Things to understand about white collar crime accusations

On Behalf of | Aug 23, 2017 | White Collar Crimes |

Many people think of the head of a business when they think of white collar crime. However, other individuals may face these accusations as well.

If you hold a position that involves monetary transactions, you may be pre-disposed to possible white collar crime accusations. If you are facing or could face white collar crime charges, there are a few things you should know.

Definition

A white collar crime is a non-violent misdeed involving financial or business practices. Individuals usually commit such acts in efforts of obtaining financial gain. With the broad scope of the definition, it can affect many different types of people, such as bank tellers, cashiers, and business accountants, as well as executives and business owners.

Common types

The South Carolina Legislature provides a full list of white collar crimes under the South Carolina code of law, title 16 chapter 13. In short, some of the most common types of white collar crimes include:

  • Money laundering
  • Embezzlement
  • Check forgery
  • Credit card theft
  • Identity theft
  • Bank or mortgage fraud
  • Investment fraud
  • Internet scams

These are just a few of the most common types of crimes. Individuals may face other white collar crime charges that fall within the business and financial spectrum.

Sentencing and penalties

The type of sentencing and penalties greatly depend on the type and severity of the crime. For instance, an individual guilty of forgery may either receive a felony or misdemeanor charge depending upon the amount of money it involves. A felony may automatically mean jail time, while a misdemeanor may have a shorter jail sentence or a fine. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you with understanding the charges you face.

As you can see, white collar crime is severe and can affect a broad range of individuals. If you encounter white collar crime charges, make sure you are fully aware of the process and what all it will entail for you.

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