How Ohio Classifies and Punishes White Collar Crimes | Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A.

An email, a spreadsheet, or a single transaction—these seemingly routine actions can become evidence in a white collar criminal case overnight. For professionals in Northeast Ohio, the line between error and felony is razor-thin, and prosecutors don’t hesitate to act. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers defend clients whose careers and reputations are at risk the moment an investigation begins. When your future is on the line, you need a defense built for complex, high-stakes accusations.
What Are White Collar Crimes in Ohio?
White collar crimes refer to non-violent, financially motivated offenses typically committed in business, corporate, or government settings. These crimes often involve some form of deceit or concealment, and are prosecuted under both Ohio Revised Code (O.R.C.) and federal statutes.
Common White Collar Offenses
The legal team at Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. defends clients accused of a wide range of white collar criminal charges, including:
- Forgery (O.R.C. § 2913.31)
- Credit card fraud
- Tax evasion
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Mortgage fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Securities fraud
- Identity theft (O.R.C. § 2913.49)
- Bribery and corruption
Many of these charges carry felony classifications, and the penalties only increase depending on the amount of money or value involved.
What Happens After a White Collar Arrest in Cleveland?
Whether you’re under formal investigation or already charged, the legal process can escalate quickly. Our Cleveland federal criminal defense lawyers walk you through every stage of the Ohio criminal justice system, including:
- Investigation: Many white collar cases begin with a lengthy investigation by local, state, or federal authorities (e.g., FBI, IRS, SEC).
- Charges Filed: If investigators believe they have sufficient evidence, prosecutors may file charges at the Cleveland Municipal Court or Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.
- Arraignment: You’ll be informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, including documents, communications, and witness testimony.
- Pre-Trial Motions and Plea Bargains: Defense attorneys can challenge evidence, suppress illegally obtained material, or negotiate a plea deal.
- Trial: If no deal is reached, your case goes to trial, where your defense team must create reasonable doubt in the jury’s mind.
If you’re facing these stages in Akron, Parma, Euclid, or elsewhere in Northeast Ohio, you need a seasoned legal team that understands how local prosecutors operate—and how to dismantle their case.
How Ohio Classifies White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes in Ohio are typically classified based on the degree of the financial loss or harm involved.
Financial Thresholds Under Ohio Law:
- Less than $1,000: Misdemeanor of the first degree (up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine)
- $1,000–$7,500: Fifth-degree felony (6–12 months in prison)
- $7,500–$150,000: Fourth-degree felony (6–18 months in prison)
- $150,000–$750,000: Third-degree felony (9–36 months)
- $750,000–$1.5 million: Second-degree felony (2–8 years)
- More than $1.5 million: First-degree felony (3–11 years)
White collar convictions may also result in additional consequences, such as:
- Restitution to victims
- Court costs and investigative fees
- Professional license suspension or revocation
- Loss of employment and future job prospects
- Federal charges or dual prosecutions
Can You Go to Jail for a First-Time White Collar Offense in Ohio?
Yes. Although some first-time offenders may qualify for intervention in lieu of conviction (ILC) or probation, Ohio courts are often tough on white collar crime—especially if the case involves:
- High-dollar amounts
- Elder financial exploitation
- Public officials or breach of trust
- Repeat or organized schemes
The attorneys at Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. build strong defenses and, when appropriate, negotiate sentencing alternatives such as community control sanctions, restitution agreements, or pretrial diversion programs in Cuyahoga County.
Common Defenses Our Criminal Lawyers Use in Cuyahoga County
Every white collar case is different, and your defense must reflect the facts, evidence, and your role. Our Ohio criminal defense lawyers explore a full range of strategic defenses, including:
1. Lack of Intent
Most white collar crimes require intent to defraud or deceive. If you made a mistake, misunderstood the law, or lacked criminal purpose, we may argue the absence of mens rea (guilty mind).
2. Entrapment
If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have committed—especially during a sting operation—entrapment may be a valid defense.
3. Coercion or Duress
If someone forced or threatened you to participate in financial misconduct, we may present evidence showing your actions were not voluntary.
4. Insufficient Evidence
We often challenge the prosecution’s evidence—such as vague financial records, unreliable witnesses, or lack of direct involvement.
5. Constitutional Violations
Were your emails, records, or financial accounts seized without a warrant? We fight to suppress any evidence obtained through illegal searches.
Why White Collar Charges Require Aggressive Defense
A white collar conviction doesn’t just result in jail time or fines. It can permanently alter your future.
Long-Term Consequences Include:
- Loss of professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, etc.)
- Inability to work in finance, government, or fiduciary positions
- Immigration consequences (for non-citizens)
- Credit damage and bankruptcy
- A criminal record that can never be sealed or expunged in some cases
These cases demand strategic, high-level defense—not one-size-fits-all representation.
Federal White Collar Charges vs. State Charges in Ohio
While many white collar cases are prosecuted under Ohio law, others fall under federal jurisdiction, especially when they involve:
- Multiple states or interstate commerce
- Federal agencies (IRS, SEC, FBI)
- Federal institutions (banks, healthcare programs)
If your case is filed in U.S. District Court instead of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, your penalties and procedures will differ. Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. has experience defending clients facing federal white collar charges and works with seasoned professionals to protect your interests at every level.
How Our Cleveland White Collar Crime Attorneys Can Help
When your future is on the line, you need more than advice—you need an aggressive legal team ready to challenge prosecutors, uncover the truth, and build a compelling defense.
At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your charges
- Review financial documents, digital evidence, and law enforcement conduct
- Challenge the state’s case during pre-trial motions and negotiations
- Negotiate favorable outcomes including dismissed or reduced charges
- Defend you relentlessly at trial if necessary
We regularly represent clients at the Cleveland Municipal Court and throughout Cuyahoga County who are facing felony or misdemeanor financial charges.
Don’t Wait—Your Defense Starts Now
By the time you’re charged with a white collar offense, prosecutors have already built their case—now it’s time to build yours. Every decision from this point forward could impact your freedom, your finances, and your future. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., our Cleveland criminal defense attorneys know how to counter the government’s narrative, challenge questionable evidence, and pursue every opportunity to reduce or dismiss your charges. Whether you’re facing allegations in Cuyahoga County, Akron, or Lakewood, we’re prepared to act swiftly and strategically on your behalf.
Call or text Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A. at (216) 661-5050 now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Cleveland criminal defense lawyer. You can also fill out our secure online form—your information stays confidential, and an attorney from our trusted legal team will follow up shortly.

Why Choose Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A.?
At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we prioritize your rights and freedom. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with personalized defense strategies that yield results.