Minnesota has seen an increase in white collar crimes over the last decade which is likely due to the recession some years back. Criminal charges are often in the face of white collar executives and those that are highly respected in their field. Recent editorials in the Minnesota Daily have called for longer sentences and harsher punishment for those convicted of committing white collar crimes.
A white collar crime can be money laundering, identity theft, bank fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion — essentially a whole slew of non-violent crimes that are also not related to drugs or are sex-related. These crimes are typically finance related or financially motivated. Understanding these crimes is imperative for anyone that is currently accused of, or facing charges related to, any of these matters.
Non-Violent Financial & Theft Crimes
Just because these crimes are not violent and don’t cause actual physical harm to another person, does not mean that prison time is off the table. White collar crimes and various theft charges can and will still leave someone vulnerable to prison time. Defendants also face harsh financial penalties or fines.
Hiring a lawyer with experience in white collar and theft crime cases is imperative to ensure your case is treated fairly in the Minnesota justice system. More and more governments from a municipal level, all the way up to the federal level, are starting to really crack down on financial and theft crimes. In fact, the state of Utah has recently instituted a white collar criminal registry to better keep track of white collar criminals. Minnesota has not given word on whether or not they will follow suit with such a database.
Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Minnesota
Penalties and punishments for these types of crime in Minnesota are based on a number of factors that typically include:
- How much money was taken
- How many victims were affected
- The complexity of the crime itself
The simple explanation is that the more money you take, the harsher the potential punishment will be. Using embezzlement as an example, monetary losses of $500-$1,000 for a victim involved could result in up to $3,000 in fines and up to a year in prison. Monetary losses of $35,000 or more could result in $100,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison.
Money laundering or extortion of just $10,000 could result in up to 20 years in prison as well.
These harsh penalties make it necessary for defendants to find a lawyer who not only has experience in this area of criminal defense, but will fight your case fairly to ensure proper treatment from the law and the Minnesota justice system. These potential white collar penalties are higher than some violent and sex-related crimes.
White Collar Criminal Defense
When it comes to an effective defense against white collar accusations, an attorney needs to be very well versed in the complexities and sophistication of financial matters. Just because violence is involved does not mean that white collar, financial, and theft allegations are not serious matters.
It is extremely important for the accused to go with an attorney who is knowledgeable in white collar offenses, laws, and potential penalties for these types of crimes. White collar crimes are often so complex that they gain the attention of federal law enforcement. In fact, it is entirely possible for these defendants to be tried in both state and federal court for the same crime. This can potentially result in two separate sets of penalties and prison sentences.
Contact Judith Samson Today If Charged With A Crime
White collar crimes in Minnesota are taken very seriously at both a state and federal level. With over 20 years of experience Judith Samson is very well versed in all areas of criminal defense, especially both white collar and theft crimes. Being investigated or charged with a crime is very serious and can be very frightening. Please Contact Us today to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
