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Oakland County Attorneys for White Collar Crimes
White Collar Crime Defined
The FBI defines white collar crimes as “crimes that are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are not dependent on the application or threat of physical force or violence.”
Examples of white collar crimes include bribery and corruption, embezzlement, fraud, identity theft, and tax evasion.
In Michigan, a person will face extreme financial penalties and/or lengthy prison time if charged with a white collar crime. Although white collar crimes are not violent offenses, a white collar crime charge and/or conviction will likely have a significant and negative impact on a person’s employment, employ ability, and social life. Since white collar crimes involve deceit and dishonesty, employers will likely terminate the employment or be unwilling to hire a person who has a white collar crime on his or her criminal record. A white collar crime on a person’s criminal record can prevent a person from advancing their education and/or obtaining a professional license. A white collar crime charge alone will negatively impact a person’s reputation and standing in the community. Additionally, if convicted of a white collar crime, a person’s home and/or assets may be seized in order to satisfy any financial penalties.
If charged with a white collar crime, contact
Ray Law Criminal Defense Attorneys immediately. Due to the severe consequences, a white collar crime charge must be taken seriously, no matter what the offense. If not handled properly, a white collar crime charge and/or conviction will likely be very harmful to a person’s life.
Immigration Impact
If you are charged with a crime, and are not a U.S. Citizen, the criminal charge alone may negatively impact your immigration status and/or your ability to apply for nonimmigrant and/or immigrant status.
Under immigration law, because white collar crimes are crimes of deception and dishonesty, a white collar crime conviction or guilty plea, itself, may subject a person to deportation proceedings.
Additionally, if a person seeks an immigration benefit through the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of State (Embassies and Consulates), he or she will be required to submit a certified copy of a police report, any and all court orders relating to his or her criminal background, and proof of completion of probation or parole (if applicable). The Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of State (Embassies and Consulates) would still have a record of the initial charge, the reduced charge, and disposition. Ultimately the Department of Homeland Security, or the Department of State (Embassies and Consulates) will have complete access to a person’s criminal records, and will exercise their own discretion.
In the future, if any criminal matter is expunged or dismissed, police report(s) and court disposition will always be required, regardless of the age of the offense.
Primary Types of White Collar Crimes
Bribery and Corruption: Michigan’s criminal code includes 4 specific types of bribery and corruption crimes: (1) bribery of a public officer; (2) public officer accepting a bribe; (3) to bribe or corrupt an appraiser, receiver, trustee, administrator, executor, commissioner, auditor, juror, arbitrator, or referee, and; (4) for those listed officials to accept a bribe. All 4 of the above listed crimes are felony offenses. Additionally, the penalties include imprisonment and/or thousands of dollars in fines.
Embezzlement: Under Michigan law, a person is guilty of embezzlement if he or she disposes, uses, or takes any money or property for his or her own use from their employer, or otherwise authorized principal. The fine and/or imprisonment is determined based on the value of the property that has been disposed, use, and/or taken. Normally, if the money or personal property that is embezzled has the value of $1,000.00 or more, the person will be facing a felony conviction.
Fraud: Michigan law has numerous fraud statutes which protects against a multitude of fraudulent practices. In relation to typical white collar crimes, any person who fraudulently issues and sells securities of domestic or foreign corporations is guilty of a felony and can face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Identity Theft: Michigan’s Identity Theft and Protection Act defines identity theft as a crime in which a person who uses the personal identifying information of another person with the intent to defraud or violate the law. If convicted, a person may face up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or be required pay a fine of up to $25,000.00. However, this sentence only applies if this is the first offense. If a person has been previously convicted of identity theft, the jail time and fines will significantly increase.
Tax Evasion: Michigan classifies tax evasion in 2 ways – unintentional tax fraud and intentional tax fraud. Intentional tax fraud is a serious crime and a felony offense. A prosecutor may charge a person with tax evasion if they have reasonable cause to believe that a person owes a substantial amount in taxes. If convicted, a person will face up to 5 years in prison, and be required to pay thousands of dollars in fines, in addition to restitution that is owed.
You will need the Ray Law advantage, and the expertise of our attorneys to properly and successfully handle your case. We will fight to ensure that the white collar crime will not negatively impact your record.
Ray Law specializes in both criminal and immigration law. Here at Ray Law we have the best attorneys to represent you in the court of law, as well as the best attorneys to successfully represent you through the immigration process.
Use the Ray Law Advantage!