Not every accusation of criminal activity in Washington DC involves causing physical harm to another person or possessing illegal substances. Oftentimes, people may face criminal charges that allege the improper use of funds or theft. In other instances, the case may involve abuses of power or position of public officials.
These offenses are known in legal circles as white-collar crimes. This is because the people facing these charges tend to be those in white-collar professions, such as bankers, accountants, attorneys, or politicians. The nature of these professions can lead to allegations of misappropriation, embezzlement, or fraud.
A Washington DC white-collar criminal lawyer may be able to help anyone facing these types of charges. A dedicated defense attorney could explain the nature of the charges, evaluate the strength of the prosecutor’s case, and work toward a realistic, beneficial result.
White-collar is not a term that appears in Washington DC’s criminal code. Instead, it is a concept commonly used to describe criminal activity where the defendants in cases tend to be members of a higher social class. This contrasts with blue-collar crimes that tend to involve people from the working classes.
Ultimately, the classification of a charge as being white-collar has no bearing on a criminal case. The penalties for white-collar crimes are equal to, and in some cases, surpass those of blue-collar offenses. However, it can serve as an effective way for people to understand their charges.
A white-collar crime can often involve a person with some level of power taking advantage of others. This can include offenses that involve financial fraud and embezzlement and the misuse of a government authority. A lawyer in Washington DC could determine if the offense the defendant allegedly committed falls under white-collar crime.
Allegations of white-collar crime are no less serious than those that may involve violence. In fact, many portions of Washington DC’s criminal code exist specifically to prohibit and punish these crimes of moral turpitude and financial malfeasance.
One example is the law regarding financial fraud. According to the Code of the District of Columbia §22-3221, a person commits criminal fraud when they engage in a scheme or systematic pattern of conduct that intends to obtain the property of another by false pretense. An individual offering business investment opportunities based upon a false premise or promise may violate this statute. The most serious convictions under this statute can require the payment of a fine up to double the amount gained by the fraud and a prison sentence of up to ten years.
Another group of people who could find themselves the target of white-collar criminal investigations are members of government. Under DC Code §22-712, it is illegal for any person to give anything of value to a public servant in exchange for that servant’s violation of their public duty. Likewise, it is illegal for these public servants to accept or solicit these bribes. Convictions here carry heavy fines and a maximum prison sentence of ten years.
Other examples of white-collar crimes can involve embezzlement, misuse of client funds, and violations of fiduciary duties. A lawyer in the DC area could help develop defenses against any type of white-collar criminal allegation.
If you are facing charges of a non-violent crime, you need to act swiftly to develop a defense. These are serious criminal matters and a conviction can require you to pay a fine and serve time in jail. Furthermore, a conviction will create a criminal record that can tarnish your reputation in the community and limit your options for the future.
A Washington DC white-collar criminal lawyer may be able to help you. A knowledgeable attorney could investigate the facts that led to the charge and explain the nature of the law. They could then help you identify your best course of action to reach a favorable result both in and out of court. Reach out today and schedule a case consultation.
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