Our defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center have experience defending against white collar crimes. Contact our law firm today.
Fraud is defined as the intentional dishonest act of taking someone’s money or property. In criminal cases involving this type of white collar offense, the defrauded party is entitled to file a civil suit against the person or party that acted fraudulently. The defendant may also face criminal penalties, which will depend upon the malicious nature of the crime. If you have been charged with fraud or another type of white collar crime in Oklahoma, consult our skilled criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options.
White Collar Crimes
The term “white collar crime” was introduced in 1939 and, at that time, represented a crime “committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation.” Today, white collar crime has a much broader definition, describing federal and state offenses that are typically financial in nature and encompass a wide variety of illegal activities, including fraud and embezzlement. During June 2011, the U.S. Justice Department reported 826 new white collar crimes, which was a 20.8% increase from the previous month. White collar crimes often involve lengthy, detailed and high-profile criminal investigations, and end in very public criminal convictions. If you are facing criminal charges for a white collar crime in Oklahoma, contact an experienced defense attorney to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
What is Fraud?
Fraud is a type of white collar crime, and describes an act intended to deceive another person or party for personal gain. Because white collar crimes like fraud include a wide variety of criminal offenses, fraud is typically classified into more specific categories, including the following:
- Consumer fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Business fraud
Penalties for Fraud Charges in Oklahoma
There are several different types of fraud that are considered criminal offenses in Oklahoma, and each type carries a different penalty depending on a number of factors, including the type of fraud, the amount of money or property that is taken, and/or the amount of damage done to the victim. Insurance fraud charges, for example, carry an average fine ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, an average jail time of up to five years, and average probation of up to two years. In some cases, the judge may also order restitution, which is the act of restoring to the rightful owner something that has been taken away, lost or surrendered.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Whether you believe you are the subject of a criminal investigation in Oklahoma, or you have already been arrested and charged with a white collar crime like fraud, it is imperative that you seek the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. If you are convicted of fraud or another white collar crime, you will face severe penalties as a result. Our reputable criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center are intimately familiar with Oklahoma laws and have extensive experience handling white collar crime cases in the state. Don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights and restore your freedom; contact our law firm today.