White-collar criminal offenses range from embezzlement to fraud that targets consumers. In many cases, allegations of white-collar criminal offenses lead to federal prosecution. Anyone who engages in misconduct for financial reasons could end up facing white-collar criminal charges
However, some people have a significantly higher risk for such charges than others. Personal characteristics, job titles and company culture can all influence the overall likelihood of an individual committing a white-collar crime that leads to criminal prosecution. Who is most likely to embezzle, engage in fraud or commit other white-collar crimes?
Those with opportunity
One of the most important factors in a white-collar crime is the perceived opportunity to engage in misconduct. A lack of proper business oversight and questionable accounting systems may lead to workers believing that minor acts of embezzlement or business fraud are likely to go undetected.
Those in high-pressure positions
Sometimes, company policies pressure workers into certain types of misconduct. For example, those in sales positions may receive leads or scheduled shifts based on their overall job performance.
They may feel intense pressure to convert as many leads into sales as possible. That pressure may lead to them misrepresenting the situation to potential customers or clients or engaging in other types of fraud to meet company standards.
Those who can rationalize the crime
Sometimes, people view economic crimes as victimless offenses. They believe that if the company or the government is the only party that may suffer, then their crime isn’t really an ethical issue.
Others may contemplate white-collar crimes as a form of retaliation because of a toxic work environment. They may resent getting passed over for promotions or denied raises for multiple years in a row. They may view their financial misconduct as a way to make up for the mistreatment they have previously experienced.
Other factors, including the culture at a company and personal financial hardship, can also increase the likelihood of a professional engaging in white-collar criminal activity. Sometimes, professionals accused of white-collar criminal offenses might fit the profile but may not have actually committed a crime.
Learning more about how businesses and prosecutors identify likely suspects can help those fighting white-collar charges plan the best response. Seeking legal guidance can help those intending to fight white-collar criminal charges evaluate the state’s evidence and learn more about the laws that might come into play during a trial.