What Is White Collar Crime?

White-Collar crime, a term used to describe non-violent economic crimes, was coined in the late 1930s. This has been defined as a "crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his occupation." However, recent sociologists have begun to separate or parcel this definition away from only social status or occupation. The distinction that remains is that white-collar offenses are distinguished from more traditional street crimes.

The majority of white-collar offenses is related to the lines of business and commerce that are typically available and readily accessible to a person through his or her occupation. Compare this to violent crimes, such as burglary of a habitation or robbery. These offenders might not have the same access to business and commerce through his or her occupation. Thus, accessebility to crime becomes an imporant part of the definition.

Generally, white-collar crime is associated with corporate crime. Activities such as insider trading, embezzlement, money laundering, identity theft, forgery, bribery, and fraud are readily available to those that are said to be white-collar employees.

If you have been charged with such a crime, contact a Plano criminal defense attorney today.