The term “honest services” fraud may sound vague and quaint. However, it describes what is commonly called bribery or embezzlement. Basically, it involves one party paying a bribe to another party or getting a kickback from them in exchange for receiving something. ...
White Collar Crimes
What types of crimes is the federal RICO Act used to prosecute?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act) was passed in 1970 with the aim of eradicating organized crime. It focuses on “racketeering,” which comes to us from the Prohibition-era phrase, “running rackets.” However, the RICO Act is not limited...
What you should know about environmental law violations
White-collar crimes encompass a broad range of illegal activities that are nonviolent in nature. These crimes include any accusation of a violation of environmental law. Environmental law includes all legislation that is designed to regulate the impact of human...
Possible defenses for money laundering charges
Money laundering is both a state and a federal crime. Therefore, you face severe penalties when being tried for these charges. Here is a look at the top defenses for money laundering charges that can help to protect your rights. Absence of intent to commit the crime...
Understanding corporate fraud
Corporate fraud involves unethical or illegal actions that a company or an individual commits on behalf of the business. This action is usually done to give an undue advantage to the company perpetrating it. Most corporate fraud cases run into millions of dollars....
Everything you need to know about bankruptcy fraud
Bankruptcy fraud occurs when an individual doesn't represent accurate information when filing for bankruptcy. It can also happen when someone files for bankruptcy to deceive creditors. According to Bankruptcy Code, 18 U.S.C, if the U.S Department of Justice finds you...
White-collar vs. blue-collar crime: What separates them in the eyes of the law?
One interesting distinction used by Missouri's legal system exists between the concepts of white-collar and blue-collar offenses. The terms differ not only by the action of the crime but also by the way they get investigated and prosecuted. What is white-collar crime?...
7 common embezzlement defenses
Embezzlement is a form of theft that occurs when a person entrusted with managing or monitoring another person's finances or property steals some or all of the assets for their own gain. For example, an employee diverting a company's funds from the business account...
What you need to know about healthcare fraud, a white-collar crime
When discussing white-collar crimes, things like embezzlement and tax evasion are often at the top of the list. A less-talked-about form of white-collar crime, however, is healthcare fraud. Understanding exactly what healthcare fraud is, who might engage in it, and...
Common white collar crime defense strategies
White collar crime, also known as corporate crime, encompasses any illegal act that doesn't involve physical violence or robbery. Some of the most common white collar crimes include securities fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft and tax evasion. White collar...