Facing allegations of white-collar crime can endanger the life you worked hard to build for yourself. Such an accusation can have significant personal and professional ramifications, including damage to your reputation and potential legal consequences. However, a white-collar crimes lawyer in Lansing, MI, can defend your future.
At White Law PLLC, we understand the importance of protecting your future and standing up for your rights. Our experienced Lansing criminal defense lawyers provide personalized attention to every case. We ensure you receive the highest quality legal representation tailored to your situation. Call us today to discuss your defense strategy.
Breaking Down White-Collar Crimes in Michigan
Criminal offenses that involve deceiving an individual or company for personal benefit are known as white-collar crimes. These non-violent, financially motivated offenses are typically committed by individuals in positions of influence within businesses, corporations, or government entities.
Sociologist Edwin Sutherland coined the term white-collar crime. He first used the term during a presidential address to the American Sociological Association to describe a distinct category of non-violent crimes committed by individuals of higher socioeconomic status, often in business or professional occupations.
Due to their complex nature, white-collar crimes can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only individuals but entire economies and financial systems. Given the complex nature of these cases, if you face allegations, consult a white-collar crimes attorney in Lansing, MI, to protect your rights.
Common Types of White-Collar Crimes in Lansing
White-collar crimes encompass a wide range of offenses. These can vary in complexity and scope, reflecting the diverse ways individuals can engage in fraudulent activities for personal gain.
Offenses associated with white-collar crimes include:
- Embezzlement: The misappropriation or theft of funds entrusted to an individual, such as an employee, by their employer or organization.
- Fraud: This includes a wide range of deceptive practices, such as insurance fraud, credit card fraud, mortgage fraud, healthcare fraud, and identity theft.
- Money laundering: Disguising the origins of illegally obtained funds to make them appear legitimate.
- Insider trading: The illegal trading of securities based on non-public information gives individuals an unfair market advantage.
- Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions or decisions of an individual in a position of power or authority.
- Intellectual property theft: Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted material, patents, or trade secrets.
If you are unsure whether the offense you are accused of falls under white-collar crime, discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney at White Law PLLC. We can help determine the nature of the alleged offense and guide you through the legal process.
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Possible Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Michigan
In Michigan, these crimes can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and restitution. Depending on the severity of the offense, you may face up to years in prison and fines of up to thousands of dollars.
For example, embezzlement in Michigan can lead to a misdemeanor charge if the property is valued at less than $200. In this case, the penalty includes imprisonment up to 93 days and a fine of $500 or three times the value of the property embezzled. However, the penalty can increase exponentially depending on the severity of the crime.
Suppose the value of the personal property embezzled is $100,000. In that case, the penalty includes imprisonment up to 20 years and a fine up to $50,000 or three times the value of the embezzled property, whichever is higher.
In addition to these legal penalties, white-collar crimes can have significant personal and professional consequences, including damage to one’s reputation and loss of employment.
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How To Build a Strong Defense Against White-Collar Crime Charges
If you are facing charges for a white-collar crime, building a strong defense to protect your rights and reputation is important. The first step in building a strong defense is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Your Lansing white-collar crimes attorney will:
- Gather evidence: Collect all relevant documents, records, emails, financial statements, or any other evidence that can support your defense. This may include evidence of innocence, lack of intent, or evidence that challenges the prosecution’s case.
- Investigate the case: Conduct a thorough investigation to uncover facts, interview witnesses, and gather additional evidence that may support your defense. This may involve hiring forensic accountants, investigators, or experts in a specific field related to the alleged crime.
- Challenge the evidence: Scrutinize the evidence presented by the prosecution, looking for any inconsistencies, errors, or violations of legal procedures. Your defense attorney can file motions to suppress evidence if it was obtained illegally or is unreliable.
- Establish lack of intent: If applicable, demonstrate no intent to commit a crime. This could involve showing that any actions were unintentional, based on a misunderstanding, or influenced by external factors beyond your control.
- Explore mitigating factors: Identify and present any mitigating factors that may reduce the severity of the charges or the potential penalties. This may include demonstrating a lack of prior criminal history, good character, or involvement in charitable activities.
Be honest with your attorney and give them all the information they need to build a strong defense. The attorney-client privilege protects the confidentiality of communications between an attorney and their client.
We know how to get our clients the results they need in the toughest legal arenas.
Call a Lansing White-Collar Crimes Lawyer for Guidance
If you or someone you know is facing accusations of white-collar crimes in Lansing, seek legal guidance from an experienced lawyer. These crimes can carry severe penalties, including hefty fines and long-term imprisonment.
At White Law PLLC, we understand the impact these charges can have on your personal and professional life, and we are committed to advocating for your best interests. Our goal is to achieve the most favorable outcome possible, whether it’s through negotiation, litigation, or alternative resolutions.
A skilled Lansing white-collar crimes attorney will help you understand your legal rights, strategize your defense, and represent you in court. Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance during this challenging time. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
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