What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for White Collar Crime in Arizona?

February 21, 2021 Posted in Felonies

White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes that usually involve financial or business affairs. Money laundering, embezzlement, and tax evasion are all examples of white-collar crimes. They are often referred to as victimless crimes.

However, just because the crime does not involve violence, does not mean that the prosecutors will go easy on you. In fact, you can face imprisonment, fines, probation, and forfeiture of assets if you are convicted of a white-collar crime. You may also be required to pay restitution to the business or person that you defrauded.

That is why it is a good idea for you to call an Arizona criminal attorney if you are being charged with any of these crimes. They can come up with a credible and strong defense for you to use in court.

How Can You Be Found Guilty of a White-Collar Crime?

In order for you to be convicted of a criminal offense, the prosecution has to be able to prove that you broke the law. You may be less likely to be found guilty of a crime if you do not enter into the situation with the intention of committing a crime. However, it is important to note that you do not have to successfully complete a crime in order to be found guilty of one.

It is possible for you to be found guilty if you had a plan in place, but you did not carry it out. For example, you made a plan to embezzle money but you stopped before you used any money. You can still be convicted of a crime.

Defenses to White Collar Crimes

One of the reasons that it’s important to hire a criminal lawyer is because they will be able to come up with the right defense. The following is a list of defenses that can be used in these types of cases.

Lack of Intent

In some cases, prosecutors are required to prove intent to perform an illegal action. For example, you are facing tax fraud charges. They have to be able to prove that you intended to commit a crime. Simply making a mistake while you file your taxes is not enough to convict someone of tax fraud.

Entrapment

Entrapment is one of the most common white-collar defenses used. Police officers may suspect a group of people are committing a crime. They may set up a sting operation in order to convict someone. However, if the defense can prove that the informants or officers induced you to commit a crime, then you will likely have your charges dropped.

Incapacity

If you were mentally or physically impaired at the time you committed the crime, then your criminal attorney can use this as a form of defense. They can prove that you were unable to make reasonable decisions.

Intoxication

Intoxication can sometimes be used as a defense. The attorney can argue that you were not able to control your actions and you may be able to bargain for a lesser sentence or offense.

If you are in need of a criminal attorney, then you should consider contacting The Law Offices of Gary L Rohlwing.