White Collar Crime Attorney

Arizona White-Collar Crime – Don’t Let the Name Mislead You.

There is often a certain image we conjure up in our minds when we think of convicted criminals. This image typically doesn’t include a suit and tie.

Don’t let the name mislead you. Being accused of a white-collar crime is serious and if you are convicted, you could be facing a severe punishment. White-collar crimes are different than other criminal offenses, as they do not involve physical violence, drugs and so forth. Instead, they are financial, corporate, or economic crimes that encompass deception. Professionals in the middle and upper classes are the ones who are typically involved in white-collar crimes.

There are various forms of white-collar crimes, ranging from embezzlement to securities fraud.  Below are brief explanations of some of the common white-collar crimes in Arizona:

• Embezzlement: Embezzlement is defined as taking or misappropriating funds, money or property.  For the prosecution to have a case, they must show that you had some type of fiduciary relationship with the party who lost the money or property.
• Conspiracy: This crime has to do with you conspiring with someone else to carry out a criminal act.
• Tax evasion: Tax evasion is just as it sounds – it is defined as intentionally or illegally avoiding the payment of mandatory taxes to the government. Failing to file a tax return, misstating income or expenses or making false statements may all be considered tax evasion.
• Money laundering: This white-collar crime refers to the practice of making money obtained from illegal activities appear legitimate.
• Mail fraud: Mail fraud charges may be brought if it appears the postal system was used in a scheme to illegally obtain money or valuables.
• Securities fraud: Securities fraud refers to the practice of using false information to entice people to invest their money. Usually, there are losses involved.

By no means is this list comprehensive. There are many other offenses that are classified as white-collar crimes.

If you have been accused of embezzlement, conspiracy, tax evasion or another offense, your future is at stake. You could be facing jail time and other penalties. The best course of action is to immediately contact an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney for advice. You have too much to lose.