White Collar Crimes Lawyer in Cook County

Fraud is a broad category of white collar crimes that includes ATM and bank fraud, healthcare fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, and mail and wire fraud. Each type of fraud is punishable depending on the circumstances, but the penalties can be quite harsh:

• ATM fraud – Class 4 felony punishable by 1-3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
• Bank fraud – misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value allegedly stolen
• Healthcare fraud – Class 4 felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines ($50,000 for corporations)
• Insurance fraud – Class 3 felony or Class 1 felony, depending on the value involved in the offense
• Mail fraud – federal Class 3 felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines as high as $1 million (especially in cases affecting financial institutions)
• Wire fraud – federal Class 3 felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines ($500,000 for organizations)

Speak with an experienced white collar crime lawyer to better understand your case and what penalty range it falls under. There are several categories of fraud, but all fraud offenses are penalized with some time in jail and fines.

What is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is one type of white collar crime that often occurs in employment settings. Embezzlement is typically classified as a type of theft, as a person commits the crime of embezzlement when:

• The offender and the alleged victim have a fiduciary relationship.
• The offender acquires property through their relationship.
• The offender takes ownership of that property for their own personal gain.
• The offender’s actions are intentional and purposeful.

What Is The Penalty For Embezzlement?

Crimes of embezzlement are punishable based on the value of the property allegedly taken. For instance, if the defendant embezzled less than $500 worth of property from an organization, they may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines. However, if they allegedly take between $500-$1,000 worth of property, they may be charged with a Class 3 felony punishable by 2-5 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. The penalties increase as the value of the property increase, and the most serious offense is embezzlement of over $1 million, which is a Class X felony punishable by 6-30 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

What Is Tax Evasion?

Another common white collar crime is tax evasion. This is when an individual fails to pay their taxes as required by law, which is both a state crime and a federal crime. Under Illinois law, avoiding $300 or more of taxes will result in a civil penalty of 50% of their taxes and a Class 3 felony charge. Under federal law, anyone who willfully attempts to evade their tax duties is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.  

Legal Defenses Against White Collar Crimes

If you are facing charges for a white-collar crime in the state of Illinois, there are several legal defenses you may be able to use, that can include:

• Lack of Intent
• Entrapment
• Duress of Coercion
• Insufficient Evidence 
• Mistake of Fact

It is essential to work with a skilled criminal defense attorney, such as Attorney William Wolf, who can review the specific aspects of your case and determine the best legal defense strategy for your situation.

Contact Our White Collar Crimes Attorney Today

Any white collar crime charge will leave a serious mark on your record, and the social stigma it induces can also impact how you move forward in the future. Wolf Criminal Law is a formidable force of defense that can help you strategize a way out of your legal mess. Whether you had no knowledge of the criminal act or believe you are facing unfairly harsh accusations, the firm is prepared to defend you steadfastly.