White Collar Criminal Defense

The term "white collar crime" describes a variety of conduct. The term was first used by Edwin Sutherland when he addressed the American Sociological Society in 1939. Dr. Sutherland presented the position that corruption among affluent business and government officials caused as much harm to society as what is commonly referred to as "street" or "blue collar" crime. Thus, society should take action to identify and punish individuals involved in such conduct.

Perhaps "white collar crime" is best defined as property crimes associated with business that do not result in physical injury to any person. This broad definition can apply to complex investment schemes such as those publicized in the Enron scandal, or insider trading allegations such as those brought against Martha Stewart. The definition can also apply to more direct criminal activity such as telemarketing schemes, Internet fraud, and embezzlement.

Some examples of "white collar crimes" are: access device fraud, bank fraud, blackmail, bribery, cellular phone fraud, computer/Internet fraud, counterfeiting and forgery (not only currency but also certificates, documents of authenticity, licensing documents, identity, contractual agreements, etc.), credit card fraud, futures speculation schemes, copyright infringements, embezzlement, environmental regulation violations, extortion, fraud involving the health care industry, insider trading, insurance fraud, investment schemes, money laundering, securities fraud, tax fraud and evasion, telemarketing schemes, fraud involving illegal attainment of government services or benefits, bait and switch schemes, price fixing, false advertising, improper weights and measures for marketable goods, etc. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all of the conduct that could be characterized as "white collar crime."