White collar crime is typically defined as criminal conduct that is non-violent and financially motivated. These offenses can result in prolonged and strenuous investigations and legal proceedings and can incur harsh consequences upon conviction. If you are facing charges for this kind of illegal activity, you should consider enlisting the help of a skilled DeKalb County white collar criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
White collar crimes may be committed by businesses, business professionals or government employees, often those who have a certain level of privilege based on the nature of their job. Common white collar offenses include the following:
The large majority of these crimes are prosecuted at the federal level by the United States Attorney’s Office. However, many district attorney’s offices in larger metro areas have the resources and police support to pursue certain white collar offenses as well.
Whether a person is facing a state or federal charge for white collar criminal activity, they should contact a skilled DeKalb County attorney as soon as they learn of the investigation against them.
Sentencing for white collar crimes ranges from mere probation and restitution to the affected parties, to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the entity prosecuting the crime.
In some white collar cases, the convicted individual does not have the financial resources to make a complete restitution at the time of their sentencing. The probated sentences or the parole sentences in these cases will often be much longer to afford the defendant as much time as possible to pay back everyone harmed by their criminal actions.
In federal cases, the ordered restitution will be pursued vigorously even after the defendant’s release from custody. The federal government ensures that any restitution that is ordered is eventually paid, no matter how slowly.
An experienced DeKalb County white collar crime attorney could work diligently to minimize the impact of restitution during the plea-bargaining phase or the trial phase. In many cases, even if it is clear a crime was committed, the prosecution often has difficulty proving the exact monetary amount that was taken.
Prison sentences are typically shorter in white collar criminal cases than in other violent or drug crime cases. Most white collar crimes do not have mandatory minimum sentences, and it may be possible for a defendant to avoid incarceration altogether.
However, in federal cases, the penalties may be more severe, depending on the number of affected parties involved and the underlying conduct of the defendant. It may be crucial for a defendant facing these charges to work with a DeKalb County attorney who has experience eliminating the impact of these higher guideline sentences.
The potential penalties that white collar crimes carry are usually serious, which makes it imperative for someone facing these charges to engage qualified legal counsel before entering this kind of criminal investigation. If you have been accused of a non-violent, financially motivated offense, contact a DeKalb County white collar criminal lawyer. Call today to schedule a consultation.