Two Pennsylvania men were recently arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $2 million from customers of a central Pennsylvania bank. The authorities believe the men to be part of a large theft ring that posed as bank employees and scammed customers into divulging their account numbers, banking login, debit card numbers, and other sensitive information. They have been charged with numerous criminal offenses, from identity theft to bank consumer impersonation to computer trespass. One of the defendants is being held without bail, while the other was released on $10,000 unsecured bail. They could face several years in prison and steep financial penalties if convicted.

Pennsylvania takes white-collar crime very seriously. If you've been charged with a "white-collar" criminal offense, you need to obtain professional legal advice and assistance without delay. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or contact us online today.

What Is White-Collar Crime?

"White-collar crime" is a broad term covering a range of offenses. In general, it refers to a non-violent crime in which the perpetrator uses deception, fraud, or concealment for economic gain or to avoid losing money, property, or a business advantage. Broad categories of white-collar crimes include:

• Bribery
• Fraud
• Identity theft/impersonation
• Tax evasion
• Forgery
• Embezzlement
• Ponzi schemes
• Cybercrime
• Insider trading
• Money laundering
• Counterfeiting
• Corporate espionage
• Extortion
• Racketeering

White-collar crimes usually violate federal law but may also violate certain Pennsylvania laws.

Consequences of a White-Collar Crime Conviction

White-collar crime conviction carries varied punishments. The severity of the penalty depends on the nature and severity of the crime and whether the individual has had prior offenses. A person convicted of a minor summary offense faces up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $250. Misdemeanor convictions can carry up to five years of jail time and fines up to $10,000, depending on whether the crime was a first-, second-, or third-degree offense. Felony convictions may bring a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines between $2,500 and $25,000.

A white-collar crime conviction can also bring serious social, educational, and employment consequences. Being convicted of a crime involving deceit or dishonesty may bar you from certain positions or careers and render you ineligible for professional licenses, scholarships, or training programs. You may have difficulty finding employment because potential employers may distrust you. A felony conviction may leave you ineligible to vote or risk your immigration status if you're not a U.S. citizen. Finally, a conviction–or even just an accusation–can irretrievably damage your reputation and good name.

How an Experienced White Collar Crime Defense Attorney Can Help

Given the sky-high stakes in a white-collar criminal case, you need a skilled criminal defense legal team to help you vigorously fight the charges right from the start. To be convicted of a white-collar crime, the prosecution must prove that you intended to commit a crime–making a mistake or acting on a misunderstanding is insufficient. In addition, they must also bring the charges within the statute of limitations. The experienced criminal defense professionals at the LLF Law Firm stand ready to thoroughly examine the facts of your case and craft a robust defense.

If you've been arrested for a white-collar crime in Pennsylvania, talk to us today. The LLF Legal Team has years of experience representing defendants accused of committing white-collar crimes in Pennsylvania and skillfully fighting and negotiating for the best outcome possible. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or reach out to us online to begin protecting your rights, reputation, and liberty.