is at Stake, Contact The Robert Jones Defense Firm
Take your case by the horns and fight for your freedom. Contact the Robert Jones Defense Firm today for a case review.