In recent years, there have been many high-profile cases that have brought white-collar crime to the forefront of prosecutors’ minds. The Enron scandal and Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme are just two examples of infamous white-collar crimes in America.

Below we’ll discuss some of the most common white-collar crimes pursued by both the US government and Michigan authorities.


Embezzlement charges can cover a range of financial thefts. State officials usually bring about embezzlement charges when money goes missing or unaccounted for. The problem with many cases of embezzlement charges is that they’re often based entirely on circumstantial evidence.

Prosecutors can be eager to charge suspects even if there is little evidence of a crime being committed. In these cases, it is essential to remember that the burden of proof is on prosecutors; hearsay isn’t enough to force you to justify your actions. For a reasonable conviction to occur, prosecutors must directly prove that the theft occurred.


Bribery is a charge that can be brought by state or federal officials. In bribery cases, charges usually involve a government official. For this reason, those who have been accused of bribery may receive substantial coverage in media reports.

Protecting your reputation during a bribery case is essential. Fighting the case with a strong team of attorneys is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of conviction and prevent damage to your reputation.

Bribery cases are not always clear-cut. There are a number of conditions that need to be met to convict someone on bribery charges. It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to ensure that they have met these conditions.

Securities Fraud

If you face allegations of securities fraud, you’ll most likely be charged by US federal officials. States often have no jurisdiction over securities charges.

Because of the intense scrutiny that the US Government brings to securities fraud charges, cases can be tough to fight. Using a criminal defense attorney with experience fighting federal cases is essential if you want to prove your innocence.

If your securities fraud allegations are substantial, there’s also a strong chance that you will come under media scrutiny. For this reason, it’s essential to ensure that you protect your reputation by fighting the case from the onset.

Choose a Team with Experience

If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime, it’s essential to choose expert representation. While white-collar crime often receives less attention in daily media reports, prosecutors take white-collar criminals very seriously.

Given the significant resources that many state and federal officials have, it’s imperative to fight your case with a criminal defense attorney that has experience with this form of crime. If you face an allegation of white-collar crime, give our team at O’Keefe Law a call.

Our trial attorneys have fought on behalf of various high-profile individuals accused of white-collar crimes. We understand how to fight both state and federal officials in court. Don’t take your chances – call O’Keefe Law today.

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