No matter the situation, a white collar charge can become incredibly complex and time-consuming. It is for this reason that such cases are generally handled very seriously. New York has long been familiar with these types of crimes, but what might they mean for the defendants themselves?
The New York Post spent time considering white collar crimes in the state, immediately recognizing the differences between New York law and federal law. The Post highlighted the case of Congressman Michael Grimm, who evaded payroll taxes with a restaurant he owned. Grimm’s schemes also lowered workers’ compensation insurance premiums that the business owed. Also taking into account other recent arrests on the same charges, The Post looks at the state’s 2004 Crimes Against Revenue Program, which requires people who cheat the state’s system to pay fines and money owed. When it comes to technological white collar crimes, it appears that New York has many gray areas, resulting in an unclear foundation on the state’s decisions to avoid pursuing criminal charges.
Although New York may have some level of uncertainty surrounding its penalties for technological white collar crimes, the penalties can nevertheless be drastic. Forbes considers the seriousness of taking on such a criminal defense, also pointing out that it can prove expensive. However, Forbes also nods to the nation’s Federal Sentencing Guidelines to show that the justice system places immense importance on pleading guilty — with some cases even resulting in reduced prison time. Regardless of the crime’s details, it is clear that defendants should weigh options carefully. After all, such a charge could place one’s career, reputation and wellbeing on the line.