You Face Harsh Penalties If You’re Arrested for a White-Collar Crime in Charlotte

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a crime where an individual steals money, property, or other assets that he has access to due to his job or position and converts it to his own use. Writing false checks, creating falsified invoices and pocketing the payments, and stealing company assets are a few examples of how embezzlement is committed. It is often charged as a Class C or H felony.

Credit or Debit Card Fraud

Credit or debit card fraud is the taking of another’s credit or debit card without his permission with the intent to use, sell, or transfer the card. If the value of the total amount stolen within a six-month period is $500 or less, it would be charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor. If the amount stolen exceeded this amount, it is a Class I felony.

Fraud

Fraud can involve a wide range of criminal activities, such as fraudulent advertising or filing a false lien. It also includes the crimes of extortion and blackmail, which are two white-collar crimes that can involve violence.

Extortion is the communication of a threat with the intention of illegally obtaining something of value and is a Class F felony. The crime of blackmail is the use of a threatening written communication that demands something from the victim in exchange for not following through on a threat. It is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Forgery

The crime of forgery is committed when a person creates, alters, and possesses counterfeit cash, stocks, bonds, deeds, and other financial instruments. Depending on what is forged, the crime could range from a Class 1 misdemeanor or Class I, G, or H felony.

Money Laundering

While money laundering is a crime under North Carolina law, it is frequently charged as a federal crime. It is the concealment of funds obtained through illegal activities, such as drug sales. The punishment can include a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000.

Penalties for White-Collar Crimes Under North Carolina Law

North Carolina uses a complicated sentencing system to determine a person’s punishment that is based in part on his prior criminal record. Here are some of the sentencing ranges for the crimes that are considered white-collar crimes:

Class 1 misdemeanor. Up to 120 days in jail.
Class I felony. Includes 3 to 12 months in prison.
Class H felony. Includes 4 to 25 months in prison
Class G felony. Includes 8 to 31 months in prison.
Class C felony. Includes 44 to 182 months in prison.

In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, an individual could be ordered to pay a large fine and restitution to the victim of his crime.

Related Links:

You Face Harsh Penalties If You’re Arrested for a White-Collar Crime in Charlotte

What Are White-Collar Crimes in North Carolina?