Jeremy Dodgion

While there is no fixed definition for what constitutes a white collar crime, the term is generally used to refer to a number of non-violent crimes that are grouped together. These crimes typically have cheating or dishonesty as their common element and the cases are frequently complex and technical. Typically they are financial crimes.

 

Fraud

Many charges can revolve around fraud, including credit card fraud, insurance fraud, identity fraud, and Internet fraud, among others. Every fraud case is different.

 

Computer Crimes

While identify theft charges predominate this group, computer hacking, computer fraud, and other allegations of fraud perpetuated through a computer can be called computer crimes.

 

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the theft from one's employer. Embezzlement charges can be charged for any amount of money and frequently include credit card fraud, stealing of either small amounts over time or a single, large amount and may also include bookkeeping manipulation.

 

Rackateering

Usually an offense limited to gaining money through extortion or other means by people who are part of an illegal operation. When businesses that are considered illegal, conduct illegal operations, the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Act, RICO, can be used to prosecute the offenders.

 

Extortion

Obtaining goods or services by means of threats or threatening behavior, including bribes and blackmail. Considered a felony offense, anyone convicted of extortion is subject to up to four years of jail and fines of $10,000 or more.

 

All Other White Collar Crimes

Since there is no actual, legal definition of white collar crime, many crimes can be considered to fall in this category.