Common examples of Michigan white-collar crime include:

• Bribery involving public officials
• Misuse of funds
• Fraud
• Mortgage Fraud
• Health Care Fraud
• Conducting a Criminal Enterprise
• Embezzlement
• Money Laundering
• Forgery
• Identity Theft
• Tax Evasion
• Conspiracy

If you are being investigated or have been charged with one of the above crimes, then it is crucial that you seek the advice of an experienced white-collar crime attorney as soon as possible.

Jail/Prison: A conviction for embezzlement can result in either jail or prison time, depending on the amount of money alleged to have been embezzled. Any amount embezzled over $1,000 is a felony that can result in five years of prison time. A conviction for forgery can result in up to 14 years in prison, while a conviction for conducting a criminal enterprise can result in up to 20 years. As you can see, a judge will have many options in terms of sentence for a white-collar crime conviction.

Probation: Probation is an alternative to jail, and sometimes an additional sentence that comes with a white-collar crime conviction. While on probation, an offender will have to follow certain rules, such as staying alcohol and drug free. He or she will also be assigned a probation agent who will monitor them and make sure they are in compliance with the terms of their probation. Any violations of probation can result in jail or prison sentences.

Restitution: Cases involving white-collar crime often involve large amounts of money. A judge can order an offender to pay back any money that was deprived of a victim due to illegal activity. White-collar crime convictions can easily result in significant dollar amounts in restitution ordered by judges.

Fines: Any conviction for a white-collar crime will likely involve hefty fines. A conviction for conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise can result in up to a $100,000 fine, while a conviction for residential mortgage fraud can result in up to a $500,000 fine. It is pretty easy to see how fines for white-collar crime convictions can easily end up in the millions of dollars.

Other: Convictions for white-collar crimes can result in the suspension or revocation of professional licenses such as law, medicine, and accounting. 

For a prosecutor to secure a conviction against someone for a white-collar crime, they have to prove that the crime was intentional. In proving intent, a prosecutor has to demonstrate that you had a criminal intent to actually commit a white-collar crime. What that means is that the prosecutor has to use whatever evidence they have to show that you specifically intended to commit that illegal act.  A common defense is that of mistake. If it is shown that the alleged act was not intentional and/or without a criminal intent, then a jury could properly find you not guilty of a white-collar crime. 

If investigators violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, then you can bring those issues in front of a judge in the form of a motion to suppress to potentially have the evidence against you thrown out. There a variety of potential defenses to white-collar crime and this is not a complete list by any means. A seasoned white-collar crime attorney will look to these and other defenses specific to your case in building your defense if you are accused of illegal activity.

If you or someone you love is facing the possibility of being charged with a white-collar crime, it is natural to have a number of questions. Finding a website like this one can be a great resource, but it is not a substitute for the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you have more questions about white-collar crime, then the attorneys at Zeineh Law are available to you.