Pennsylvania White Collar Crime Attorney

White collar crimes are distinct from violent crimes, and they generally involve financial fraud in one form or another. The fact that white collar crimes aren’t violent, however, doesn’t mean they aren’t serious. The truth is that a conviction can land you in prison, can carry steep fines, and can derail your future. If you’re facing a charge for a white collar crime, you shouldn’t wait to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania white collar crime attorney.

White Collar Crimes

The FBI reminds us that white collar crimes are not victimless crimes but, instead, involve the use of deception for the financial benefit of the accused. White collar crimes generally involve financial fraud, and a prime example is embezzlement. White collar crimes can be charged at both the state and federal levels, but the charge is generally federal in the following situations:

• The crime occurred on federal property, such as at one of the National Park Service units, a National Monument, a National Forest, or a National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania.
• The crime involved the U.S. Postal Service or any other federal agency
• The crime involved crossing state lines, which means either physically or electronically

Modern forms of fraud are often perpetrated online, and related charges, therefore, tend to be federal.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a common form of white-collar crime, and in Pennsylvania, it refers to the fraudulent conversion or appropriation of assets or funds by someone who is entrusted with a fiduciary duty to make financial decisions that uphold the other party’s financial best interests.

Fiduciary Duty

Fiduciary duty refers to the role of having a financial responsibility to another person or entity that puts their financial trust in you.

The Severity of the Embezzlement Charge

Embezzlement charges are generally treated like theft charges in the State of Pennsylvania, and the severity of the charge is based on the amount that was embezzled. Consider the following:

• Embezzlement of less than $50 is a misdemeanor of the second degree, which carries fines of up to $5,000 and up to 2 years in prison.
• Embezzlement of from $50 to $200 is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and it carries fines of up to $10,000 and up to 5 years in prison.
• Embezzlement of from $200 to $2,000 is a felony of the third degree, and it carries fines of up to $15,000 and up to 7 years in prison.

From here, the fines and penalties continue to rise and can go all the way to felonies of the first degree. The State of Pennsylvania takes white collar crimes very seriously, and you should do the same.

You Need an Experienced Pennsylvania White Collar Crime Attorney in Your Corner

Steven Grosh at the Law Office of Stephen W. Grosh is a seasoned Pennsylvania white collar crime attorney who dedicates his imposing practice to zealously advocating for the legal rights of clients like you – in pursuit of optimal case outcomes. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 717-435-8830 today.