You might think all crime is the same – involving guns, gangs, and violence. However, crime commonly depicted in media is usually what is called “street crime” or “blue collar crime.”
There is another type of crime called “white-collar crime.” These terms sound confusing, but they are very descriptive of the kinds of offenses involved in each.
Defining White Collar and Street Crimes
There are many similarities and differences between street crimes and white-collar crimes.
Street crime, also called blue-collar crime, often involves violent or physical offenses with clearly identifiable victims. Common examples include assault, robbery, and burglary.
White-collar crime is usually committed by business professionals, government officials, or others in positions of trust. These offenses are typically non-violent and involve financial or regulatory violations, such as fraud, embezzlement, or bribery. While victims may not be physically harmed, they can suffer significant monetary losses.
These illegal acts often appear to be general work activities for a white-collar criminal. Despite this, white-collar crimes do have victims. Those victims may be individuals, or the victim may be a business or the public in general.
Common Types of White-Collar Crime
White-collar crimes often cross state lines and may be federal offenses. They have significant penalties and consequences that can ruin the lives of those accused, regardless of whether they are ultimately convicted.
Some common types of white-collar crime include:
- Corporate fraud
- Money laundering
- Securities & commodities fraud
- Falsification of financial information
- Self-dealing by corporate insiders (insider trading)
- Mortgage and financial institution/bank fraud
- Intellectual property theft/piracy
- Bribery
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Health care fraud
- Identity theft
- Ponzi schemes
- Public corruption
Often, multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in investigating these crimes. These investigations can take years to complete because obtaining the necessary evidence for a federal indictment can be complicated.
Common Types of Street Crime
Street crimes are generally divided into offenses against persons and against property.
Crimes against persons include:
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Assault
- Battery
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Domestic violence
- Robbery
Crimes against property include:
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle theft
- Shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Arson
Street crime may be charged in state or federal court. However, local law enforcement often begins the investigation, which may be transferred to federal agencies if criminal charges are initiated.
Public Perceptions of White-Collar vs. Street Crime
People generally think of these two categories of crime in different ways. There is a negative public perception of street crime, with very few excuses for such behavior. White-collar crime is not as negatively viewed, and the public may be more likely to excuse it for various reasons.
Perceptions of Street Criminals
The stereotypical street criminal may be thought of as an inherently “bad” individual who commits criminal acts purposefully to harm another person. One of the elements of most street crimes is that the criminal had the necessary “intent” to harm another person.
Additionally, the news media frequently cover and highlight street crime. Blue-collar crime is generally easier to understand and form an opinion about. The public usually has a disproportionate view of how prevalent street crime is compared to white-collar crime.
Perceptions of White-Collar Criminals
White-collar criminals are often motivated by financial gain and do not typically seek to harm others. The public may even applaud a white-collar criminal who “sticks it to the man” and defrauds a large company. The public’s perception of white-collar crime is not as negative as that of street crime.
In some cases, white-collar criminals are more affluent and have connections in the professional world. Their behavior may be overlooked or ignored in some circles. Although a federal indictment will bring their criminal activity to light, the public may not understand precisely what happened or who has been harmed.
Prosecution and Punishment
Although street crime and white-collar crime are different, they are prosecuted and punished similarly. Both types of crime typically begin with an investigation by law enforcement and result in charges being brought against an individual. You have a right to practical legal assistance no matter what crime you have been charged with.
Street crime is typically prosecuted in state courts, and penalties include imprisonment and fines. White—collar crime is more often seen in federal courts. Penalties may also include prison time, but fines are usually much higher for white-collar crimes. For example, a conviction for insider trading can result in a fine of up to $5 million.
Instead of prison, white-collar crimes may result in home detention, community confinement, and supervised release. Since these crimes are not violent, defendants may have more options for punishment.
Contact a New Mexico Criminal Defense Attorney
You need a criminal defense lawyer if you or a loved one has been charged with a street or white-collar crime. Both categories of offenses result in severe penalties that can affect your entire life.
You need to contact someone with experience in crimes like yours and who is familiar with relevant laws.
Harrison & Hart, LLC has helped clients with all types of crimes. Call us today at (505) 295-3261 or use our online contact form to reach out.
