A person who has been convicted of a white collar crime in Pennsylvania may be facing time in federal prison depending on the nature of the crime. White collar crime differs from street crimes like drug distribution and robbery although there is some disagreement among criminologists about how to classify and define white collar crime.
White collar crimes are associated with business professionals who committed their crimes during the course of a work activity. However, white collar crime can be as devastating to victims as violent crime is. Being a victim of fraud has been linked to an increased risk of depression and suicide.
Many people have been victimized by a white collar crime. One study found that approximately 36 percent of businesses and 25 percent of households had been victims of white collar crime, which makes an average person much more likely to be affected by white collar crime than a property crime or a crime involving violence.
The skills required to commit a white collar crime differ from those required to commit street crimes like a robbery or burglary. Increasing familiarity with technology and literacy rates may cause the incidence of white collar crime to rise in the future.
White collar crime may also increase due to America’s aging population. Older adults are more likely to be targeted than younger adults based on the likelihood that this population has more ready access to liquid assets and may be facing decreases in cognitive abilities.
White collar crime cases are often be complex and involve thousands or millions of dollars. A criminal defense attorney may be able to assist individuals who are facing white collar crime charges. An attorney might find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that may lead to a dismissal or not guilty verdict. Alternatively, an attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal for a sentence that is less than what a defendant would likely receive if a case proceeded to trial.
