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Crimes can also be committed by law enforcement

White-collar crime is clearly an area of criminal behavior that has seen an increase in cases during the past two decades. People who have the authority to handle corporate or government financial resources can easily be caught improperly allocating those funds, if not outright stealing. Technically, the law refers to this crime as embezzlement. And it is exactly what three sheriff deputies in Virginia could be guilty of, according to recent reports. Records allegedly show they were involved with another former deputy who pled guilty to falsely filing overtime hours claims along with failing to monitor court-ordered defendants under house arrest. The officer was actually operating a separate personal private security business in the allegation.

The case involving the deputy who pled guilty also included allegations of exchanging sexual favors with those in the monitoring program, which also could have made charges considerably worse. The additional three officers had their officer certification removed pending further legal action. These officers could also be facing white-collar criminal charges as well if the convicted officer or those in the monitoring program turn state’s evidence in the case.

This is a prime example of how people in charge can violate the law. While many associate embezzlement with private businesses, it happens in the public sector as well. But even when the state has solid evidence and a strong case against a defendant, they are still entitled to full criminal defense rights regardless of the line of employment.

The burden of proof in all criminal cases is reasonable doubt. Since an experienced criminal defense lawyer will understand this legal principle, they can evaluate all the evidence being used by the prosecution for admissibility and proper acquisition. Even a detail such as failure to read Miranda rights can matter when charges are being pinpointed for dismissal or suppression. And this applies even in solid criminal cases.

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