Being part of a white collar crime can be extremely damaging to your reputation and your career. When you work in a position of power, you may find yourself constantly under scrutiny. The slightest mistake could land you in serious trouble. Aside from the stress caused by facing criminal charges, you could even be suspended from your position while the alleged offense is under investigation.
In January 2014, a California State senator was convicted of voter fraud and perjury. The Los Angeles man is believed to have been dishonest about his residency in the district which he had hoped to represent. His conviction, which covered eight felony counts, led to a 90-day jail sentence. However, some lawmakers feel that the law is ambiguous concerning the matter of residency, with redistricting even causing some to relocate.
However, this senator was not the only one in California to run into legal trouble. His was merely the first in a series of proceedings involving three state senators. These criminal allegations are thought to have been effectively responsible for the loss of the two-thirds majority formerly held by the Democrats in the California Senate.
As a result of his convictions, this senator can no longer hold an elective office within the state. This, of course, could have a severe impact on his career. White collar charges are certainly not to be taken lightly and if you are accused of such an offense, it is important to know what to do next. An attorney can advise you on your options. Furthermore, he or she may be able to assist you in ensuring your side of the story is heard as you work to protect your reputation and your career.
Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation, “California state senator gets jail time in voter fraud case,” Dana Feldman, Sep 12, 2014