In the realm of criminal law, the term “white collar crime” has become synonymous with a distinct category of offenses that deviate from traditional, physically forceful criminal activities. Coined by sociologist Edwin Sutherland in 1939, the phrase “white collar crime” refers to non-violent, financially motivated offenses typically committed by individuals, businesses or government professionals in positions of trust and authority.

Common Types of White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes encompass a diverse range of offenses that share a common thread—financial deception or manipulation. These offenses are often characterized by deceit, concealment or violation of trust, and they occur in the context of business, government or other professional settings. Unlike street crimes, white collar crimes do not involve physical violence but can cause significant financial harm to individuals, organizations and the economy. Common types of white collar crimes include:

• Fraud: Deceptive practices aimed at securing unfair or unlawful financial gain, such as securities fraud, mortgage fraud, or insurance fraud.
• Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds entrusted to an individual, often by an employer or organization.
• Money Laundering: Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions.
• Insider Trading: Illegally buying or selling securities based on material, non-public information.
• Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of trust.
• Identity Theft: Unauthorized use of another person’s personal information for financial gain.
• Cybercrime: Cybercrime, including hacking, phishing, and online scams, has become a prevalent form of white collar offense in the digital age.

White collar crimes can be committed by individuals at various levels of an organization, including executives, managers, employees, or external actors with access to sensitive information. Perpetrators often exploit their positions of trust and authority to facilitate fraudulent schemes.

Legal Consequences

While white collar crimes do not involve physical violence, the legal consequences can be severe. Offenders may face criminal charges, fines, restitution and imprisonment. Additionally, civil lawsuits may be brought against them to recover damages. White collar crime investigations are intricate and often involve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies and financial experts. Unraveling the complexities of financial transactions and uncovering fraudulent activities requires a meticulous and thorough approach, both for the prosecuting and defending legal teams.

Role of Legal Professionals

Legal professionals specializing in white collar crime like our team at Rowsey & Stelter, Attorneys at Law, play a crucial role in defending against these offenses. Our attorneys have expertise in financial law, regulations and investigative techniques that is essential in navigating the complexities of defending our clients accused of white collar crimes.

Understanding the concept of “white collar” crimes is essential in navigating the intricacies of financial wrongdoing within the legal system. If you have been accused of a white collar crime, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal law team on your side to protect your rights. Contact us at Rowsey & Stelter, Attorneys at Law, in Roswell, GA, to schedule a legal consultation to discuss your case.