While the term “white-collar crime” doesn’t appear in the criminal law codes, the phrase is often used in the media to describe a certain type of offense. These nonviolent crimes are committed for monetary gain, usually through deceit, fraud, or manipulation rather than coercion. Below is a brief guide to this category of offense and why anyone accused of a white-collar crime should find an attorney with experience handling similar cases.

What Are White-Collar Crimes?

White-collar crimes are typically committed by managers or other executives who have access to sensitive business records and information. This broad classification can include everything from intentional misuse of company property to widespread deception about the financial health of a business.

Falsified accounting records designed to inflate the value of a company’s assets or hide transactions from regulators are common components of white-collar crimes. Fraudulently trading stock in an effort to drive up the price can also be considered a criminal offense in some circumstances.

Managers using their insider positions to enrich themselves may also be charged with a criminal offense. Insider trading, or making stock trades based on information not available to the public, is a common, often high-profile criminal offense. In many industries, offering kickbacks for preferential treatment is considered a type of bribery, especially if government officials are involved.

How to Protect Yourself Against Allegations

This aspect of criminal law is extremely complex, with cases normally built on detailed forensic accounting reports and other minutiae. Successfully defending yourself against embezzling or money-laundering charges requires a skilled attorney with the knowledge and resources to understand the state’s evidence.

Achieving the best possible outcome may mean calling in your own forensic accountants and other expert witnesses. Ask about an attorney’s professional network before deciding on a law firm.

As a certified specialist in criminal law, Lee Novak Attorney at Law has provided aggressive, effective legal representation to defendants throughout Mohave County, AZ. No matter what charges you’re facing, you can trust this respected law firm to deliver the expertise and resources you need. Visit their website for more information on their criminal law services, or call (928) 718-1700 to schedule a low-cost consultation.