North Carolina White Collar Crimes Lawyer

White collar crimes are often confused with being the same as theft crimes. While these crimes are closely related to theft, white collar crimes are defined by the fact that, typically, there is a component of organized financial theft by a person who is in a position of power or trust that sets them apart from other individuals employed by a business. White collar theft is always financially motivated and, in most cases, is nonviolent. However, there are cases where extortion and blackmail have been components to the crime. 

While white collar crimes do not typically involve violence, that does not mean that the penalties will not be severe. In fact, the reality is quite the opposite. These types of crimes pose a significant threat to financial institutions, law enforcement, and government entities resulting in severe penalties charged at the federal level.

If you have been accused of a white collar crime in North Carolina, you may be facing serious charges at the state level. Common white collar crimes committed in North Carolina include:

Embezzlement

This white collar crime is defined as the act of withholding assets for the purpose of conversion of these assets. This crime may be committed by a person or persons who were trusted to use those assets for a specific purpose. This type of financial fraud may result in steep monetary fines and restitution or a prison sentence. 

Financial Transaction Card Theft

A person may be charged with financial transaction card theft in North Carolina if they take, obtain, or withhold a debit or credit card without the card holder’s consent with intent to use, transfer, or sell the card. This type of crime is considered a Class I felony and may result in severe penalties. 

Financial Identity Fraud

When a person knowingly obtains, possesses, or uses the identifying information of another person who is alive or dead with the intent to fraudulently represent that person for their own gain, it is a serious crime. The identifying information that may be fraudulently used includes:

• Social security number
• Tax identification number
• Driver’s license or passport number
• Financial account numbers
• Digital signatures
• Fingerprints
• Passwords
• Parent’s legal surname before marriage

Financial identity fraud involves basically any personal information that can be used for monetary gain.

Trafficking Stolen Identities

Considered a Class E felony, this white collar crime occurs when a person sells, transfers, or purchases another person’s identifying information. 

Forgery

The white collar crime of forgery includes counterfeiting and forgery of notes, checks, and other securities. 

Fraud

Crimes that fall under the umbrella of fraud include:

• Fraudulent or deceptive advertising
• Filing a false lien or encumbrance
• Extortion
• Blackmail

Fraud is a broad topic, and many white collar crimes fall under this category.

Tax Evasion

This crime is an illegal attempt to avoid paying taxes. Tax evasion may be committed by an individual, corporation, or trust.