Many people associate the term “white-collar crime” with Wall Street bigwigs and executives of large corporations. It may seem like even if they’re convicted and punished, they end up in “country club prisons.” However, people in just about every social strata and all types of professions can get caught up in these crimes, and the legal consequences can be anything but pleasant. Let’s look at a few of them.
Tax evasion and fraud
As most people have heard, it was tax evasion that ultimately put the infamous mobster Al Capone behind bars. The tax evasion and fraud cases that receive the most media attention are those involving the ultra-wealthy, like Leona Helmsley, who reportedly once said, “Only the little people pay taxes.” However, people from all walks of life and all income levels can face tax evasion and/or fraud charges.
Money laundering
Money laundering has long been associated with those involved in organized crime. However, as the name implies, it involves taking money made through illegal activities and “cleaning” it by putting it in legitimate businesses. One example is a grocery store manager who was convicted for exchanging over $5 million in food stamps over five years for cash.
Stealing trade secrets
Trade secrets used to be typically known by just a few people within a company who were bound by legal agreements not to divulge them. However, today, anyone who knows how to hack into a company’s database can access them. Sometimes, employees illegally access them and take them along to their next job. However, just about anyone who knows how to breach a company’s systems can steal and sell them.
White-collar crimes can be federal offenses. If you’re charged with a federal crime — or even if you believe you’re under investigation for criminal activity — it’s wise to seek the guidance of a Mississippi attorney experienced in handling federal criminal defense cases.
