While white collar crimes used to carry a symbolic slap on the wrist, they have now become serious offenses that often come with severe penalties, including jail time. The government has taken an aggressive stance on white collar crimes because of the array of serious violations being committed and the amount of money involved in some of these offenses.
Contact Cohn Lifland for an experienced attorney who will effectively fight federal or state charges and passionately litigate your legal matter.
White Collar Crimes Are Often Federal Offenses
White collar crimes are often, but not always, brought in Federal Court because of the number of people or the amount of money involved in the crime. Some serious white collar crimes include:
- Mortgage fraud
- Embezzlement
- Ponzi schemes
- Bankruptcy fraud
White collar crimes differ from violent crimes, like robbery, drug charges and assault, but often see similar consequences. Even if you didn’t know you were doing something wrong, the amount of money and the number of people involved that were affected by your offense could create serious consequences. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is in your best interests.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines
When a white collar criminal case goes before a Federal Court, the defendant is subject to the federal sentencing guidelines. Established by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, the federal sentencing guidelines were drafted to address the disparity between each judge’s sentencing, allowing for more uniform and just sentencing. Taking away the discretion of the presiding judge, the guidelines bar prejudices and biases that have historically resulted in different penalties for different defendants.
The federal sentencing guidelines are complicated, and having an attorney to guide you through the federal laws is always recommended. Simply, the nature of the charge and your criminal history will dictate the penalty. Under the federal sentencing guidelines, there are 43 offense levels, six criminal history categories and four sentencing “zones” that will ultimately assign your punishment. Most white collar crime convictions involve serious jail time.
Contact Cohn Lifland
Cohn Lifland has been a legal resource to Saddle Brook, Bergen County and all of New Jersey for over 90 years. We offer clients the personalized attention and effective representation that they deserve. We are passionate about the law and committed to our clients. If you are facing a white collar criminal charge, you need an experienced attorney who will be able to effectively advocate on your behalf in order to come to the best possible conclusion for your legal matter.
Our firm is ready to guide you through your options and explore any legal defense to conclude the matter in a positive manner. We understand the sensitivity of these legal matters. In cases where a high-profile client faces the media, we are more than ready to manage inquiries and protect your privacy and public image. If you need quality legal services and passionate counsel, contact us online or call 201-845-9600 for a free initial consultation. From our office in Saddle Brook, our lawyers help clients throughout northern New Jersey.