White-collar crimes and property crimes are crimes where violence or intimidation was not a factor during commission of the crime. White collar crimes generally refer to non-violent criminal acts committed by people in employment settings in what are known as white-collar jobs; general property crimes include thefts such as auto theft or petty theft, where the victim did not discover the crime in progress. Examples of white collar crimes include insider trading, embezzlement, fraud and larceny. The charges associated with a white-collar crime will vary depending on the specific nature of that crime; felony charges, for example, may be appropriate when large amounts of money have been stolen. When the crime involves securities, it may become a federal matter and be handled under federal securities law, as opposed to state law. The penalties for committing a crime considered white collar or considered a property crime may range from minor to severe, and may include jail time, probation, or fines, among other various consequences. Here, you will find details about what constitutes a white-collar crime and property crime, as well as information on the rights of accused criminals and the penalties associated with a conviction.