Are White-Collar Crimes in Maryland Becoming More Common?

 Posted on April 28, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A woman was recently charged with stealing checks from Maryland mailboxes, altering the checks, and then cashing them. The total amount of the stolen checks is almost half a million dollars. The woman was caught when she was pulled over in Silver Spring for speeding. Inside the car was a portable check fraud setup with hundreds of business and personal checks belonging to other people.

There were also thousands in cash, blank check printing paper, and a printer in the vehicle. The stolen checks were altered, deposited, and then withdrawn for cash, time and time again. The checks included payments to utility, credit card, and mortgage companies. Police also discovered a mail carrier’s bag and hat, which they believe allowed the woman to go unnoticed as she stole the checks from Silver Spring and Bethesda mailboxes.  

Check fraud is a serious white-collar crime that can carry significant penalties. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, it is important to speak to an experienced Northern Baltimore County, MD criminal defense attorney who can build a solid defense on your behalf and zealously represent you in court.   

What Are White-Collar Crimes?

Although white-collar crimes are not violent crimes, they are also not victimless. White-collar crimes often occur within the workplace, with embezzlement being the most common white-collar crime. Males commit more white-collar crimes than females, accounting for 75 percent of all incidents.

About 62 percent of all embezzlement crimes are committed by white males. White-collar criminals are often well-educated, with more than half of all white-collar criminals having a university degree. Many white-collar crimes are committed by managers (41 percent).

The longer the individual has worked at an organization, the more costly the fraud tends to be, with those who have worked at an organization for 10 years or longer responsible for an average loss of $250,000. White-collar crimes typically include:

• Money laundering
• Embezzlement
• Ponzi schemes
• Bribery
• Insider trading
• Cybercrimes
•  Identity theft
• Mail theft
• Tax evasion
• Forgery
•  Insurance fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Racketeering
• Counterfeiting
• Copyright infringement
• Wire fraud
• Bankruptcy fraud

Are the Penalties for White-Collar Crimes Severe?

The "average" jail time for a white-collar crime conviction is five to 10 years. Other penalties include fines, forfeitures, home detention, restitution, and supervised release. Embezzlement, for example, can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony if the theft is equal to or greater than $10,000.

An embezzlement conviction can result in at least one year but up to five years in prison. If the offense is charged as a felony, collateral consequences can also be severe. A person with a felony on his or her record can have difficulty obtaining employment, renting a place to live, and obtaining or maintaining a professional license.

What Are Some Defenses to White-Collar Crimes?

While the specific defense will depend on the charges and the circumstances, some of the primary defenses to white-collar crimes include:

• Insufficient evidence
• Illegal search and seizure
•  Lack of intent
• The statute of limitations has passed.
• The defendant’s constitutional rights were violated.
• There are chain-of-command problems with the evidence collected.
• Other police errors

Contact a Harford County, MD Defense Crime Lawyer

If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, obtaining legal representation as quickly as possible is extremely important. When you choose a knowledgeable Northern Baltimore County white-collar crime attorney from Baltimore Legal Services, you have taken an important first step in protecting your future. We are available 24/7 and have helped more than 10,000 clients get their lives back on track. Call 858-523-8423 to schedule your free consultation.