These are financial crimes such as embezzlement, computer crimes, identity theft, fraud, insider trading, bribery, copyright infringement, forgery and money laundering.  These are crimes committed by someone as a result of access in their jobs.  Such as a bank manager, computer systems person or accountant.  White collar crimes are frequently committed by “upstanding members of the community” in a position of trust.  Anyone with access to funds and information has the opportunity to commit one of these types of crimes. 

If convicted of a white collar crime, the punishments can vary depending on where the person was tried.  State convictions usually result in less stringent punishments than federal ones.  Generally however, the convicted person is required to make restitution, faces large fines and even prison time.  The fines and prison times are determined by the severity of the crime.  If you are convicted you are facing anywhere from 9 months to 20 years, depending on the details of the crime.   If you are accused of a white collar crime, it is important to retain the services of an attorney as soon as possible.  Your attorney can assist you in disputing the charges, protecting your rights and helping you get through the whole arrest, questioning and arraignment process.