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Understanding The Difference Blue Collar & White Collar Crimes

Understanding The Difference Blue Collar & White Collar Crimes

Crimes can be separated into two general categories: blue collar and white collar. It’s often perceived that blue collar criminals are members of lower socioeconomic status while white collar criminals come from a higher class status. This general division is just the start of the differences between these two types of crimes. Here are some other ways they differ: 

Money and Power

A white-collar crime requires financial power.  They are committed by a professional or business individual with a high social and economic status, with a positive general vision that allows them to avoid the stigmatizing process of being seen as “a criminal”. White collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement are often a result of an abuse of power. 

Blue collar crimes are crimes that don’t require access to large sums of money. These crimes often include assault, murder, armed robbery, and other stimigized crimes. They are often committed using a violent weapon, have a clear victim, and are far easier to identify. 

Harmfulness 

At face value, blue collar crimes are more violent acts because they inflict bodily harm against another individual. These crimes are often directed to one or two people. However, white collar crime can be equally as harmful and hurt entire groups of people. Because white collar crimes generally involve the transfer of resources, they cause significant monetary damages. 

Media Coverage 

White collar crimes are far less publically reported than blue collar crimes. Local and national news stations often cover blue collar crimes more immediately, causing the public to have a disproportionate view of how prevalent they are compared to white collar crimes. Blue collar crimes are also more straightforward to understand than white collar crimes, which can often take a significant amount of effort to unravel. 

Conclusion

While these differences are not always cut and dry, it’s important to understand the basics of white and blue collar crime. If you have been caught in a white-collar crime, it is best to seek legal advice from a white collar crime attorney in Philadelphia. Our lawyers will discuss the details of your case and help you to put together the best defense. Consult a lawyer today.

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