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If you have been accused or arrested for a white collar crime in Georgia, get in contact with a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. Be sure to look for a lawyer who is experienced and has a thorough understanding of the laws surrounding white collar crimes, such as embezzlement, bribery, and various types of fraud. White collar crime penalties in Georgia can vary significantly depending on many factors, so it’s crucial to hire a skilled white-collar crime attorney who can attempt to minimize them.

Which Crimes Are Classified as White Collar Offenses in Georgia?

A white collar crime may be deemed and tried as a misdemeanor or a felony, and it could be a federal crime. Federal crimes entail illegal activity that occurs in two or more states, on government property, and/or offenses committed against government entities, including individual employees.

White collar crimes are often non-violent but concern large quantities of money/property and unethical conduct. Here are just some forms of white collar offenses:

• Money laundering: This crime is the process of “legitimizing” money obtained through illegal means or activities, such as drug or sex trafficking, by funneling the funds into an apparently more legitimate, legal business. Laundering money is meant to make acquired profits appear to be from valid transactions in the eyes of banks and the IRS.
• Embezzlement: Offenders who steal or misuse funds or assets under their supervision via employment are embezzling. Usually, the goal of embezzlement is to further the criminal’s position or financial status and/or to assist in a larger plot to gain money or power.
• Bank or wire fraud: This type of fraud is a serious crime. Wire fraud involves the offender tricking someone into sending them valuable assets, like money or information. This may be done by sending the targeted victim a fraudulent email or message that mimics one they usually expect in order to make the victim provide a password or other vital information.
• Counterfeiting: This offense includes the manufacturing of fraudulent American currency, its distribution, and knowingly using it or attempting to use it as if it were legal.
• Bribery: Bribery is unlawful when the criminal is offering assets, or a “gift,” to someone in a legal or public position in order to influence their actions or decisions. The briber themselves and a party who may have accepted the bribe can both be held responsible.
• Obstruction: Obstruction of justice is the crime of impairing or preventing the criminal justice and law enforcement systems from performing their legal duties. Offenses range from minor misdemeanors, such as lying to an officer during arrest, to more serious violations, such as destroying or hiding evidence of a crime.

Penalties if You’re Convicted of a White Collar Crime in GA

The punishments a convicted defendant may face are influenced by the type of crime they committed, the scope of the unlawful activity (in monetary value and/or breadth of operation), their criminal history, and other factors that the judge will consider before sentencing. White collar crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies, and they can be prosecuted at the state or federal level. More serious infractions are likely to yield more serious penalties.

Aggravating factors may increase your sentence, while mitigating factors may make your penalties less severe. Generally, you can expect to face fines and potentially incarceration if you are convicted. There are minimum prison sentences for many federal white collar crimes.

FAQs

Q: How Serious Is a White Collar Crime?

A: Despite the fact that white collar crimes rarely contain an element of violence, they are still very serious offenses. A white collar crime usually involves unlawfully obtaining property with extremely high monetary value. These crimes are easily deemed felonies and can even become federal crimes, depending on the circumstances. They can result in large fines and long prison sentences.

Q: What Happens if You Commit a White Collar Crime?

A: If you commit a white collar crime, such as embezzlement or identity fraud, you are very likely to face prosecution, potentially within a federal court. If convicted, you could face serious penalties that can vary based on many factors. It’s important to speak with a white collar crime lawyer or a federal crimes defense attorney if you have been charged with or investigated for a white collar crime.

Q: What Are the Punishments for White Collar Crimes?

A: Punishments for white collar crimes will vary depending on the specific crime and the degree of property or monetary value involved in the offense. Relatively minor crimes, such as misdemeanors, may only result in fines and court fees. More severe crimes will be punishable by more severe penalties, including house arrest or incarceration.

Q: How Much Time Is Sentenced for a White Collar Crime Conviction?

A: The amount of time sentenced for a white collar crime conviction will depend on the circumstances of the crime. Some minor misdemeanors may only result in paying fines and minimal to no time spent in jail/prison. Alternative options for serving a sentence, such as probation or home arrest, are sometimes awarded.

More severe crimes, such as felonies or those on a federal level, may be punishable by several years of imprisonment, depending on the type and extent of the crime.

Q: What Is the Number One White Collar Crime in America?

A: The most common white collar crimes in America include fraud, forgery, and counterfeiting. Fraud is defined as intentionally deceiving someone for the purpose of financial or personal gain. Forgery is committed when an offender creates or alters something while intending to commit fraud. Counterfeiting involves creating false currency, documents, or consumer products that mimic the real items.

If You’ve Been Accused of a White Collar Violation, Talk With a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Our white collar crime lawyer at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is ready to review the details of your case and discuss your legal options with you. During an initial consultation, you can have all of your questions answered. Schedule a meeting with our skilled and professional white collar crime defense attorney today.