What is White-Collar Crime?

December 14, 2020 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Criminal Defense Social Share

White-collar crime is not a specific umbrella of crimes, such as theft or violence. Instead white-collar crimes are crimes that are perpetrated under specific circumstances. White-collar crimes are generally associated with individuals who don’t have a criminal history, either professionals or organized crime members. This creates confusion for the courts, generally a first offense carries substantial leniency, but the complicated nature and damage done by these crimes often warrants a substantial penalty. If you believe the circumstances in this article apply criminal allegations against you, it is crucial to contact a qualified member of our legal team at (850) 681-7777 or by sending an online message to discuss your rights and options in a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer.

The term white-collar crime is believed to have started in the late 1930’s, in the height of the organized crime era. The term is currently used to describe crimes perpetrated to gain financial benefit, without the traditional use of force or violence. The term blue-collar and white-collar as used to define professions is synonymous with this use (although “blue-collar crimes” is not a generally used phrase). White-collar crime is usually fraud, self-dealing, or associated with trading of securities. White-collar crime is widespread across the country, but especially prevalent in Florida.

White-Collar Crime in Florida

Florida has one of the highest per-capita rates of white-collar crime in the country. According to the South Florida Reporter, “Of the top 25 cities with the most white-collar crime, Florida is home to three crime ridden cities. The only state with more appearances on the list is California, a state nearly double in size of population . . . .” In Florida, one of the primary types of white-collar crime is fraud of the elderly, stemming from age demographics of the state and the prevalence of retirees. Due to this frequency, the state legislature has decided to crack down on white-collar crime with the “White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act.”

This Act, codified in Florida Statues § 775.0844, enacts a few different polices to combat white-collar crime. First, it specifically increases penalties when elderly victims are targeted. Second, political subdivisions of the state are given similar treatment (to prevent government and Medicaid fraud). Third, victims who are not named in indictments are still eligible to receive restitution (money damages, similar to a civil award) upon conviction. Florida Law enforcement is increasingly devoting resources to fighting white-collar crime, which results in more and more individuals being accused of these types of crimes.

White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer Near Me

Don Pumphrey and the firm have years of experience representing individuals who have been accused of both white-collar and non-white-collar crimes. The potential penalties if accused are far too drastic to ignore or blow off. A conviction of one of these crimes can have long-lasting professional and personal ramifications. The legal team at Pumphrey law is dedicated to defending the rights of clients in any circumstance and will fight for the best possible result. Call (850) 681-7777 or send an online message today to discuss your rights during an open and free consultation with a white-collar crime attorney in our legal team.

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