When facing White Collar Crime charges in Beaver County, you might feel as if your entire world has come crashing down. Whether you've been accused of fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, or another financial offense, huge stakes are on the line–from your reputation to your career to your freedom. These charges must be taken very seriously, no matter how minor or outrageous they may seem.
Whether you're a business owner in Monaca or a healthcare worker in Beaver, if you've been accused of white-collar crimes in Beaver County, you need legal representation that understands the local landscape and has extensive white collar crime experience throughout Pennsylvania. Call the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team. We understand the system and will stand up for your rights, ensure your voice gets heard, and protect your future. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online for an initial consultation.
What is White Collar Crime?
“White collar crime” is a term that was developed back in 1939 to refer to nonviolent illegal activity committed in business or governmental settings, usually for financial gain or personal advantage. Typical white-collar offenses include forgery, embezzlement, mortgage fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, money laundering, public corruption, and many others. These crimes can be prosecuted by either the state or federal governments and can involve investigations by multiple agencies, including the FBI, the IRS, and local law enforcement.
Pennsylvania takes white collar offenses very seriously. While the specific penalty depends on the gravity of the offense, a conviction can trigger hefty fines, restitution orders, probation, or substantial prison time. Moreover, a white collar crime conviction or even, sometimes, an allegation can irrevocably stain your reputation, endanger your professional license, and wreak havoc on your family and personal life.
Common White Collar Crimes in Beaver County
White collar crime charges do not only befall people in large metropolises and sprawling counties. Even residents of Beaver County can get caught up in these accusations. Some recent incidents include:
A 57-year-old Beaver County resident was charged with embezzlement after being accused of misusing union funds for personal expenses. He now faces up to five years in prison and up to a $10 million fine.
- A 44-year-old Beaver County man pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud in federal court for defrauding the water authority of approximately $1,073,185 over two years. He faces up to 20 years in prison and fines as large as $250,000.
- A New Sewickley Township man was arrested for insurance fraud after allegedly setting fire to his property and filing an insurance claim two days later. The insurance company claims that the fire was intentionally set.
- A 25-year-old police officer was charged with access device fraud after allegedly stealing another person's credit card to buy shots.
These cases make clear that the Federal, Pennsylvania, and Beaver County take all forms of white collar crime very seriously, and any perceived crossing of the line of the law can cause grave repercussions.
Defining Specific White Collar Crimes
If you've been accused of a white collar crime, it's crucial to understand precisely what you've been charged with. Here are five of Pennsylvania's most common types of white collar crimes.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when someone legally entrusted with money or property uses it for unauthorized purposes, usually for their own gain or personal advantage. This type of offense often involves employees accused of misusing or siphoning off their employer's funds, but it also occurs when others are entrusted with financial responsibilities, such as trustees, financial advisors, and nonprofit board members.
To convict someone of embezzlement in Pennsylvania, prosecutors must prove that there was a fiduciary relationship, that the property or funds were acquired through that relationship, and that the property or funds were intentionally misused.
Identity Theft
Identity Theft consists of unauthorized use of someone else's personal information, such as a Social Security number, credit card information, driver's license, medical records, or other forms of identity for financial or other gain. Theft actions include opening fraudulent bank or credit accounts, filing false tax returns, applying for a loan with someone else's data, or making online purchases in another person's name. It may also include impersonating someone.
For this offense, the prosecution has to prove that you: (i) knowingly transferred or used another person's identity, (ii) you didn't have legal authority to use that person's identity, and (iii) that you intended to commit unlawful activity through your actions. A strong defense may, therefore, focus on your lack of intention or lack of knowledge.
Forgery and Counterfeiting
Forgery involves falsifying documents, signatures, or records with the intent to deceive. These actions can include writing fake checks, altering contracts, or producing false identification. Counterfeiting refers to creating or distributing illegitimate currency or products, such as software, designer goods, or branded merchandise.
Being charged with forgery or counterfeiting doesn't automatically mean you'll be convicted. These allegations can arise from misunderstandings, coercion by third parties, or reliance on faulty evidence.
Fraud
Fraud is the broadest category of white collar crimes. It encompasses several offenses involving deliberate deception to obtain money, property, or services. Some of the most common frauds in Pennsylvania include:
- Insurance Fraud. Filing false or inflated claims with an insurer.
- Mortgage Fraud. Misrepresenting income or assets on loan applications.
- Tax Fraud. Intentionally underreporting income or overstating deductions.
- Healthcare Fraud. Submitting false claims to Medicaid or Medicare.
- Securities Fraud. Providing misleading information to investors or manipulating stock prices.
Other types of fraud may involve concealing a material fact to obtain goods or services, creating forgeries of rare works or antiques, using a credit line you're not authorized to use, mislabeling products, or misrepresenting to obtain insurance or government benefits.
Fraud often overlaps with other charges, such as forgery or identity theft. In other words, you can face separate criminal charges for a single action.
Computer and Internet Crimes
Cybercrimes fall into three main categories: crimes against property, individuals, and the government. Property crimes involve theft of financial data through hacking or phishing. Crimes against individuals include cyberstalking and harassment. Government-targeted crimes, or cyberterrorism, involve hacking or disrupting official systems and carry the most severe legal consequences. Like fraud, cybercrimes can overlap with other white collar offenses, giving rise to more than one charge over the same action.
You should be aware that because digital crimes often cross borders, these charges can be particularly complicated. Even unintentional violations can lead to serious consequences.
Potential Consequences for White Collar Crimes in Beaver County
If convicted of a white collar crime in Pennsylvania, you can expect to face incarceration and stiff fines, at a minimum. These penalties can vary greatly depending on the value of the funds, property, or services obtained through the illegal action. For example, misdemeanors may result in county jail time up to one year, while felonies can bring between 7 and 20 years in state or federal prison. Fines can range from $2,500 to $25,000 or more, and may require restitution to victims.
In addition to these repercussions, you may face professional and personal consequences. White collar charges can result in suspension or revocation of professional licenses, loss of employment, and disqualification from future contracts or public office. It can also have an immense impact on your family life, particularly your family's finances.
Finally, individuals may face civil lawsuits or asset forfeiture actions in addition to criminal charges, putting additional financial strain on the defendant and their family.
How LLF Law Firm Can Help With Your White Collar Defense in Beaver County
The Criminal Defense Team of the LLF Law Firm is ready to help defend your interests. We'll begin with a comprehensive evaluation of the facts, charges, and possible exposure to penalties. We will then investigate the matter thoroughly, speaking with witnesses and meticulously reviewing data to find favorable evidence, inconsistencies, or errors that weaken the prosecutor's case.
We'll also collaborate with forensic accountants, IT experts, and industry specialists to challenge the prosecution's claims. As we collect this information, we will build a strong defense strategy unique to your facts. We always seek the best possible outcome, whether working to dismiss the case, carefully negotiating a lesser charge or probation, or serving as your staunch advocates at trial.
The earlier you work with us, the better. Sometimes, charges can be avoided altogether if legal counsel is involved early enough. If you believe you're under investigation, don't wait for an arrest to seek representation.
Beaver County's White Collar Crime Lawyers
If you're facing charges of white collar crime in Allegheny County, the LLF Law Firm can help defend your rights and preserve your reputation. Whether you're in Aliquippa, Hopewell Township, Center Township, Ambridge, or anywhere else in the County, call us today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. We want to help protect your future.
