Biloxi White Collar Crime Lawyer
→ White collar crime is a nonviolent criminal offense that is typically motivated by financial gain. Many white collar crimes arise during business transactions, such as when an employee forges a supervisor’s signature or embezzles money from an employer. If you are facing these allegations, a Biloxi white collar crime lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Prosecutors in Mississippi can charge corporations, business entities, or individuals with various white collar crimes. District attorneys often dedicate extensive resources to these investigations, placing the accused at a significant disadvantage. The best way to protect your rights is by hiring a Biloxi white collar crime lawyer to defend your case.
At Smith & Holder, PLLC, we conduct our own investigation into white collar crime allegations and search for evidence that may exonerate you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with a Biloxi white collar crime attorney.
Overview of White Collar Crimes in Biloxi, Mississippi
When people hear “white collar crime,” they often think of large-scale Ponzi schemes or stock market fraud. In reality, many white collar offenses involve everyday individuals and carry relatively minor penalties. Below are common white collar crimes defined under Mississippi law.
Computer Fraud
Computer fraud involves accessing a computer, computer system, or network with intent to:
- Obtain money, property, or services through false or fraudulent conduct or data manipulation;
- Commit fraud; or
- Insert or create malicious programs designed to acquire, alter, damage, delete, disrupt, or destroy data or computer services.
Penalties for computer fraud depend on the monetary value of the loss:
- Losses under $1,000: up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000
- Losses between $1,000 and $5,000: up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
Identity Theft
In Mississippi, identity theft is defined as obtaining or attempting to obtain another person’s personal identifying information with the intent to unlawfully:
- Purchase or lease real or personal property;
- Obtain employment;
- Obtain financial credit;
- Commit any illegal act; or
- Access medical records or health information.
Identity theft is punishable by two to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Courts consider the defendant’s background and the circumstances of the offense when determining penalties.
Credit Card Forgery
Credit card forgery occurs when a person falsely makes, alters, or embosses a card purporting to be a valid credit card with intent to defraud a cardholder, issuer, or merchant.
Credit card forgery is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
It is also illegal to make false statements about your identity in order to obtain a credit card. This offense is likewise a misdemeanor.
Embezzlement
Mississippi defines embezzlement as fraudulently converting or concealing money or property entrusted to someone due to their employment or position. Embezzlement is a form of theft made possible by access to property through a position of trust.
- Under $1,000: misdemeanor, up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine
- $1,000–$5,000: felony, up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine
- $5,000–$25,000: felony, up to ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine
- Over $25,000: felony, up to twenty years in prison and a $25,000 fine
False Impersonation to Obtain Money or Property
Mississippi law prohibits impersonating another person to obtain money or valuable property. False impersonation is punishable to the same extent as theft of the property or funds obtained through the offense.
How Can a Biloxi White Collar Crime Attorney Help?
If charges have been filed against you, contact a Biloxi white collar crime lawyer immediately. An experienced defense attorney can:
- Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
- Interview and prepare witnesses
- Investigate evidence and procedural errors
- Develop a strong legal defense
- Explain your charges and potential penalties
- Take your case to trial when necessary
Prosecutors use extensive resources to pursue convictions. Hiring a white collar crime attorney helps level the playing field and improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact a White Collar Crime Defense Attorney at Smith & Holder, PLLC
A white collar crime lawyer at Smith & Holder, PLLC can review your case and determine whether a viable legal defense exists. Our attorneys pursue every opportunity to protect clients from conviction.
Founding attorney Chris Smith has prior experience as a prosecutor and extensive courtroom experience. He can explain your charges and the penalties involved.
Contact Smith & Holder, PLLC today to schedule a confidential consultation.