Not all crimes in Oklahoma are violent in nature. There are some that won’t affect you instantly or directly, but they’ll cause a ripple effect in the economy, your job, or any other related field. Here’s a brief depiction of white-collar crimes and their consequences in Oklahoma.
What is a white-collar crime?
White-collar crimes are criminal acts that mainly involve a person taking money or property that they don’t deserve or giving someone money to gain favor. What’s makes it unique is that there is absolutely no violence involved, but it causes significant damage or hardships to the victims.
Since white-collar crimes directly impact the national economy, they are often prosecuted at the federal court. However, depending on the nature of the crime, the state can also prosecute you.
Common types of white-collar crimes in Oklahoma
- Fraud – The state or federal government will accuse you of fraud if you knowingly deceive someone out of their money or property.
- Money laundering – This occurs when you mix legally obtained funds with dirty money in the effort to conceal criminal activity.
- Embezzlement – If you are in a position of power and you take money from other people for your own personal gain, the Oklahoma court will convict you and strip you of your position indefinitely.
- Tax evasion – Simply failing to pay your taxes in full can get you in a tough spot with the law.
Penalties for white-collar crimes
The first consequence you will face when convicted of white-collar crimes is damage to your reputation and career. On top of that, the United States District Attorneys’ and the Oklahoma District Attorneys’ offices will prosecute you for your crimes.
If found guilty, punishments include hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. For instance, if your crime involves over $25,000, you can face up to 10 years in prison, pay a fine of $10,000, and victim restitution.
Unlike other crimes, white-collar crimes start with an investigation. If the law enforcement officers find sufficient evidence to get a warrant, they will arrest you.
