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Common White Collar Crimes and What to Do If You Are Being Investigated
White collar crimes are nonviolent crimes that usually involve financial losses and fraud. The term "white collar" refers to the white collars of button-down business shirts because these types of crimes are often perpetrated in a commercial or business context. White collar crimes are sometimes high-profile cases involving known business and political figures deceiving or concealing information for monetary gain.
Although they are not violent offenses, white collar crimes can carry serious consequences, including significant financial penalties and jail time, whether the crimes stem from federal or Wisconsin law. At the same time, defendants in white collar cases also sometimes find themselves faced with civil lawsuits seeking monetary compensation for the same alleged wrongdoing.
The experienced attorneys at GRGB Law understand white collar crimes and their penalties and defenses. We often present before other attorneys on white collar crime issues, including a recent presentation by Attorney Raymond Dall’Osto on the presidential immunity defense to white collar crimes.
Common White Collar Crimes
Fraud
There are many different types of fraud at the state and federal levels, all relating to deceiving another for personal gain. Wisconsin law has a whole category of crimes considered white collar which involve specifically fraud against financial institutions, including:
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Wire fraud against a financial institution
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Mail fraud
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Loan fraud
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Fraud against a financial institution
One type of federal fraud is securities fraud, a federal crime that makes it illegal to manipulate the federal markets or make misleading statements about financial instruments such as stocks and bonds.
Embezzlement
The crime of embezzlement occurs when an individual steals or misappropriates someone else’s money for personal gain.
Antitrust Violations
Entering into agreements with competitors to fix prices or wages is a federal crime and a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutes these types of crimes.
Campaign Finance Violations
Submitting and creating false campaign finance reports and submitting them to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is a crime.
Tax Evasion
Failure to pay your taxes is a federal crime with serious penalties. This can include not only failing to pay taxes but also misrepresenting income and losses and claiming false deductions.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves making money obtained illegally appear legal.
What to Do If You Are The Subject of a White Collar Crime Investigation
Generally, you will find out that you are the subject of a criminal investigation either if federal or state authorities contact you or if you receive what is called a target letter. As its name suggests, a target letter lets you know you are the target of a federal criminal investigation.
Hire an Attorney
Find and hire an experienced, aggressive attorney who will defend you.
Remain Silent
If you learn that you are being investigated and are approached by an investigator, do not speak to them without hiring an attorney first to ensure you do not incriminate yourself. Do not accept any deals or concessions from investigators without consulting your attorney.
Do Not Destroy Evidence
This includes emails, text messages, and paperwork. Keep all evidence even if you would destroy it in the normal course of business.
Contact Our Milwaukee, WI White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys
The list of white collar crimes is long and the penalties are serious. If you believe you are being investigated for a white collar crime, you need an experienced, committed attorney who will fight for you against the prosecution. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our Milwaukee, WI white collar crime lawyers know the law and can mount a strong defense in your case. Contact us today at 414-271-1440 for a consultation and get the legal help you need.
