The arrest of business owners by local, state, and/or federal law enforcement officers will affect the parties of interest and their businesses. Unfortunately, owners and employees are accused and arrested for committing misdemeanor, white collar, and felony crimes. Those crimes include bribery, fraud, money laundering, and theft. There are previous cases in the United States where owners were incarcerated for employing illegal immigrants, income tax invasion, and failure to pay state sales tax. Such crimes committed by partners and employees can cause criminal investigations, imposed fines & penalties, revoking of sales tax license, business closure, and loss of freedom.
Criminal Investigation of Owners and Employees
Owners and employees may be investigated when there are complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and law enforcement departments by customers. For an example, if a business owner promises customers to deliver services or products after receiving payment and never honor the contracts, a criminal investigation will happen to determine the validity of complaints. The owner can be charged with theft by deception. Another thing an owner should be aware of is a DUI charge affecting their business. In this case, it’s important to contact and hire a defense attorney from a place like Sessions Law Firm, a Georgia DUI and Defense attorney group.
Imposed Fines and Penalties
Fines and penalties are imposed on owners and employees if found guilty of committing business crimes in the court of law. Suppose business owners knowingly failed to remit federal or state income taxes and sales taxes collected from customers, the court will impose additional fines and penalties. It can be extremely costly, with taxes nearly doubled for repayment.
Sales Tax License Revoked
Companies that offer products for sale to the public are required to collect sales tax. The tax must be remitted to the proper reporting agency. If owners pocket the money, state officials will raid businesses to collect evidence, including financial records and cash. There have been cases of business owners who lost their homes, business and money in bank accounts.
Business Closure
Law enforcement authorities have the right to close businesses for unethical practices and breaking the law. A company or corporation, for instance, conducting business without a state sales tax license is informed by written letters. Letters are mailed to the owner requesting reports and remittance of payment. If the owner fails to rectify the situation, enforcement officials will close the doors to the business.
Loss of Freedom
When business owners and/or employees are accused of business crimes, jail imprisonment will occur. If the owner or employee is found guilty by the court, the individual can spend one year up to life in prison. Loss of freedom can be devastating to all parties involved, including accused owners or partners and employees.
Owners and employees need legal representation when accused and arrested of business crimes. Criminal defense lawyers specialize in probation violation and company crimes. They defend clients accused of committing fraud, tax evasion, bribery, money laundering, and theft. Defense attorneys provide free consultations and thoroughly understand business and criminal laws.
