If you get arrested for a white-collar crime, you may not know what to expect. White-collar crimes include infractions like mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, insurance fraud and other crimes.
According to the FBI, violation of trust, concealment and deceit are all characteristics that describe white-collar crimes. Typically, financial motive lies behind these crimes. And since these crimes are not always as straightforward as other crimes, there are many myths that surround them.
1. You will not serve prison time for white-collar crime
You may think that if you get convicted of a white-collar crime, you will not need to spend any time in prison. However, the penalties for many of these crimes include restitution and the requirement to spend time in prison.
2. Getting away with a white-collar crime is easy
Compared with other types of crime, you may assume that getting away with a white-collar crime is easy. However, technological advances and increased vigilance by law enforcement officials have made prosecution of white-collar crimes more likely.
3. You serve easy time for white-collar crime
If you get convicted of a white-collar crime, you may think you will spend your prison time in a minimum-security facility. But this is not a guarantee, and you may face prison time in a maximum-security prison.
Take any allegations of you committing a white-collar crime seriously. Do not ignore these allegations and take steps to protect your legal rights and reputation moving forward.