Sentencing Guideline for White Collar Crime
White collar crime is an umbrella term that’s synonymous with things like finances, taxes, business, and healthcare. If you’re charged with any white collar crime you could face some serious consequences. A conviction could change your future and ruin your career. Years of prison, monetary losses, fines, restitution, and legal restrictions are all possible.
Criminal Penalties for White Collar Crime
Criminal penalties vary depending on the specifics of a situation. Most laws allow for a mixture of fines, prison time, and other remedies. Federal guidelines are used by the courts to see what a potential sentence can be. These vary by jurisdiction. Sometimes judges have very little discretion. Guidelines take into account the nature of the crime, those affected, the monetary loss, and other factors.
Civil Penalties and Liability
The government, victims, or both could level a civil suit from a criminal investigation or prosecution. What the government seeks from these suits is known as disgorgement. Essentially, they believe the assets an individual or business owns are illicit and thus they want them to be compelled to give them up. Asset forfeiture is also possible. Victims can also file suit and seek recovery for financial loss.
Additional Consequences of a Conviction
Even though the nature of these crimes means they’re usually non-violent, a conviction still results in felon status. Additionally, a person can be barred from certain organizations or professions if they committed and were convicted of certain crimes. What does this mean? Being a felon might cause issues with professional licenses like those required to practice law. These types of convictions can also be tied to being barred from operating certain businesses or participating in certain industries.
What to do if charged in South Carolina
The potentially devastating effects of a civil and criminal suit on someone’s life and business means that the best thing you can do is contact a criminal defense lawyer. An attorney like Peter McCoy can guide you toward the best possible course of action. Contact us today at 843-459-8835.









