Des Moines White Collar Crime Lawyer

Do I Need a Des Moines White-Collar Crime Lawyer?

When someone is charged with a white-collar crime, they risk tarnishing their good name, as well as spending years in prison, paying thousands (or more) in restitution and fines, and more. Our Des Moines criminal defense lawyer is here to protect you.

Examples of White-Collar Crimes

There are several types of crimes that are typically considered white-collar crimes. Some of the most common types of white-collar crimes include the following:

• Bankruptcy fraud: Though bankruptcy is generally a tool for those who are in significant debt and require filing to help themselves get afloat once again, there are times where individuals will lie about whether they require bankruptcy for an edge, or they will withhold information from the bankruptcy court to save money. Doing so is considered bankruptcy fraud.
• Corporate fraud: Business owners who lie about their business's value to save or make extra money are generally committing corporate fraud.
• Embezzlement: Embezzlement is when a company puts someone in a position of trust to handle finances or other sensitive information, such as a bank teller. When someone abuses their power in this position and steals money or assets, they commit embezzlement.
• Extortion: In layman's terms, extortion is blackmailing someone to coerce them into turning over money or assets.

White-Collar Crime Penalties

In Iowa, most white-collar offenses are charged as fraudulent practices under Iowa Code chapter 714, and the degree depends on the dollar amount involved. Some of the most common penalties for white-collar crimes include restitution, years of jail or prison time, high fines, forfeitures, and more.

Iowa Fraudulent Practice Penalties

Under Iowa Code sections 714.9 through 714.13, the degree depends on the amount involved:

• First degree: More than $10,000. A Class C felony.
• Second degree: $1,500 to $10,000. A Class D felony.
• Third degree: An aggravated misdemeanor.
• Fourth degree: A serious misdemeanor.
• Fifth degree: A simple misdemeanor.

Contact a Des Moines White-Collar Crime Lawyer

If you are currently facing criminal charges for any of the aforementioned crimes, you should strongly consider your options going forward. Contact Herting Law, PLLC today so we can get started.