White Collar Crime
At Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher, we specialize in criminal litigation and have successfully represented clients in all kinds of white-collar crime cases. Our white-collar criminal defense attorneys handle:
- all major felonies;
- government investigations;
- criminal litigation in federal and state jurisdictions; and
- criminal appeals, federal and state.
Have you been charged with a white-collar crime? Do you need help understanding what to do next?
The Southern Maryland law firm Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher (SCB) is ready to defend your case. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime or have been notified that you are under investigation, call Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher at 301-627-5500.
White-collar crimes refer to nonviolent offenses that often involve dishonesty and deceit.
What are White-Collar Crimes?
White-collar crimes typically involve financial crimes, cyber crimes, identity theft, insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, commercial fraud, and other nonviolent offenses.
Individuals and entities who commit these crimes are typically motivated by money, property, services, or business advantage. Motives for white-collar crime can also stem from fear of losing money or escaping criminal liability.
Those who have been accused of white-collar crimes can fight these charges more successfully with the help of a white-collar crime attorney.
Understanding the Charges
Since white-collar crime is an umbrella term for a collection of similar non-violent offenses, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the charges you face. Your white-collar crime attorney at Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher can answer any questions regarding your charges, but it can be useful to have a basic understanding prior to your legal consultation.
Embezzlement
When a person has been legitimately authorized to handle or access funds or property belonging to another party, and that person then appropriates or transfers any of those resources in an unauthorized way for their own personal gain, they have committed embezzlement. The defining factor between embezzlement and simple theft is the position of trust.
Identity Theft
Identity theft and identity fraud refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. With enough information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual’s identity to conduct a wide range of crimes, such as:
- False loan or credit card applications;
- Fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts;
- Fraudulent use of telephone calling cards or online accounts;
- Obtains goods or privileges which the criminal might be denied if he used his real name
Racketeering (RICO)
Racketeering is the act of participating in the growth of an illegal business or scheme. The RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act was originally used to fight organized crime, but there are many types of criminal enterprise that fall under its jurisdiction.
Racketeering charges often involve some form of intimidation, such as the protection racket, extortion, and loan-sharking, but can also include other criminal acts such as bribery, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and perjury.
Fraud
Many of the crimes listed above are examples of fraud, but there are many other criminal acts that are also considered fraud. Fraud can be perpetrated against a single individual, an organization, or even the government, but it always invoices misrepresentation and a plan to cheat in order to secure a benefit at someone else’s expense. These schemes can include:
- Mortgage fraud
- Wire fraud
- Tax fraud
- Bank fraud
- Insider trading
- Computer crimes
- Forgery and embezzlement
- Identity crimes
Contact A Maryland White-Collar Defense Lawyer.
How much time you actually spend in jail could depend on how good your lawyer is. If you or a loved one has been charged with a white-collar crime in the state of Maryland, it is imperative that you contact a Maryland criminal defense lawyer immediately. An attorney will help explain the charges against you and help you build the best possible defense for your case.
If you would like to speak with a member of the firm, or have any question about our practice, please contact our offices to arrange a consultation. Call 301-627-5500.
