The saying goes that we all deserve a second chance, but does that apply to criminal convictions and especially criminal convictions concerning white-collar crimes? Most white-collar crimes involve some type of fraud and deceit, such as the development of the classic pyramid scheme.
Here is a list of some of the white-collar crimes that Adam Capetillo defends:
Tax fraud- Embezzlement
- Mortgage fraud
- Securities trading violations
- Internet piracy
- Bid rigging
- Procurement fraud
- Health care swindles
- Intellectual property theft
- Insider trading
Like other types of crimes, white-collar crimes come with potentially severe and long-lasting legal consequences.
Consequences of a White Collar Crime Conviction on Your Criminal Record
Although there is the perception that white-collar crimes do not carry harsh sentences, nothing further could be from the legal truth. In fact, after the financial crisis of 2008, federal agencies such as the FBI began to pursue white-collar crime convictions with much more energy and enthusiasm.
If you face a white-collar crime charge, a conviction for the charge can land you in prison for a significant period. You also might have to pay a substantial fine and, in some cases, pay full restitution if the white-collar crime involved some type of theft or financial fraud. Another fallacy that we want to dismiss is white-collar convictions do not necessarily result in the defendant spending time at a minimum-security prison. A growing number of white-collar crime convictions have resulted in the judges presiding over the cases sending the defendants to a medium or even a maximum-security prison.
It is not just a fine and jail time that comes with a white-collar conviction. You will also have to deal with a large number of other issues. A conviction for a white-collar crime felony can limit your housing options, as well as make it difficult for you to obtain professional licenses and certifications. You can also expect to face obstacles when it comes to finding gainful employment.
Future Employment in Texas after a White Collar Crime Conviction
Many white-collar crime cases involve a felony charge, mostly because of the large amount of money stolen or defrauded from an investor. A felony conviction for any type of crime can lead to some serious employment ramifications. In the era of advanced digital technology, it doesn’t take a long time for employers to conduct background checks on potential employees. If you are an accountant, a financial advisor, or a mortgage lender, you can expect a felony conviction to derail your career. This is especially true for a white-collar professional that has spent years, if not decades building a positive career record.
However, do not be discouraged just because a felony conviction has blemished your once sterling professional credentials. With time and considerable patience, you can work with a Texas licensed criminal defense attorney such as Adam Capetillo to get your career back on the right track.
How to Rebuild Your Career
When you start to reestablish your professional credentials, the road to getting your career back on track will be paved with plenty of potholes. After all, not many companies want to take a chance on a convicted felon or even a professional that has a misdemeanor staining his or her record. Nonetheless, there are a few things you can do to jump-start your career.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Before the use of criminal background checks, companies had to use professional references to determine the credentials of a job applicant. Now, detailed background checks make it impossible for anyone convicted of white-collar crime to lie about his or her professional past. It is best to be upfront with a potential employer about a white-collar conviction, as well as describe how you have improved your professional credentials.
Consider a Career Change
What we mean here is to consider working for yourself. As an independent contractor, you can still work in your field of expertise, without having another company scrutinize your background. There are numerous freelance platforms online that you can join and eventually generate a record of success that leads to more business.
Take Small Steps
We have mentioned that patience represents one of the most important attributes you need to have for rebounding from a white-collar crime conviction. This means putting out of your mind the potential to jump back into your previous position. You will have to make sacrifices that include working in one or more positions that you are overqualified to hold. If you worked for a large company that provided several perks, such as health insurance and a lucrative retirement plan, you might have to scale down by working at a small company that does not offer as many benefits.
Speak with Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Adam Capetillo
Making a comeback from a white-collar conviction requires a determination you might not have ever had to use for any other life challenge. Working with an accomplished criminal defense lawyer can make restarting your career a bit easier. Call our office at (346) 249-5544 or submit the short contact form found on our website to schedule a free initial consultation.
