Although non-violent crimes are non-violent offenses, they can still be charged as severely as many violent and sexual offenses, sometimes even as first-degree felonies.
Common white-collar crimes in Bucks County include forgery, embezzlement, writing bad checks, access device fraud, and money laundering. White-collar crimes can be charged at both the state and federal level, and might lead to prison time, fines, and restitution. Plea deals for white-collar crimes are common but not mandatory, and our lawyers may defend you in court if you are not interested in a plea.
Get a free case review from Kenny, Burns & McGill by calling our attorneys for white-collar crimes at (215) 774-5644.
What is a White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crimes are non-violent, financially motivated offenses that involve deception, fraud, breach of trust, and intent. Though they are non-violent offenses, Pennsylvania prosecutors still take white-collar crimes seriously, and you could face a lengthy prison sentence for a conviction.
What Are Common White-Collar Crimes in Bucks County?
The following are among the most common white-collar crimes in Pennsylvania:
- Fraud
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
- Writing bad checks
- Access device fraud
- Money laundering
This is not an exhaustive list of all white-collar crimes in Pennsylvania, and our lawyers may also help if you are facing charges for an offense not mentioned above.
What Happens During an Arrest for a White-Collar Crime?
To arrest someone for a white-collar crime, police officers must obtain and present an arrest warrant. Do not argue with police officers during an arrest for a white-collar crime, which might take place at your workplace in an attempt to embarrass and incite anger in you.
Will You Be Charged at the State or Federal Level for White-Collar Crimes?
Defendants can also face federal charges for white-collar crimes that involve interstate commerce, federal institutions, or federal agencies, such as the IRS. If you are charged at the federal level, you could be at risk of more severe consequences than if you only faced state charges.
How High is Bail for White-Collar Crimes in Bucks County?
Bail for white-collar crimes varies. Some defendants are released on their own recognizance for a first-time, non-violent, low-level misdemeanor, while others are held on bail because of more serious felonies. We can advocate for fair bail in your case and argue against excessive bail.
Can a Judge Withhold Bail for a White-Collar Crime?
A judge can withhold bail for a white-collar crime, although this is typically reserved for serious and violent offenses. Rather than withholding bail entirely, the judge might enforce a Nebbia order that requires the defendant to prove that bail money came from a legitimate source before they are released on bail.
What Are the Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Bucks County?
Penalties for white-collar crimes include prison time, fines, and restitution.
Prison
Prison time often accompanies white-collar crimes, especially when they are charged as felony offenses in Pennsylvania. For a first-degree felony conviction of a white-collar crime, defendants face up to 20 years in prison. Jail time is less likely for low-level misdemeanors, especially upon the first conviction.
Fines
Fines often accompany sentences for white-collar crimes. The maximum fine you might have to pay if convicted will be based on the grading of the offense you were charged with.
Restitution
White-collar crimes are financial crimes, so defendants also often have to pay restitution to victims when they are convicted.
Can You Face Felony Charges for a White-Collar Crime?
Although white-collar crimes are non-violent offenses, you can still be charged with a third-, second-, or first-degree felony in Bucks County, which are not only reserved for violent or sexual offenses, as some defendants think.
How Common Are Plea Deals for White-Collar Crimes?
Plea deals are very common for white-collar crimes. Law enforcement typically spends a lot of time preparing these cases before making an arrest, which means the prosecution might have a strong case from the get-go, possibly making it more reasonable for you to accept a plea.
How Do You Know Whether a Plea Deal for a White-Collar Crime is Good?
A prosecutor might tell you that the plea deal they are offering you is good and benefits you, but that might not be completely true. Always let your lawyer review the terms and wording of a plea deal to confirm that the charges you will plead to are reduced from your original charges.
What if You Speak to the Police After Being Arrested for a White-Collar Crime in Bucks County?
If you speak to the police after being arrested for a white-collar crime, even if you are just asking questions or are confused about what is happening, you could make incriminating statements that are used against you later on. Do not speak to the police alone, without our attorneys present in the room, after an arrest.
How Can You Defend Yourself Against White-Collar Crimes?
To prove most white-collar crimes, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to deceive or defraud the alleged victim. Our attorneys for white-collar crimes may undermine the prosecution’s attempts to prove intent and create enough reasonable doubt to beat the charges.
Do You Need a Lawyer if You Are Questioned About a White-Collar Crime?
If you are ever questioned by the police for a white-collar crime, whether formally or not, you should have an attorney present. It is always in your best interest to have a lawyer there during any interactions with the police during an investigation.
Do You Need a Lawyer if You Are Charged for a White-Collar Crime?
If you are actually arrested and charged for a white-collar crime in Bucks County, you need an attorney right away. Our lawyers can walk you through what happens during your first court appearance, the preliminary arraignment.
Call Our White-Collar Crimes Attorneys in Bucks County
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill’s attorneys for white-collar crimes at (215) 774-5644 to get a free case review.
