The term “white-collar crime” encompasses a range of unlawful acts usually motivated by monetary gain. Often, these crimes occur in workplace environments, and they are nonviolent offenses. Fraud is a common type of white-collar crime. A prosecutor accusing a defendant of fraud is alleging an offense involving the deceit of another person or persons for financial gain.
According to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, fraud schemes against senior citizens are increasingly common both in Louisiana and nationwide. With an aging population, there are more potential targets, and senior citizens are frequently very trusting of others. Senior citizens may find themselves the targets of health care or health insurance fraud, including Medicare schemes or schemes in which insurers are billed for services never performed when fake bills are submitted. Senior citizens may face fraud through counterfeit prescription drug schemes, or when they try to arrange for funeral or cemetery services in advance. Internet fraud and telemarketing fraud are other white-collar crimes that are common scams against senior citizens.
It can be difficult to build a defense against white-collar crime charges. There are many variables in these cases, and a defense strategy must cater to the specific facts and allegations of the offense. Those accused of white-collar crimes will face tough opposition from well-prepared, well-funded prosecutors. What’s more, these cases will be decided by a jury that may be unsympathetic to an accused.
Penalties for white-collar crime convictions can be stiff, but everyone deserves a thorough defense and a proponent to tell their side of the story. An attorney experienced in this area of the law can help a person accused of a white-collar crime to craft a detailed and well-prepared defense.
Source: FBI.gov, “Fraud Target: Senior Citizens,” accessed Feb. 20, 2015