Savannah White Collar Crimes Lawyer

What Are Common White Collar Crimes in GA?

White collar crimes can take many forms. In Georgia, various offenses can be classified as such.

A few examples of common white collar crimes include:

• Extortion (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-16): This offense involves unlawfully obtaining property from another by threatening to cause some type of harm to them, such as inflicting bodily injury or threatening to distribute information that could hurt their personal or professional reputation.
• Embezzlement (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-4): A person may be accused of this offense if they had lawful control over another individual’s or entity's money or property and they allegedly used it for their personal use, violating the terms of their agreement.
• Forgery (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-1): Georgia law separates forgery into four degrees, depending on the conduct. In general, the offense involves using, making, or possessing something a person knows is fake or false and intending to defraud another person or business.
• Debit or credit card fraud (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-33): These charges are filed when someone, with the intent to defraud, uses or possesses a financial transaction card knowing it's forged or without the cardholder's consent.
• Identity fraud (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-121): Accusations for this crime arise when someone willfully and fraudulently and without permission uses, creates, or possesses the identifying information of another person – whether that individual is living or deceased.
• Tax evasion (O.C.G.A. § 48-1-6): Several acts can constitute tax evasion. They include filing a state return knowing that it contains false statements, omitting information on a return or claim, or evading or attempting to evade a tax obligation.

Being investigated for an offense listed above or any other white collar crime can be scary and overwhelming. But you do not have to navigate the matter all your own. At Tignor Law Firm, we will stand beside you through every stage of your case, helping you understand your legal options and alleviating some of your worries.

What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Georgia?

White collar crimes might not involve violence against another person. However, they are still serious matters, as they can result in significant financial losses to businesses and individuals. 

A range of penalties can be imposed, with the exact punishments being tied to the facts of the case. 

Possible penalties for a few specific white collar crimes include:

• Extortion:
  • 1 to 10 years of imprisonment
• Embezzlement:
  • 1 to 5 years of imprisonment if the offense involved property valued at $1,500.01 but less than $5,000
  • 1 to 10 years of imprisonment if the offense involved property valued at $5,000 but less than $25,000
  • 2 to 20 years of imprisonment if the offense involved property valued at more than $24,999.99
• Forgery:
  • First-degree: 1 to 15 years of imprisonment
  • Second- or third-degree: 1 to 5 years of imprisonment
  • Fourth-degree: Up to 12 months in jail
• Credit card or debit card fraud:
  • 1 to 3 years of imprisonment
• Identity fraud:
  • 1 to 10 years of imprisonment
• Tax evasion:
  • Up to 12 months in jail

If someone is accused of a white collar crime, that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be subject to the maximum penalties. Depending on the situation, it may be possible to get charges dropped or obtain an acquittal. If the individual is found guilty, a defense lawyer could argue that a lesser term of incarceration or fine is warranted.

Allow our Savannah white collar crimes lawyer to review your case to determine a path forward. We can leverage our knowledge, skills, and resources to work toward an optimal result on your behalf.

Schedule a Consultation Today

No matter what white collar crime you have been accused of, consult with Tignor Law Firm about your case. We will have a straightforward discussion about the situation and deliver the advice and guidance you need to make an informed decision about how the matter progresses.

For compassionate and dedicated legal representation from our white collar crimes attorney in Savannah, contact us at (912) 470-4755.