People often make mistakes in life. The reasons for these mistakes often vary from lack of knowledge and experience to simple negligence. Regardless of the reason, some people in Missouri find themselves facing accusations of white collar crimes. For example, one man has recently pleaded guilty to charges of tax fraud and voting illegally.
The man was reportedly convicted of a felony in another state. This conviction is said to have made him unable to vote. However, he allegedly registered to vote in Missouri in 2009 and voted in six elections. Although he was set to be deported following his release from prison following his earlier conviction, his deportation was delayed as he awaited a travel document; in the meantime, he was under federal immigration supervision.
In addition to charges related to voting illegally, the man also pleaded guilty to charges related to tax fraud. According to reports, he admitted to preparing tax documents for several people, which were determined to be fraudulent. It is unclear how law enforcement officials became aware of his actions.
People facing accusations of white collar crimes, including fraud, are forced to carefully weigh their options. Because of the potential consequences of a conviction, some may choose to plead guilty, even if they did not commit the crime, because they recognize that there is sufficient evidence to convict them. In some cases, a guilty plea can result in a reduced sentence. An attorney with experience with such cases can help defendants study the evidence against them and make potentially life-altering decisions.
Source: Across Missouri, MO Patch, “Cuban National Pleads Guilty To Voting Illegally, Tax Fraud“, Nov. 28, 2017