White-Collar Crimes: Exploring Fraud, Embezzlement, and Identity Theft in Indianapolis
White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes. White-collar crimes involve the use of deceit or concealment to obtain money or property.
In Indianapolis, there is a wide range of white-collar crimes. Examples of white-collar crimes in Indianapolis include fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, bribery, forgery, tax evasion, and counterfeiting. Below, we explore fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft in Indianapolis.
Fraud
Fraud in Indianapolis is defined as the use of misrepresentation, deception, tricks, or falsified/forged documents to obtain property or money. For example, if a sales employee in a company falsely advertises a product or service as being able to do something it cannot for purposes of getting consumers to purchase the service or product, that is fraud. Another common form of fraud is a fraudster offering to send someone a huge sum of money if they send them a smaller sum.
A conviction of a fraud crime can result in jail time and substantial fines. A conviction can end your career and limit your future prospects.
Embezzlement
The crime of embezzlement involves taking money or property meant for a business and using them as your own. This type of white-collar crime is often committed by people who keep track of a company’s financial statements, as these people can easily hide their deeds. For instance, an accountant may add an extra $4,000 to their bank account every month and then “cook the books” to cover up their deeds.
Unlike most states, the Indiana criminal code does not contain embezzlement laws. In Indianapolis, people accused of embezzlement are tried under the Indiana theft laws found in Indiana Code 35-43-4-2.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is when someone uses another person’s identifying information for financial gain. Because of the advancement in technology, which has resulted in more and more people using online banking, shopping, and messaging accounts, it is now easier than ever to access people’s personal information and commit identity theft. According to Indiana law, it is a crime to knowingly or willfully acquire, transfer, or use another person’s identifying information, including that of a deceased person, without that person’s consent. Generally, identity theft is a Level 6 felony in Indianapolis.
Because white-collar crimes are not violent and are less visible to the public, some people consider them smaller offenses. However, the truth is that white-collar crimes can carry serious consequences. If convicted of a white-collar crime, you could face jail or prison time, hefty fines, and forced restitution. If convicted of a white-collar crime, you risk having your assets forfeited. Being convicted of a white-collar crime can change your life forever. On top of the criminal penalties you will face after a conviction, you risk facing several collateral consequences. For example, a conviction can ruin your chances of securing employment and result in the loss of voting rights. It can also make finding housing a challenge. For all these reasons, it is crucial to retain a skilled criminal defense attorney if you are being charged with a white-collar crime.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been charged with a white-collar crime or any other crime, contact a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer at Rigney Law LLC. We can protect your rights, guide you through the legal system, and help you defend yourself.
Source:
iga.in.gov/laws/2022/ic/titles/35#35-43-4-2
