White collar crimes often refer to acts of fraud or criminal offenses related to business. The name is indicative of the fact that these are acts committed by white collar individuals, or people wearing suits and ties. These crimes tend to be non-violent in nature but may involve large sums of money.
If you believe the police are investigating you for a white collar crime, you should seek out help immediately. A Nebraska white collar crimes lawyer can help you understand your rights and how an investigation and legal proceeding may occur. A proactive criminal attorney with Berry Law can advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.
Common White Collar Crimes in Nebraska
White collar crimes often involve complex accounting and bookkeeping issues. Unfortunately, this means miscalculations or a poor understanding of finances may result in a charge. Examples of white collar offenses include:
- Tax fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Wire fraud
- Embezzlement
- Identity fraud
- RICO violations
- Cybercrimes
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, these offenses can be charged federally or as a state crime. A local attorney can further explain the scenarios that will determine the type of white collar charge you may be facing.
Federal White Collar Crimes
Any fraudulent act that involves the postal system, phone system, internet, or other federally-run organization is generally considered a federal crime. The FBI or other governmental agencies investigate and prosecute federal crimes and related scams.
Any federal offense will be subject to federal sentencing guidelines, which can be incredibly harsh. For example, it is a crime for anyone to use the postal service to defraud another person, in 18 U.S. Code §1341. If the court finds a person guilty, they may face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Nebraska State Crimes
There are also state laws that deal with white collar crimes. If a fraudulent activity does not involve a federal issue, the state government will have jurisdiction to prosecute. For example, identity fraud may be considered a state offense. A first offense is a Class I misdemeanor and any subsequent offense is a Class IV felony, and the defendant will be subject to state punishments for Class IV felonies, as noted in Nebraska Revised Statute §28-640.
Consequences of a Conviction
A federal charge could result in a lengthy prison sentence and/or a hefty fine. However, even a state-level conviction could result in serious jail time and fines. Due to the severity of the punishments involved, it’s imperative to have highly experienced Nebraska lawyers representing you.
On top of the immediate penalties of a white collar crime conviction, a person’s reputation may also be in jeopardy. For example, even an accusation could ruin a person’s ability to work in certain professions. Further, a felony conviction could cause a person to lose certain rights such as the right to bear arms. A Nebraska lawyer can work to fight these penalties and protect your future from the consequences of a white collar crime conviction.
Schedule an Appointment with a Nebraska White Collar Crimes Attorney
If you were accused of a white collar crime or believe you are the subject of an investigation, you should enlist the help of an attorney immediately. A Nebraska white collar crimes lawyer can vigorously defend you and fight for the best possible outcome. Call today for a free case evaluation and begin fighting back.