Criminal activity is taken very seriously in New Jersey. In years past, white collar crimes were not seen as very serious, and were often considered victimless crimes committed by high-profile individuals, so people would get away with them. However, white collar crimes are taken much more seriously today and those that commit them can face harsh sentences. White collar crimes are subject to the federal sentencing guidelines when they are handled by the federal government as opposed to New Jersey state authorities. In many situations, these crimes do involve the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, both of which are federal authorities. The purpose of these guidelines is to make sure all offenders are sentenced in a consistent manner. The judge will not only take into consideration the current charges that the individual is faced with but also their previous criminal history.
White collar crimes consist of a wide range of unlawful acts, including:
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement
- Employee theft
- Ponzi schemes
- Gambling offenses
- Mortgage fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Forgery
- Bad checks
When attempting to prove that these crimes occurred, one must show evidence of criminal intent and illicit gain. It is important for anyone charged with a white collar crime to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
If you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, it is essential to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Office of Michael A. Policastro today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your situation.