Explaining White Collar Crimes

White collar crime is a general term referring to non-violent crimes that are financially motivated. The term "white collar crime" comes from the idea that they were typically committed by business executives who wear a white shirt and tie, hence the term. However, it is a misnomer because people from all types of backgrounds can commit this type of crime.

It is not required to be a business executive or someone with a college degree to bribe somebody, or to blackmail an individual. The same goes for tax evasion, counterfeiting, forgery and identity theft. Still, those offenses are often in the same category.

The one element that all white collar crimes have in common is that they are usually involved in some type of fraudulent scam or activity. Although anybody can commit this crime, many times they are committed by professionals who have direct access to the resources necessary to further such crimes. They can use their special occupational skills, access and opportunities to defraud governments, businesses and individuals.

Due to the fact that white collar crimes are financially-related they are not necessarily connected to narcotics, crimes against personal property, organized crime, immigration, civil rights or vice crimes.

In the United States, criminal law is primarily enforced at the state level, however, white collar crimes can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, or both. Many of these crimes cross state lines, therefore many of them are prosecuted in federal court.

White collar crimes are taken very seriously in this country; they are responsible for huge financial losses to federal, state, and local governments, to corporations, small businesses and to individuals. Many of them are investigated by large government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Securities Exchange commission. It is not uncommon for a person to pay thousands of dollars in fines, to pay victim restitution, and to replace the money they stole.

This is all in addition to incarceration in a state or federal penitentiary. If you are under investigation for a white collar crime, or if you have already been arrested, you should contact a criminal defense attorney right away. You want to make sure that you are doing everything possible to protect your legal rights - hiring a lawyer will be your first line of defense! Do not wait to get the help you need because time is crucial in these cases.

Acosta, Batovski & Schmiege is a criminal defense firm located in Chicago, Illinois. At their firm, their Chicago criminal defense attorneys have proven over the years that outstanding service and dedication can make all the difference in a criminal case. Regardless of what you were charged with, they have the tools and experience you need to effectively defend your case. If you should go with their firm, they will work aggressively on your behalf from the beginning to the end. To learn more about how they can help you, contact a Chicago criminal defense attorney from their firm by calling (312) 626-2400 today.

Explaining Violent Crimes

Violent crimes refer to any criminal offense which involves the use of or threat of force towards another person. Violent crime covers a broad spectrum of violent crimes which are divided into five categories by the United States Department of Justice. These include murder, rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault.

With violent crimes, violence can either be the objective or they can be a means to an end (as in robbery). Additionally, a violent crime may or may not involve the use of a weapon. A person can murder another human being with their bare hands or in a more insidious way, such as poison. They do not have to use a firearm or knife to commit such a heinous crime.

Violent crimes are prosecuted as felonies, which means that a conviction can involve years in a state prison. Not only can they involve a lengthy prison sentence, the state of Florida enacted the "three strikes law" in 1996. That means that a violent felony conviction would count as a "strike" on your criminal record.

What is the three strikes law? The three strikes laws were enacted by state governments of the United States. These laws require the state courts to hand down mandatory sentences to criminals who have been convicted of a violent felony on three or more separate occasions. Florida is one of the states that have adopted their own form of habitual offender laws.

Under the three strikes law, repeat offenders are subjected to increased and extended prison sentences. They are also limited or, in some cases, prohibited from receiving an alternative form of punishment other than a prison sentence.

In addition to the "three strikes law," the state of Florida is one of the states that carry the death penalty. This means that individuals who are facing serious violent crime charges such as murder, could be sentenced to death in a court of law.

Although most violent crimes involve the use of force or violence, a crime can still be categorized as a violent crime even if it only involved the "threat" of violence. For example, the crime of assault falls under this category. Assault can vary depending on the facts surrounding the case, however, assault by definition involves the threat or use of force. Physical contact does not need to take place in order to be convicted of assault; simply the threat of violence is sufficient.

Assault charges can range from simple assault to aggravated assault. Simple assault can be charged as a misdemeanor, however, it is often prosecuted as a felonious crime. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual physical contact with the victim.

Sexual assault and rape are categorized as violent sex crimes. Sexual assault refers to non-consensual sexual contact, whereas rape is associated with non-consensual sexual intercourse. Furthermore, sexual crimes committed against children are felonies.

Robbery is a violent crime where the victim is typically confronted by a weapon. Robbers commonly use a firearm or knife to instill fear in their victim, in order to get them to hand over their purse or wallet. Carjacking is a similar type offense where the carjacker will threaten to use a weapon against the victim unless they turn over their vehicle.

Homicide charges are by far the most serious types of violent crimes as they involve the death of another human being. Murder and manslaughter charges are divided into degrees. For example, a person who meticulously plans to murder their victim and lies in wait for them can be guilty of a capital offense and sentenced to death, whereas a person who accidentally strikes and kills a pedestrian with their car will face lighter sanctions.

Violent crimes are inherently serious in nature, thus a conviction can ruin your life. Those convicted of violent crimes face lengthy prison sentences; therefore defending them requires the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

It is not entirely uncommon for extenuating circumstances to lead to "criminal acts," therefore a strong defense is your only option. A criminal defense attorney will know how to cross-examine evidence and witness testimony. They will also have the tools to unearth any mitigating evidence that could help you achieve a more favorable outcome in the charges against you.

The Law Offices of DiRenzo & Weick is a criminal defense firm serving the residents of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. Their firm has been successfully defending clients for more than seventeen years. At DiRenzo & Weick, you can feel confident knowing that your case will be handled by an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer who you can trust. No matter what brought you to the charges, they believe their clients are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, they will place the burden of proof upon the prosecution to prove otherwise. You are urged to take action immediately by contacting their firm at (866) 622-0636 for a free case evaluation!

For additional information visit the firm's website at http://www.FortLauderdaleDefenseLawFirm.com.