What is White Collar Crime?

Historically, so-called “white collar” crime has been distinguished as a particular subset of crime, commonly associated with people from more educated or well-to-do backgrounds. This is not merely a rhetorical or social distinction, however, as there are complexities involved in defending against these sorts of criminal acts that you do not see in more conventional “blue collar” crimes. But what exactly is white collar crime, and what should you do if you are accused of committing it?

What is White Collar Crime?

Broadly speaking, white collar crime refers to a variety of non-violent financial crimes intended to illegally enrich the perpetrator in some way. Often, these sorts of crime involve complex business or financial transactions, which are heavily regulated by both state and federal authorities. This includes many types of fraud, including tax fraud and securities fraud, as well as bribery, embezzlement, insider trading, and money laundering, among others.

What Makes White Collar Crime Special?

Unlike more conventional blue collar crimes (like assault, burglary, or petty theft), the laws around white collar criminal offenses can be incredibly complex, such that even experienced traders and businessmen can easily run afoul of them by accident. They are also much more likely to involve complicated fact patterns that can take a long time to untangle, even by the standards of the legal system. This means that anyone who is accused of this type of crime may find themselves struggling to understand what they have even been accused of doing, much less why they might face criminal penalties for doing it.

What Might Happen if You Are Convicted of White Collar Crime?

The exact penalties you might face for white collar crime depend on the nature and severity of the charges you face, but they can be shockingly severe. In addition to potentially heavy fines and fees, you could face the suspension or revocation of any professional licenses or certifications you have, and may even face incarceration. There are also a number of other collateral consequences you may face after you have completed your sentence that can follow you for years afterwards.

What Should You Do if You Are Accused of White Collar Crime?

To provide a competent defense against white collar criminal charges, it is important to have a lawyer who understands the complex ins and outs of financial and business regulations. That is why you should speak to the white collar criminal defense lawyers at Dreyer Boyajian, who have extensive experience defending against these sorts of charges. We will help you navigate the complex legal issues surrounding white collar criminal cases, and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case.

If you have been accused of committing a white collar crime or any other criminal offense, contact the Albany-based criminal defense lawyers at Dreyer Boyajian. Our experienced attorneys are always ready to assist you, and ensure you can put forward the best defense possible. To schedule a free initial consultation at your convenience, give us a call at 518-463-7784 or contact us online at dreyerboyajian.com.