Blue-collar crimes refer to those that do not involve financial fraud. Cases that blue-collar crimes lawyers in New Mexico handle include burglary, prostitution, robbery, and other crimes. However, it is essential to note that this is not a formal legal term and only contrasts with the term “white-collar” crimes.
A crime violates local, state, or federal laws, but we often hear people talking about “white-collar crimes” or “blue-collar crimes.” While these are not official legal terms, the phrases communicate a group of crimes in general. It is also vital to understand that they do not hold legal weight.
In This Article
A blue-collar crimes lawyer in New Mexico discusses what types of cases we handle, the origins of the term blue-collar crimes, other collared crimes, and what you should do if you are facing charges.
Cases Handled By Blue-collar Crimes Lawyers in New Mexico
Blue-collar crimes are typically ones committed in the heat of the moment. They might be fueled by rage or passion but were not carefully thought through or planned. A blue-collar crime is also typically committed by regular working-class people and does not involve a business’ money.
Examples of cases that a blue-collar crime lawyer in New Mexico can handle include:
- Domestic violence
- Drug crimes
- DWIs/DUIs
- MVD license revocation hearings
- Resolving active bench warrants
- Sex offenses
- Violent felonies
These are crimes that people commit every day. While bonafide criminal acts are never okay, the legal system does not always arrest the right person or have a strong case. Ensure you get legal advice as soon as possible if you are facing any so-called blue-collar crimes and charges.
Blue Collar Crime Penalties in New Mexico
The penalties for a blue-collar crime in New Mexico depend upon the type of crime committed and the facts of your case. For example, a misdemeanor arson charge carries up to 364 days in prison and $1,000 in fines, while a second-degree drug trafficking charge could result in up to nine years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
If you discuss your case with a blue-collar crime lawyer in New Mexico, we can offer you an idea of what you could expect in terms of penalties. A law firm could also review the facts of your case and available evidence to build a viable defense.
Related Article: What Is a Felony in New Mexico?
Origin of the Term “Blue-collar” Crimes
According to a Slate Magazine article, the term “blue-collar” started during the 1910s in the United States. Manual laborers often wore blue shirts and made less money than professionals in white collars during this period. Crimes committed more often by blue-collar workers became known as blue-collar crimes.
This contrasts with white-collar workers who held business jobs, requiring them to wear a suit, tie, and white-collared shirt. Thus, white-collar crimes typically involve money, including bribery, fraud, income tax evasion, and embezzlement.
Related Article: What Are White-collar Crimes?
Other Shades and Tones of Collared Crimes
Collared crimes have occurred for hundreds of years. While they are mainly used in a colloquial sense, they are still interesting to know.
Here are a few other collared crimes to know:
- Black-collar crimes: The term black-collar crime has been used to refer to priests who commit crimes. They may involve concealment and cover-ups by their employers.
- Green-collar crimes: Green-collar crimes are defined as crimes committed against the environment for profit. They typically include resource-based boiler room scams.
- Pink-collar crimes: Pink-collar crime refers to embezzlement-related crimes committed by female office workers. Examples could include bookkeepers, office managers, paralegals, and accountants, who have a significant opportunity to access employer finances.
- Red-collar crimes: These are white-collar crimes that turned violent. After their white-collar crimes have been discovered, red-collar criminals use murder as a method of concealment, changing the white-collar crime to a red-collar crime.
Regardless of the type of crime, some professions classify them in this manner to understand how and why they occur. It can also help law enforcement officers, defense lawyers, and the criminal justice system learn how to process individuals convicted of these crimes properly.
Get Advice From a New Mexico Blue-collar Crimes Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing a so-called blue-collar crime, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. These severe crimes come with harsh punishments, including prison time, fines, probation, and more.
An experienced blue-collar crimes lawyer in New Mexico knows the local, state, and federal criminal law, especially those related to everyday working people. We will fight for your freedom and defend against unjust penalties.
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Call Grano Law Offices, P.C. for a Free Case Strategy Session today at (505) 426-8711 or message us directly online via the contact form below. This consultation is an opportunity to learn more about your legal options at no cost or obligation.
