Defending Federal White Collar Crime Charges

White collar crimes don’t involve violence, but they do cause significant harm. That’s why the federal government pursues such charges with zeal. These are crimes that occur through deceit and the violation of people’s trust. When the crime occurs across state lines or on federal property, it becomes an issue that is investigated and prosecuted by agencies such as the FBI, the IRS, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Examples 

There are a slew of crimes that fit into the category of federal white crimes.  Some of the most common include:

• Mail fraud: Using the U.S. Postal Service to engage in fraudulent activities for financial gain;
• Bribery: Attempting to influence people in positions of power or trust, such as politicians, with financial incentives;
• Wire fraud: Using the internet, email, or other electronic communications to engage in fraudulent activities in order to achieve financial gains;
• Embezzlement: Misappropriating the assets or funds of others when you’ve been entrusted with their care.

Whistleblower Pilot Program 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program in an effort to unveil and then prosecute corporate crime. Whistleblowers are encouraged to report fraudulent activity, and are potentially eligible to get a portion of forfeited assets if the information they provide leads to a conviction.

Penalties for White Collar Offenses 

White collar crimes can and do lead to financial ruin for individuals and businesses alike. They cost the country over $300 billion every year, so prosecutors are quite serious about getting convictions. The penalties for such crimes include the following possibilities—which become more serious as the level of financial harm increases:

• Home detention;
• Confinement to a certain community;
• Fines;
• Paying all prosecution costs;
• Restitution of some or all of losses of the victim;
• Forfeiture of property connected to the illegal actions;
• Supervised release;
• Incarceration.

Potential Defenses 

An experienced defense attorney will examine the prosecutor’s case and settle on a possible defense strategy that may include, among others:

• The defendant was also duped by others and didn’t know the fraud was occurring;
• There was a lack of proximate cause;
• There was no intent to defraud.

Defending Your Rights 

If you are facing federal white collar charges, you are facing serious changes to the life you know. Now, more than ever, you need a strong, capable defense. At Salazar & Kelly Law Group, our knowledgeable Kissimmee and Orlando criminal defense attorneys always fight for the best possible outcomes for our clients. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.

Source:

justice.gov/criminal/criminal-division-corporate-whistleblower-awards-pilot-program