The Ohio Revised Code states that a person is participating in or conducting corrupt activity when they, “are employed by or are associated with any enterprise, acquires or maintains, directly or indirectly, any interest in, or control of, any enterprise or real property through a pattern of corrupt activity or the collection of an unlawful debt, or knowingly receives any proceeds derived, directly or indirectly, from a pattern of corrupt activity or the collection of any unlawful debt.” Penalties for engaging in corrupt activity range from a second degree felony to a first degree felony based on the degree of the activity.
Second Degree Felony
Standard penalty for engaging in corrupt activity
Third Degree Felony
If the corrupt activity is a felony of the first, second, or third degree, aggravated murder, or murder
Financial Crimes Penalties
Based on the classification of the financial crime you are accused of, you may be subject to the following sentence and/or penalty:
Third-Degree Felony
Maximum sentence of five years in prison and fine of up to $10,000
Second-Degree Felony
Maximum sentence of eight years in prison and fine of up to $15,000
Financial Crimes Defense Strategy
Not only can being convicted of a white collar crime lead to fines and prison time, but being charged – even falsely – can ruin your reputation. Time is not on your side when it comes to forming a defense strategy against being charged with a financial crime.
Common defense strategies include: a Constitutional rights violation, duress, entrapment, hearsay, illegal search and seizure, lack of evidence, misidentification, and no criminal intent. The success of your case depends on hiring the right team to fight for you – a team that truly understands how the prosecution will present your case and thoroughly dissect problem areas.
