White Collar Crime
A white-collar crime is an umbrella term that covers crimes involving deception for financial gain. It is usually considered a less severe crime, but it can also result in serious harm to others and serious legal repercussions.
The following may be considered white-collar crimes, resulting in the convicted individual being added to the Utah White Collar Crime Registry.
- Embezzlement
- Bribery and Extortion
- Money Laundering
- Forgery
- Antitrust Violations
- Tax Evasion
- Corporate Espionage
- Computer Hacking
- Insider Trading
- Identity Theft
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested for a white collar crime in Salt Lake City, UT, it is imperative that you seek the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. With 30 years of experience, defense lawyer Susanne Gustin at Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law has a deep understanding of what defendants may face against the prosecution, which can be invaluable in building a strong defense strategy. She can advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Your freedom is at stake so do not wait any longer to contact Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law. If you reside in Salt Lake City or Davis Counties, including Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, Riverton, Midvale, Clearfield, Layton, and surrounding communities, call (801) 243-2814 to arrange your first consultation.
Information Center
- White Collar Crimes in Utah
- What Are The Penalties For White Collar Crimes?
- White-Collar Crime Registry in Utah
- What Are The Defenses To White Collar Crimes?
- Additional Resources
White Collar Crimes in Utah
Embezzlement
Embezzlement generally occurs when someone is entrusted with an employer’s or a client’s money and, without permission, uses the money for their own personal gain. Typically, to be convicted of embezzlement, the prosecution must prove the following:
- There is a fiduciary relationship between the person who is accused of embezzlement and the one that is the alleged victim of embezzlement.
- The individual accused of embezzlement must have given control over the funds.
- The accused individual used the funds for their own personal gain.
Money Laundering
In Utah, money laundering occurs when someone transports, receives, or acquires the property, which is the proceeds of unlawful activity, for the continuation of the commission of a crime or conducts a transaction knowing the property involved in the transaction is the proceeds of some unlawful activity.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone knowingly or intentionally uses or attempts to use another person’s identification. Identity theft may result in a third- or second-degree felony charge. Additionally, multiple identity theft accusations may be combined into a single offense.
What Are The Penalties For White Collar Crimes?
The penalties for white-collar crimes vary depending on what crime was committed and how much money or property was stolen. Therefore, a white-collar crime may result in felony or misdemeanor charges as follows:
Second Degree Felony
A second-degree felony will result in one to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Third Degree Felony
A third-degree felony will result in the defendant spending up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Misdemeanor
Being convicted of a misdemeanor will result in the defendant being placed in jail instead of prison and fined.
- Class A Misdemeanor – one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500
- Class B Misdemeanor – six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- Class C Misdemeanor – 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750
White-Collar Crime Registry in Utah
Generally, Utah requires individuals convicted of fraudulent criminal activity to be put on a crime registry depending on how many offenses have been committed.
- First Offense – 10 years
- Second Offense – An additional ten years
- Third Offense – Lifetime
Utah is one of the first states to implement a white-collar crime registry so that the general public may identify the criminal.
What Are The Defenses To White Collar Crimes?
There are a variety of defenses that may be available to a defendant who is being charged with a white-collar crime. Generally, white-collar crimes are general intent crimes and require someone to have a fiduciary duty; therefore, the following defenses may be used:
- Lack of intent
- Permission from the accuser to use the money or property how it was used
- Insufficient evidence
Additional Resources
Utah State Tax Commission – The Utah State Tax Commission website provides more information on identity theft and whom to contact if there is a suspicion of identity theft.
Utah’s Criminal Code – The website of the Utah State Legislature to learn more about white-collar offenses such as embezzlement (76-6-412), money laundering (76-10-1903), and more.
Utah White Collar Crime Attorney | Salt Lake County, UT
Are you facing accusations of committing a white collar crime? If so, we highly encourage you to get in contact with the aggressive legal professionals at Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law. With 30 years of experience under her belt, you can trust criminal defense attorney Susanne Gustin to formulate a strong and efficient defense for your case.
Call (801) 243-2814 to schedule a free consultation with Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law as soon as possible. Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law serves individuals in Salt Lake City, Midvale, Riverton, Taylorsville, Clearfield, Layton, Davis County, and the surrounding areas.