If you were accused of a white collar crime, your career and future is on the line. It’s important to understand what you’re up against and the best ways to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know. 

White Collar Crime 101 

A white collar crime is a criminal offense that occurs in a business or corporate setting. If the company or organization accused of criminal activity is well-known or popular, or the crime involved a substantial theft of assets or funds, it may be considered a “high profile” case. White collar crimes include the following offenses: 

• Forgery 
• Larceny 
• Fraud 
• Identity theft 
• Embezzlement 
• Tax evasion 
• Mail fraud 
• Money laundering 
• Insider trading 
• Extortion 

What Happens If I’m Charged With a White Collar Crime? 

If you’re accused of committing a white collar crime, you may know that you are being investigated before you are formally charged. However, these investigations may be limited until enough evidence is found to justify an arrest, after which law enforcement officers can obtain search warrants for your files, emails, phone records, and other potentially incriminating information. 

During this time, you will be allowed to work with an attorney to mount a defense against the accusations. Although many people wait until they are arrested to hire a lawyer, this can and should actually be done as soon as you learn that you are being investigated for or even suspected of committing a white collar crime. 

Top Defenses for White Collar Crimes 

There are many potential defenses against white collar criminal accusations depending on the circumstances of the case and available evidence. Some of the most common defenses include: 

• You were not aware that the activity you engaged in was criminal 
• The activity you engaged in wasn’t, in fact, criminal (e.g. someone gave you permission to access their account in a case of fraud) 
• You were not actually the person who committed the crime in question
• You did not have the intent to commit a criminal offense 
• You were a victim of entrapment and otherwise would not have committed the offense 

Your attorney will review your case to determine the defense strategy most likely to be successful given your situation.

When to Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer 

Don’t hesitate after learning you are suspected of committing a white collar crime to reach out to a Western Massachusetts criminal defense attorney. Call Jesse Adams today for a consultation at 413.585.9200.