Matthew Norwood, a skilled white collar crime lawyer, has extensive experience handling white collar crimes in Flint, Linden, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Davison, Flushing, and surrounding counties.
Understanding White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes are non-violent activities, usually business-related, that involve dishonestly obtaining money, property, services, or preferential treatment. They typically relate to a breach of trust between employers and employees or between employees and clients. Common white collar crime examples include:
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Conspiracy
- Larceny by conversion
Consequences of White Collar Crimes
Even though white collar crime is non-violent, convicted defendants usually face:
- Restitution
- Heavy fines
- Loss of professional business licenses
- Severe damage to their reputation (even if not convicted)
Navigating Michigan’s White Collar Crime Laws
Michigan’s white collar crime laws can vary from specific laws designed to deal with particular business issues to vague laws meant to handle dishonesty in general. With so many laws to deal with, it is critical to have an experienced white collar defense team by your side. If you are being investigated for any white collar crimes or have already been charged, arrange representation as soon as possible.
Felonies and Misdemeanors
White collar crimes can be classified as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the dollar amount involved. For example:
- Embezzlement of less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of not more than $500.
- Embezzlement of more than $1,000 is a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of not more than $10,000.
- Penalties may be stricter for certain organizations, such as nonprofit organizations.
Why You Need an Experienced White Collar Crime Attorney
White collar crimes can be confusing, complicated, and difficult to follow, requiring careful analysis of paperwork, accounting, and contractual agreements. An experienced attorney like Matthew L. Norwood is necessary to navigate the mountain of papers, numbers, and figures to build a case that can successfully challenge the charges against you.
Learn more about the practice areas of Attorney Matthew L. Norwood.