Accused of a White Collar Crime in Virginia? Know Your Rights

White collar crime is an often unexplored area of criminal activity. Very few TV crime dramas are dedicated exclusively to white collar crimes, and many of the sensational news stories that hit the presses have more to do with murders and kidnappings than bank fraud or money laundering. White collar crimes may not necessarily claim a bold headline, but their consequences can be devastating for a convicted criminal’s future, both personally and professionally. It’s important to know what constitutes white collar crimes in Virginia and what could happen if you are caught or charged with one.

What Qualifies as a White Collar Crime in Virginia?

The FBI defines white collar crimes as “those illegal acts which are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and which are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence.”  Simply put, white collar crimes are, on the whole, financially motivated. People who commit these crimes are often higher-level business and government employees who are engaging in illegal practices to make money, hide money, hide bad business or evade taxes and financial responsibilities.

Common white collar crimes include:

• Bribery
• Fraud – bank and securities
• Insider trading
• Money laundering
• Tax evasion and tax fraud
• Antitrust violations
• Copyright infringement
• Embezzlement
• Cybercrimes
• Forgery
• Identity theft
• Export/import violations
• Ponzi schemes

What Happens if You are Charged?

White collar crimes are handled in the same manner as all other crimes. A defendant charged with criminal activity of this nature has the right to a trial by jury, the right to an Alexandria white collar defense attorney and the right to a fair sentence. However, most white collar crimes involve activity that crosses state borders, so many of these trials are handled in federal court.

Because white collar crimes are typically non-violent in nature, a defendant may have the opportunity to be released before his or her trial instead of spending that time in jail. Additionally, judges may consider shorter sentences for some defendants who enter into plea bargains, in which the defendant will plead guilty to one charge in exchange for a reduced sentence or a dropped lesser charge.

Get the Help You Need From Our Alexandria White Collar Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of committing a white collar crime, the accusation alone could do serious damage to your professional reputation. No matter how the case turns out, having your name associated with white collar crime is never good in the world of business. However, with the help of an Alexandria white collar defense attorney, you can fight back against the charges and work through your legal options. For more information about white collar crimes, or a legal consultation, contact our office right away.