What is White-Collar Crime? A Comprehensive Guide for Tennessee Residents

White-collar crime refers to a range of non-violent offenses typically committed in commercial or professional settings. These crimes often involve deceit, breach of trust, or concealment rather than physical force or threats. In Tennessee, individuals charged with white-collar crimes face serious consequences including fines, restitution, and potentially lengthy prison sentences—especially if the offense falls under federal jurisdiction.

If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar offense, speaking with a skilled criminal defense attorney is the first and most important step you can take to protect your rights.

Defining White-Collar Crime in Tennessee

Tennessee law does not define white-collar crime as a single statute. Instead, it encompasses a variety of fraud-based and financially motivated offenses that may be prosecuted under different sections of the criminal code. These cases often involve complex investigations and are prosecuted aggressively by both state and federal authorities.

Common offenses include:

• Embezzlement – the theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust.
• Forgery – falsifying signatures, documents, or financial instruments.
• Identity theft – using another person’s information for financial gain.
• Healthcare fraud – submitting false claims to insurance companies or government programs.
• Securities fraud and insider trading
• Tax evasion
• Bribery and corruption

State vs. Federal Jurisdiction

White-collar crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. A case may be brought in federal court if it involves:

• Financial transactions across state lines
• Federal institutions or programs
• Federal agencies (such as the IRS or FBI)

This dual-jurisdiction risk makes it essential to hire a defense team with experience in both state and federal courtrooms.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Residents

• White-collar crimes are typically non-violent but carry significant penalties.
• These cases often involve long investigations and voluminous records.
• Federal charges generally result in harsher sentencing than state charges.
• A conviction may lead to asset forfeiture, loss of professional licenses, and serious reputational harm.

Trust Knox Defense With Your Defense

At Knox Defense, our attorneys have decades of combined experience defending clients against complex white-collar allegations in both Tennessee State and U.S. District Courts. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers, we understand how to deconstruct financial evidence, challenge procedural missteps, and negotiate effectively with prosecutors.  Beyond that, our decades of trial experience mean that we can transform those complex defenses into an effective jury presentation if need be. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar offense, call us today at (865) 269-9926 or complete our secure online form for a free consultation. Your future deserves a vigorous defense.