Iowa residents who have been charged with a white collar crime may be wondering what to do next. Being charged with any type of crime can be scary, and understanding the charges can give the accused a better idea of where they can get help.
So, what is a white collar crime? White collar crimes generally involve different types of fraud used to get ahead financially. Some examples of white collar crimes may include an employee embezzling money from a company he or she works for, insurance fraud, money laundering and tax evasion, to name a few. For example, a person who avoids filing taxes, or files taxes using incorrect information - in an attempt to avoid money owed - would be committing tax evasion.
Insurance fraud and mortgage fraud are two of the most common types of white collar crimes. For example, insurance fraud may involve someone improperly cashing in an insurance policy after providing false information on application documents. Insurance fraud can also be committed on a larger scale, involving businesses that may deceive its customers. Business-related fraudulent activities and Ponzi schemes are also common white collar crimes, and usually involve scamming investors.
The severity of the penalties involved with white collar crimes depend on the specific charges, and how federal and state laws come into play. Those who have been charged with a white collar crime may want to speak with a criminal defense lawyer to learn more about their legal options. An Iowa criminal defense lawyer can provide more insight into state laws, and how to craft a strong defense.
Source: FindLaw.com, "White Collar Crime," accessed on March 26, 2015