In Oklahoma, not only can white collar crimes violate Oklahoma law, but this type of crime may also be prosecuted as a federal offense, in which case charges may be brought by the IRS, FBI, or Securities Exchange Commission. In recent years, the definition of white collar crimes has been broadened to include nonviolent federal …
In Oklahoma, not only can white collar crimes violate Oklahoma law, but this type of crime may also be prosecuted as a federal offense, in which case charges may be brought by the IRS, FBI, or Securities Exchange Commission. In recent years, the definition of white collar crimes has been broadened to include nonviolent federal and state offenses that are financial in nature and include a wide range of illegal activities like embezzlement and fraud. Fraud is the deliberately deceptive act of taking someone’s money or property, which may result in criminal charges being brought against the offender. Fraud and other white collar crimes carry significant penalties, and can result in the offender spending a large portion of his life in prison. If you are facing fraud charges or charges for a white collar crime in Oklahoma, seek legal representation from an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney today.
Types of White Collar Crimes in Oklahoma
White collar crimes are considered felony offenses, because of the severity of the offense. Some of the most common types of white collar crimes in Oklahoma include:
- Embezzlement
- Wire fraud
- Money laundering
- Healthcare fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Tax evasion
Penalties for OK White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes can be prosecuted on either the state or federal level, depending on the circumstances of the offense. Penalties for fraud or white collar crimes vary greatly from case to case, but typically include hefty fines, fail time and restitution, a legal term that refers to restoring to the rightful owner something that has been lost, surrendered or taken away. In the United States, white collar crimes prosecuted on the federal level carry harsh penalties, even more so than offenses involving drugs or firearms. More specifically, Sentencing Commission statistics show a 39.3% rate of incarceration for embezzlement, a 35.6% rate of incarceration for fraud, and a 29.2% rate of incarceration for counterfeiting or forgery. Penalties for white collar crimes in the U.S. can carry sentences of up to 30 years, although skilled legal representation can significantly reduce this sentence, or even get the charges dropped altogether. For this reason, it is important that individuals accused of fraud or a while collar crime in Oklahoma contact an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney immediately.
OK Criminal Defense Attorneys for White Collar Crimes
The first step you should take after being charged with a white collar crime in Oklahoma is to contact a qualified Oklahoma criminal defense attorney for legal guidance. Even if you haven’t yet been charged but you are part of a criminal investigation, hiring a skilled Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer can significantly improve your chances of getting the charges dropped or securing a favorable outcome. With the help of a criminal defense attorney experienced in Oklahoma criminal laws and statutes, you can ensure that your defense is solid and that your legal rights are protected throughout the process. The knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center can thoroughly investigate your case and may be able to minimize your penalties or have your charges dropped altogether.