Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comThe Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comMost defendants facing white collar criminal charges have never been in trouble with the law. They may also be unfamiliar with what white collar charges entail and how serious the potential consequences can be.
This article answers these questions and provides a brief overview of the most common white collar crimes. However, if you suspect that you may be the target of an investigation, it is imperative to consult with a white collar crime attorney as soon as possible.
The term “white collar crime” dates back to 1939 when criminologist Edwin Sutherland first used it to refer to nonviolent crimes committed by business or government professionals. The Department of Justice currently defines white-collar crimes as “any violation of law committed through non-violent means, involving lies, omissions, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of a position of trust, by an individual or organization for personal or organizational benefit.”
White collar offenses can include both individual crimes and corporate crimes. In both cases, offenses often involve the use of deception to procure financial gain. Examples include money laundering, tax evasion, insider trading, market manipulation, kickbacks, bribery, and embezzlement.
White collar crimes are investigated by numerous state and federal law enforcement agencies. Federal agencies that investigate white collar crimes include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Investigations are often complex and lengthy as they require regulatory and law enforcement agencies to separate allegedly criminal misconduct conduct from legal business activities. Investigators may rely on a wide range of tools to root out alleged illicit activity, including whistleblower reports, financial analysis, forensic accounting, and data analytics. If convicted, white-collar criminals can face severe penalties, including monetary fines, imprisonment, and restitution to victims.
White collar crime can take a variety of forms. Below are some of the most common offenses:
Criminal investigations and indictments can be devasting for individuals and corporations, resulting in steep monetary penalties, reputational harm, and even jail time. Because white collar investigations tend to sweep up both alleged wrongdoers and innocent bystanders, knowing the answer to “what are white collar crimes” can help you avoid a costly, and potentially career-ending, criminal investigation. If you suspect that you or your business may be the subject of a criminal investigation, it is imperative to contact an experienced white collar crime attorney as soon as possible and certainly before meeting with law enforcement agents. The attorneys of Scarinci Hollenbeck’s White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Group have successfully defended a diverse array of businesses, along with their owners, executives, and boards, against white collar charges. No matter how serious the charges, our team works quickly to identify potential criminal liability and identify the best legal strategies to minimize the repercussions.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Over the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors at a record pace. Fluctuating consumer preferences, the rise of online shopping platforms, and ongoing economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on the retail industry. When a retailer seeks bankruptcy protection, a myriad of other businesses are often impacted. Whether you are a supplier, customer, […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Since his inauguration two months ago, Donald Trump’s administration and the Congress it controls have indicated important upcoming policy changes. These changes will impact financial services policies and priorities. The changes will particularly affect cryptocurrency, as well as banking rules and regulations. Key Regulatory Changes in Cryptocurrency For example, in the burgeoning cryptocurrency business environment, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
The retail sector has experienced a wave of bankruptcy filings over the last year. Brick-and-mortar businesses in financial distress include big-name brands like Big Lots, Party City, The Container Store, and Vitamin Shoppe. When large retailers seek bankruptcy protection, they are not the only businesses impacted. Landlords can be particularly hard hit. While commercial landlords […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
The bankruptcy legal landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses navigating financial distress. Understanding current bankruptcy trends can help businesses make more informed and strategic decisions. Corporate Bankruptcy Filings Trending Upwards Bankruptcy filings continued to trend upwards in 2024. According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, personal and business […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
In December, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced charges against two privately held companies for failing to file a Form D notice, which is generally utilized for exempt securities offerings. Here, the SEC’s enforcement sends a strong message: compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional and failure to comply can have significant consequences. […]
Author: Kenneth C. Oh
On February 14, 2025, the Office of General Counsel (OGC) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen issued Memorandum 25-05, “New Process for More Efficient, Effective, Accessible and Transparent Case handling.” The Memorandum rescinds nearly all of the Memoranda issued by his direct predecessor, Jennifer Abruzzo, setting the […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!