White Collar Crime
In 1939, near the end of the Great Depression, Indiana University sociologist Edwin Sutherland coined the phrase “white collar crime” to differentiate the crimes of the upper class and businessmen from those of the more common street criminal. Since then, the term has evolved to cover a full range of frauds committed by business and other professionals, including those holding government positions at every level. Although white collar crime often creates sensational headlines, the essential criminal offenses are, in words from the FBI’s website, “lying, cheating, and stealing. That’s white-collar crime in a nutshell” – crime that covers embezzlement, corporate fraud, identity theft, and insurance fraud.
At The Fitzgerald Law Group, we understand that sensationalism and media pressure can make white-collar criminal victims and defendants feel like they are on trial even before entering a courtroom. We know that clients involved with such crimes often feel as if their rights are somehow less important in the spotlight of celebrity. We work closely to protect client rights and privacy, and to keep the focus where it should be, i.e., on the pursuit of fair and appropriate justice in the proper venue – not in the court of public opinion.
In 1939, near the end of the Great Depression, Indiana University sociologist Edwin Sutherland coined the phrase “white collar crime” to differentiate the crimes of the upper class and businessmen from those of the more common street criminal. Since then, the term has evolved to cover a full range of frauds committed by business and other professionals, including those holding government positions at every level. Although white collar crime often creates sensational headlines, the essential criminal offenses are, in words from the FBI’s website, “lying, cheating, and stealing. That’s white-collar crime in a nutshell” – crime that covers embezzlement, corporate fraud, identity theft, and insurance fraud.
At The Fitzgerald Law Group, we understand that sensationalism and media pressure can make white-collar criminal victims and defendants feel like they are on trial even before entering a courtroom. We know that clients involved with such crimes often feel as if their rights are somehow less important in the spotlight of celebrity. We work closely to protect client rights and privacy, and to keep the focus where it should be, i.e., on the pursuit of fair and appropriate justice in the proper venue – not in the court of public opinion.
The Fitzgerald Law Group, PLC
One West Market Street, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, VA 20176
Main Telephone Number: 703.525.2260
Facsimile Number: 571.209.5123
This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or Advertising Material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented here should not be construed as formal legal advice nor as the basis of a lawyer/client relationship.
Site Design by Koko Web and Coffee
One West Market Street, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, VA 20176
Main Telephone Number: 703.525.2260
Facsimile Number: 571.209.5123
This may be considered AN ADVERTISEMENT or Advertising Material under the Rules of Professional Conduct governing lawyers in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented here should not be construed as formal legal advice nor as the basis of a lawyer/client relationship.
Site Design by Koko Web and Coffee
