The term "white collar crime" supposedly was first mentioned in 1939 by a sociologist who discussed criminal activities committed by people of "respectability and high social status." The FBI refers to white collar crimes as "those illegal acts that are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and which are not dependent on the application or threat of physical force or violence. Individuals and organizations commit these acts to obtain money, property or services; or to secure personal or business advantage." Whether you think of it as based on the social status of the offender or the type of non-violent activity, white collar crime is found in all walks of life.

Many people accused of white collar crimes have had no previous experience with the criminal justice system. Most people are unprepared for the myriad of rules, quirks, and dangers that lurk when a white collar investigation begins, or when it evolves into a criminal prosecution. People facing these situations need to obtain the services of a highly experienced criminal defense attorney as rapidly as possible.

Most of the bigger white collar prosecutions are brought by federal prosecutors. These prosecutors are assisted by highly trained agents from the FBI, the IRS, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the DEA, the FDA, the SEC and other federal agencies. White collar prosecutors and investigators generally have far more resources at their disposal than what is provided for other cases. Not only do the prosecutors have more resources, they can use the prosecution-friendly rules found in federal court, one of which is the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

White collar cases often come with another potential problem: publicity. Many business or political figures need to take into account how they might be affected by media interest in an investigation or prosecution. It is well known that the investigators and a few unscrupulous prosecutors will "leak" information to reporters about a case in order to put pressure on a target of an investigation.

Feel free to call us at (404) 588-3991 or contact us online if you need any assistance on a white collar matter.