What is White Collar Crime? 

 Posted on September 12, 2023 in Federal Crimes

Whether or not you knew charges were coming, being formally charged with a white collar crime can be shocking. You may not know what to do or whom to turn to for help. However, the best thing to do is to contact an experienced Chicago white collar crime defense attorney as soon as possible.  

In fact, even if you think you are being investigated for a crime or will soon be charged with a crime, you should contact an attorney. The sooner you can have one on your side, the better the outcome of your case. White collar crimes can be complicated to defend as they require intensive research and facing federal prosecutors. 

Defining White Collar Crimes 

White collar crimes are sometimes referred to as corporate crimes as they typically occur in a corporate setting. They are non-violent crimes commonly committed by business or government professionals for financial gain. A sociologist coined the term white collar crime in 1939, which referred to crimes committed by respectable professionals with high social status. According to the FBI, white collar crimes are characterized by any or all of the following: 

• Concealment 
• Deception 
• Breach of trust 

White Collar Offenses Can Lead to Federal Charges 

It is important to remember that white collar crimes may also lead to federal charges in addition to charges by the state of Illinois for the same offense. If convicted, potential penalties include:

• Fines 
• Home detention 
• Community confinement 
• Paying the cost of prosecution 
• Forfeitures  
• Restitution 
• Supervised release 
• Imprisonment 

How a Chicago White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer Can Help 

If you have been charged with a white collar crime, you may or may not understand the seriousness of the charges against you—however, a seasoned Chicago white collar crime defense attorney will.  

Since most white collar crimes are federal, you need an attorney with the skills necessary to stand up to the federal government. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your charges and evaluate your case for the next best steps.  

Sometimes, they can arrange to have charges dropped or reduced. Other times, they will need to prepare for trial. If this is the case, your attorney will carefully select the best defense in your case and advocate for your rights at all times.  

Our firm serves Chicago area clients charged with the following types of white collar crimes and others: 

• Mortgage fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud 
• Bank fraud 
• Internet crimes 
• Credit card fraud 
• Wire fraud 
• Identity theft 
• Embezzlement 
• Money laundering 
• Extortion 
• Internet sex crimes 
• Possession of child pornography 
• Racketeering and RICO crimes 
• Conspiracy 

Contact the Experienced Chicago, IL White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer at Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel Today For Help 

If you have been charged with any of the above crimes, we are here to help. We know this is a time of uncertainty that can feel overwhelming. Our skilled Illinois white collar crime defense attorney will take the time to explain your charges, possible plea deals and defenses, and the penalties that follow if you are convicted. Do not simply accept your charges. You have the legal right to hire your own white collar crime defense lawyer and let them go to work on your behalf. Contact Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney online or by phone at 312-629-0669 today to schedule a free consultation.