If you use checks and have ever been close to your pay date while needing a little extra cash, you may have tried to use checks to “float” to the next payday. Oftentimes, if you pay with a check, that check isn’t cashed right away. Essentially, you’re using it like a...
White-collar Crime
Doctors, Michigan health insurance fraud can lead to imprisonment
To most, white-collar crimes like health insurance (health care) fraud seem minor, especially compared with other offenses. However, state and federal governments take these crimes seriously, often charging them as felony offenses. Michigan is one such state that...
What is the fruit of the poisonous tree?
One important doctrine to be aware of if you're facing criminal charges is the fruit of the poisonous tree. This idea may pertain to your case, and it could help to get evidence excluded from court. Essentially, this doctrine says that if evidence has been gathered...
Activities that could lead to tax fraud charges in Michigan
Without question, tax laws are some of the most complex laws in the United States. You must follow specific rules and regulations for all tax-related activities. These include reporting income, storing receipts and invoices, filing tax forms and tracking business...
How you could unwittingly be a money mule for criminals
You have always thought of yourself as a law-abiding person of good character. But the past two years have been tough ones, and you found yourself looking outside the box for creative ways to supplement your income during these troubled times. When a Facebook friend...
What is check kiting?
It’s imperative that people only write checks if they have the funds in the bank to cover the check. Some people try to get around the system by floating checks. While it might seem like it is a clever way to get the money they need, it’s a form of fraud that’s...
Do you need consent from a girlfriend or boyfriend for sex?
You know that it’s important to get consent for a sexual encounter with someone that you’re not in a relationship with. If you’re at a college party and you meet someone new, you should ask them what they’re okay with before taking things to a more intimate level....
What are the various degrees of money laundering in Michigan?
Money laundering is one of the numerous white collar crimes that typically involve finances. Essentially, money laundering amounts to a person taking money gained in an illegal manner and making it appear legitimate. Depending on the circumstances of both the crime...
Multi-level marketing or pyramid scheme: How can you tell?
People get talked into all sorts of dubious “business ventures” and “investments” all the time, particularly in the form of multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. MLMs promise untold riches -- with your potential wealth limited only by your drive, effort and...
What are kickbacks and why are they illegal?
When many people hear the term “kickback,” they think of a builder handing envelopes full of cash to a corrupt politician in exchange for awarding them a lucrative contract. Indeed, kickbacks are illegal payments in exchange for some type of preferential treatment or...