When considering the criminal law, violent crimes against the person are often the main point of focus. However, there is another branch of offense that warrants further consideration.
Certain crimes may not involve an offense against the person but have a nature that centers around financial gain. Frequently, such crimes are referred to as white-collar crimes. Usually, white-collar crimes involve an individual who abuses their position by engaging in dishonest activities for financial gain.
There are also numerous misconceptions about these specific types of offenses, and it is important to identify the reality behind these issues. Outlined below are three common misconceptions about white-collar crimes.
Only rich people can commit white-collar crimes
Due to the financial nature of white-collar offenses, it is commonly believed that only rich people have the potential to engage in this type of criminal activity. However, financial hardship can often be a key motivation for people who carry out such crimes.
Powerful people are never prosecuted
It is often thought that the rich and powerful are immune from prosecution. In fact, there are many notable cases of wealthy individuals being prosecuted for dishonest financial crimes. It is expected that the law applies equally to everyone, and prosecutors frequently show this by pursuing powerful individuals who have engaged in illicit activities.
You can’t go to prison for white-collar offenses
Another common misconception is that white-collar crimes are not taken seriously, and offenders are given lenient sentences. In fact, the opposite is true. Various types of white-collar crimes carry with them significant prison time in the event of a conviction.
Separating myth from reality concerning white-collar crimes could be in your best interests. If you are facing criminal charges in Minnesota, you should ensure that your legal rights are upheld.