White collar crimes are non-violent offenses that typically involve financial deception. These crimes are often committed by professionals, business owners, or government employees who misuse their position for personal gain.
In Maryland, white collar crimes are taken seriously and can result in heavy fines, prison time, and long–term damage to a person’s reputation and career. Ahead, we’ll cover some of the things you need to know about white collar crimes, including what they are and what to do if you’re charged.
If you were accused of a white collar crime and need help, contact a Baltimore criminal defense lawyer for representation.
What are White Collar Crimes?
White collar crimes are usually committed in business or government settings. They involve deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and are motivated by financial gain.
Unlike violent crimes, white collar offenses do not involve physical harm, but they can still cause serious damage to individuals, companies, and communities.
Common Types of White-Collar Crimes
In Maryland, the most common white-collar crimes include:
- Fraud: Deceiving someone to gain money or property.
- Embezzlement: Stealing money or assets that were entrusted to you.
- Identity Theft: Using someone else’s personal information without permission.
- Forgery: Falsifying documents or signatures.
- Bribery: Offering or accepting money to influence decisions.
- Tax Evasion: Illegally avoiding taxes.
- Money Laundering: Hiding the source of illegally obtained money.
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Fraud: Deception for Profit
Fraud is one of the most common white-collar crimes. It includes many different schemes, such as credit card fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and securities fraud.
Maryland Law on Fraud
Under Maryland Criminal Law §8-101 through §8-106, fraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount of money involved. For example:
- Less than $100: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
- $100 to $1,500: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.
- $1,500 to $25,000: Felony, up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Over $25,000: Felony, up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Real-Life Example
In a recent Maryland case, a woman was charged with stealing checks from mailboxes and altering them to cash out nearly $500,000.
Police found hundreds of checks, printing equipment, and cash in her car. This type of check fraud is a serious offense and can lead to felony charges.
Embezzlement: Theft of Trusted Funds
Embezzlement occurs when someone misuses money or property that was given to them for safekeeping. This often happens in workplaces, where employees or managers take company funds for personal use.
Maryland Law on Embezzlement
Maryland does not have a separate embezzlement statute. Instead, it is prosecuted under theft laws (Maryland Criminal Law §7-104). The penalties depend on the value of the stolen property:
- Under $100: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail.
- $100 to $1,500: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail.
- $1,500 to $25,000: Felony, up to 5 years in prison.
- Over $25,000: Felony, up to 10 years in prison.
Who Commits Embezzlement?
According to Maryland legal sources, 62% of embezzlement crimes are committed by white males, and 41% are committed by managers.
The longer someone works at a company, the more likely they are to commit high–value fraud. Employees with over 10 years at an organization are responsible for average losses of $250,000.
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Other Financial Crimes
White collar crime includes a wide range of offenses beyond fraud and embezzlement. Here are a few more examples:
Identity Theft
Using someone else’s personal information to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud. Maryland law (Criminal Law §8-301) punishes identity theft with up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Forgery
Creating or altering documents with the intent to deceive. This includes fake checks, contracts, or signatures. Under Maryland Criminal Law §8-601, forgery is a felony with penalties up to 10 years in prison.
Bribery
Offering money or gifts to influence a public official or business decision. Maryland law (Criminal Law §9-201) treats bribery as a felony, punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
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White Collar Crime Statistics
White collar crimes are often underreported, but they still have a major impact. According to Zippia’s 2023 report:
- Fraud makes up 63% of all white collar crimes.
- Embezzlement is the second most common offense.
- 75% of employees admit to stealing from their employer at least once.
- Over 50% of embezzlers are managers.
- White collar crimes cost the U.S. economy between $426 billion and $1.7 trillion annually.
Legal Consequences in Maryland
White collar crimes can lead to:
- Jail or prison time
- Heavy fines
- Restitution (paying back stolen money)
- Probation or supervised release
- Damage to reputation and career
Even first-time offenders may face serious penalties, especially if the crime involved large sums of money or harmed many victims.
If you are accused of a white-collar crime in Maryland, it is important to act quickly and seek legal help. These cases often involve complex evidence, including financial records, emails, and witness statements.
Contact a Defense Attorney
An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges, protect your rights, and build a strong defense. They may challenge the evidence, negotiate a plea deal, or argue for reduced penalties.
The Bishop Law Group is a trusted criminal defense firm in Maryland that handles white collar crime cases. Their team understands the legal system and works hard to defend clients against fraud, embezzlement, and other financial charges.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
