White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses of a financial nature. They often involve the misappropriation or theft of large sums of money. Outlined below are two of the most common types of white-collar crimes.
Deception is one of the key elements of fraud. The perpetrator will typically deceive the victim for financial gain. Fraud can happen both in person and online. For example, the perpetrator may sell something, such as a vehicle, and disappear once they receive the money as they never actually owned that vehicle. In terms of online fraud, one common example occurs via email. For instance, an email may request that someone send a few hundred dollars to an account in order to receive a larger sum of “prize winnings”. However, the prize money never actually existed.
Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds by someone in a position of trust. One of the key aspects of embezzlement is that the embezzler has lawful access to the funds. It is their use of those funds that amounts to unlawful behavior.
For example, a shop manager may have access to the safe and accounts. They may be involved in legitimately paying clients and wholesalers. Nonetheless, if they use funds for unlawful purposes or personal profit, this is embezzlement.
Being charged with white-collar offenses is serious. The penalties can include significant fines and jail time. Those accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty and have a right to a fair trial. Seeking legal guidance will give you a better idea of your defense options.
]]>As a result, when drivers are pulled over on suspicion of impaired driving, the officer may give them a portable breath test. Officers may also take suspects back to the station to use a Breathalyzer, and there have even been cases when police will do blood draws or other types of tests to obtain the evidence.
But drivers know that this evidence could certainly be used to incriminate them. Can they refuse to take the test?
You can refuse to take the BAC test if you want. You cannot be forced to take a breath test or a blood test.
However, under implied consent laws, there can still be ramifications if you refuse to submit to the test. For a first offense, you’d lose your driver’s license for a year, and you’d lose it for two years for a second offense.
If you were involved in an accident that caused an injury, then you would have your license revoked for two years. And if you were involved in an accident that led to someone’s death, then you would have your license taken away for five years.
So, while you can refuse a test, things can still get complex and it’s important to know exactly what legal steps to take.
]]>When the officer gets to your window, he or she begins to ask you questions. You don’t want to say the wrong thing, and you may even be wondering if you have to answer these questions at all. What should you do here?
For the most part, you need to provide proper identification. All drivers need to be licensed, so you should hand the officer your driver’s license. This proves that you’re allowed to operate the vehicle.
Next, you will likely be asked for your registration and your proof of insurance. You should also provide this documentation, as it shows that you have followed the state laws that apply to all drivers. The police are allowed to ask for these types of documents during a traffic stop.
But beyond that, you typically don’t need to say anything at all. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should ignore the police officer, which would likely lead to arrest. But you don’t have to incriminate yourself, you do have a right to remain silent and you can tell the officer that you don’t want to answer any questions without your legal team at your side.
Naturally, doing that still may lead to arrest, and you could find yourself facing charges. If so, then you need to begin looking into your criminal defense options.
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