Statute of Limitations for White-Collar Crimes in South Carolina

A white-collar crime is an offense that is nonviolent in nature, typically committed for financial gain. The term “white-collar” implies that these types of offenses are committed by businessmen, politicians, and individuals who hold a position of power. Although South Carolina does not have a statute of limitations regarding criminal offenses (including white-collar crimes), there is a statute of limitations for federal charges.

Given the legal ramifications, you should seek legal representation promptly if accused of a white-collar criminal offense. If you are facing allegations of white-collar crime, our criminal defense attorneys in Greenville, SC, are available to protect your interests.

Common White-Collar Crimes and Penalties in Greenville, SC

Generally motivated by greed, white-collar crimes involve misleading others to make a profit. White-collar crimes can wipe out a person’s life savings or cost investors thousands of dollars. Although the method used varies from crime to crime, these offenses are all based on some form of deception. Common-white collar crimes include:

Wire Fraud

Wire fraud involves using electronic communications or the telephone to defraud another of money. South Carolina law does not explicitly have a wire fraud statute, but does illegalize obtaining a signature or property by pretense. Codified as SC Code §16-13-240, the penalties imposed will depend on the amount of money stolen. If the amount stolen is $10,000 or more, you will face felony charges, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $500. On the other hand, stealing $2,000 or less is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Securities Fraud

Misrepresenting financial information to trick investors into trading stocks or commodities is known as securities fraud. Under the South Carolina Uniform Securities Act of 2005, if the amount lost exceeds $20,000, you may be imprisoned for up to 10 years and potentially fined $50,000. State law imposes no statute of limitations.

Embezzlement

If you have been accused of misappropriating public funds that were in your safekeeping, then you will face embezzlement charges. A prosecutor must prove that you mishandled the funds with the intent to deprive the owner of said property. South Carolina imposes fines equal to the amount embezzled. A ten-year prison sentence may be imposed for funds in excess of $10,000. No statute of limitations applies so that the charges may be brought against you indefinitely.

Federal Charges

Federal and state courts differ significantly in their procedures and the severity of punishment. A federal offense comes with more severe penalties. However, there is a statute of limitations imposed for criminal offenses, meaning that you can only be charged for a certain amount of time. Whether you are facing federal or state-level charges, seeking legal guidance can help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Speak with Our Greenville Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Eppes & Plumblee, our Greenville criminal defense attorneys take pride in managing each case with a specialized approach. Our unique approach has enabled us to achieve the best possible outcomes for numerous defendants. If you have recently been accused or are currently under investigation for a white-collar criminal offense, do not hesitate to contact our Greenville, SC, office. To schedule a confidential case review with a member of our legal team, contact us online or call (864) 581-3450.

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Your legal needs deserve immediate attention, and at Eppes & Plumblee, we are ready to help. Whether you have a question or are ready to discuss your case, we’re just a phone call or form submission away. Let’s get started together.