The chances are high that you have been pulled over for speeding or some other minor traffic violation. In that situation, you know immediately that you may have broken a law. Not all violations result in immediate notification, however. In the case of white collar crime, you may actually be one of the last people to find out that you’re under investigation. 

What is a white collar crime?

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), white collar crime is “synonymous with the full range of frauds committed by business and government professionals.” Some common examples of corporate fraud include:

• False accounting
• Insider trading
• Self-dealing
• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Identity theft

Are you being investigated?

There are many ways that you may be notified that you’re under investigation.

• You may receive a random visit to your home.
• You, your employer or your colleagues may receive a subpoena.
• You may receive a letter from the U.S. Attorneys’ office.
• The police may execute a search warrant for your home or business.

What to do

If you find out that you’re being investigated for a white-collar crime at either the federal or state level, or perhaps even both, it’s important that you stay calm and consider your options. It would be wise for you to seek legal counsel, especially counsel with federal or white-collar experience. Regardless of circumstances, they can help guide you through the process and give you the best possible results.