White-collar crimes are often committed by educated professionals. Business executives, mortgage brokers and a variety of other professionals can engage in money laundering, embezzlement, fraudulent business activity and a host of other behaviors that put them at risk of criminal prosecution. The idea that individuals who have achieved financial and professional success might risk it all by breaking the law seems strange to many people, including those accused of white-collar criminal offenses.
Why do some ostensibly successful professionals embezzle, commit fraud or participate in money laundering?
Being on the edge of failure
Not all white-collar professionals enjoy financial stability and professional success. Some people are on the cusp of losing everything. Their business might be about to fail, or their job performance could be so poor that they are at risk of termination. Maybe they overextended themselves financially and could be about to lose their vehicles or homes. Those who feel like they have nothing left to lose or little at risk might decide to break the law out of desperation. The need to cover expenses and prepare themselves for financial uncertainty in the future dominates the decision-making process.
Feeling resentful
Cases of embezzlement and fraud that affect a business often begin with negative worker emotions. Professionals feel frustrated because companies repeatedly pass them over for advancement opportunities or take advantage of their salary status to force them to work long hours. Professionals who have negative sentiments toward their employers may view a white-collar criminal scheme as a way of exacting justice rather than a truly criminal matter.
Misunderstanding the law
Some people engage in white-collar criminal activities because they think they have found a loophole that allows them to maximize personal profits without overtly breaking the law. They may fail to understand key regulations and can engage in schemes that ultimately lead to their prosecution.
Regardless of the alleged motivation behind white-collar criminal activity, the penalties can be significant. Professionals are at risk of incarceration, orders of restitution and fines. They may also lose their eligibility for professional licensing in the future. Analyzing motive can be one of the components of a successful defense strategy when facing white-collar criminal charges. Those who have appropriate support when facing criminal investigations or charges have the best chance of avoiding long-term consequences.
