What is the intent element of a white collar crime?

The intent element of a white collar crime is an important factor in determining if an individual has committed such an offense. In Washington, white collar crimes are prosecuted under the umbrella of fraud, which is defined as “intentional deception for the purpose of obtaining a financial or other advantage.” The intent element of a white collar crime involves proving that the accused had the intentional purpose of deceiving someone else in order to obtain a financial or other benefit. Intent is different from knowledge. In order to be guilty of a white collar crime, the accused must have had the intention of deceiving another party in order to obtain a financial or other benefit. Knowledge is not enough; the accused must have been aware of their actions, the potential harm that could result, and the potential benefit to be gained. White collar crimes can be difficult to prove, as the accused often has to be convinced that they acted with intention to deceive. In most cases, circumstantial evidence such as bank records and emails are used to demonstrate the intent of the accused. Courts also consider any prior criminal history of the accused and any other relevant facts in determining if the accused had the intent to commit a white collar crime.

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