In a nutshell, white-collar crimes involve someone in a professional position at a business or other organization using deceit, dishonesty, breach of trust, or other unsavory means for unlawful financial gain. Examples of white-collar crime include:
- Larceny
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Credit Card Fraud
- Money laundering
- Healthcare and Insurance fraud
- Tax evasion
- Bribery
Many people unfamiliar with criminal law are under the impression that the penalties for white collar crimes are minor. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Offenders convicted of white-collar crimes could face years in prison and extensive fines that could cause anyone to go bankrupt. If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime, it’s important you tackle your defense as soon as possible. The longer you wait the less time you have to start building a formidable defense that will cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
White Collar Crime Defense Attorney in Oakland County, Michigan
Charges of identity, theft, fraud, embezzlement, or other white-collar crimes could ruin your reputation while having a lifelong impact on both your career and family. Securing legal representation as soon as possible is essential when fighting these charges. If you or someone you know has been charged with a white-collar crime, then consult Dallo Law, P.C..
Dallo and his legal team at Dallo Law, P.C. have the experience and knowledge needed to fight your white-collar crime charges. He can provide counsel throughout the entire process and thoroughly explore every legal route available, so no stone is unturned. Schedule your first free consultation with criminal defense attorney J. Dallo today by calling (248) 283-7000. Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Clinton Township, Romeo, Fraser, New Baltimore, New Haven, Warren, Sterling Heights, Pontiac, Troy, Waterford Township, Clarkston, Southfield, Royal Oak, and Bloomfield Hills.
Information Center:
- How Are White Collar Crimes Investigated?
- Prosecutions for Economic Crimes
- Examples of White Collar Crimes in Michigan
- Additional Resources
How Are White Collar Crimes Investigated?
White collar crimes are typically complex and may even involve multiple people or even organizations. The multifaceted nature of white-collar crimes means investigations make take months or even years before a single arrest is made. Law enforcement are incredibly careful as they usually are trying to investigate the crime undetected. Often the subject of a white-collar investigation isn’t even aware they are being surveilled or observed.
If an alleged crime crossed state lines during its commission, then a federal agency like the FBI, SEC, or NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) will likely get involved. These investigations are even more complicated as they can involve both national and international entities. Corporate fraud, in particular, continues to be one of the FBI’s highest criminal priorities. When encountering these crimes, the Bureau tends to focus its efforts on cases involving self-dealing by corporate executives, obstruction of justice and accounting schemes.
Prosecutions for Economic Crimes
White-collar crimes are often prosecuted in federal court. However, it is common for prosecutors and defense attorneys to negotiate a plea deal and avoid a trial that is often long and expensive. An example of a deal is pleading guilty to lesser charges in exchange for the prosecution dropping the more serious counts.
Plea deals also come in the form of restitution, which is paying back what was illegally taken. These plea negotiations require skilled and experienced attorneys who will not shy away from going to court if a better result can be obtained by fighting the charges in court. Having an attorney on your side with a large courtroom presence such as J. Dallo from Dallo Law, P.C. will give you the advantage you need to avoid the full statutory penalties.
Examples of White Collar Crimes in Michigan
Most defendants accused of white-collar crimes are charged under Michigan law. However, certain circumstances may cause you to be brought up on federal charges as well. When it comes to defending white-collar crimes, Attorney Dallo at Dallo Law, P.C. has encountered it all. H’’s defended cases ranging from a simple case of check forgery to multipart financial schemes involving multiple corporations.
The following are some examples of white-collar crime cases we at Dallo Law, P.C. take on.
- Identity Theft – Using another person’s name, credit card number, social security number or any other personal identifying information to acquire goods, credit cards, services, loans or other bank accounts is known as identity theft. A first-time identity theft offense can result in up to 5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
- Embezzlement – Stealing from your employer in any way is considered embezzlement. Most when they hear the word embezzlement think of intricate financial schemes that may involve multiple bank accounts. However, the crime isn’t always so complex. For instance, a person can be charged with embezzlement for simply stealing out of the tip jar. The penalties for the crime depend on the value of the money or property stolen. Typically, if the value of the money or property embezzled is over $1,000, then you will face a felony-level charge.
- Healthcare Insurance Fraud – Falsifying information to obtain a certain healthcare benefit or plan is a serious offender under Michigan law. The crime can be committed in various ways including impersonating another person to receive their benefits, providing false information to receive benefits, or tampering with a paper or digital system to receive some sort of benefit. Some of these cases have in-depth investigations that last years and could even involve federal charges. A conviction for healthcare insurance fraud is up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
- Forgery – Altering, forging, or creating a counterfeit public record of any kind such as a bond, will or testament, charter, letter of attorney or insurance policy is a crime in Michigan. The penalties for the crime vary depending on the circumstances of the case. A conviction for forgery could result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years, expensive fines, and court ordered restitution costs.
Additional Resources
Michigan White Collar Crime Laws – Visit the official website for the Michigan Legislature to read up on their laws regarding white collar offenses. Access the site to view the statutory language surrounding forgery crimes, embezzlement, tax evasion, fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, and other related offenses.
FBI | White Collar Crime Investigations – Visit the official website for the Federal Bureau of Investigations to learn more about their tactics when investigating white collar crimes. Access the site to learn the FBI’s focus when it comes to white collar crimes, the various types of white-collar crimes and some helpful external links and resources.
Defense Attorney for Professionals in Oakland County, MI
The team at Dallo Law has defended countless professionals over the years who were worried about losing not only their freedom, but their reputation and standing in the community. Worried might be an understatement; terrified is a better description of the mental state of those who are faced with white-collar felony charges. If this sounds familiar, act quickly to call Dallo Law. Attorney J. Dallo will help you find the best possible strategy to fight the charges and clear your name.
Call Dallo Law, P.C. today at (248) 283-7000 to set up your first consultation free of charge. Dallo Law, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Oakland County and Macomb County area including Pontiac, Troy, Waterford Township, Southfield, Clarkston, Novi, Rochester, Utica, Armada, Clinton Township, Warren, Sterling Heights and Mount Clemens.