Drew Patterson is an exceptional, multifaceted attorney. He continually strives to understand the intricacies of our business and produce results. He is highly recommended.
What is the Difference: White Collar Crime Vs. Blue Collar Crime
June 20, 2019
Have you been told you need to hire an attorney for a white collar crime? Many people are under the impression that white collar crimes are only committed by the wealthy or business elite, yet the real difference between white collar crime and blue collar crime is a matter of perception. Here’s the difference and why you need an attorney who will fight for you.
White Collar Crime
White collar crime involves crimes that are usually done for financial gain. It refers to crimes such as forgery, different types of fraud, insider trading, and embezzlement, among others. These are crimes that traditionally have been committed by upper-class individuals who are only committing the crime to obtain or keep more money. Because these crimes are usually conducted by business people, they are referred to as white collar.
The penalties for white collar crime are often different from blue collar crime. White collar crime can come with jail time, but the biggest penalties are usually financial. Fines and financial reparations for those that were injured during the crime are very typical. This is because these crimes are about money, and the government wants to hit these criminals where it really hurts.
Blue Collar Crime
Blue collar crime is much different from white collar crime. Blue collar crime is rightfully named because it is thought to mostly be committed by people who work manual labor jobs. In times gone by, the people in these jobs wore blue-collared shirts and dark clothing, which gave this type of crime its name. Blue collar crime includes crimes such as drug trafficking, assault, and robbery.
Blue collar crime may come with fines, but the primary punishment for blue collar crime is jail time or probation. This is because the people who often commit these crimes simply are unable to financially pay for their crimes.
If you have been accused of a white collar crime, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are rich. It only means that you are accused of a crime that is traditionally committed by white-collar workers. It is important that you have an attorney to represent you who understands how differently these two types of cases can proceed. Contact us today for a case consultation.