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New Ohio Whistleblower Bill Aims At Decreasing White Collar Fraud; Columbus White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Joslyn Discusses Proposed Legislation

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A new law, House Bill 66, introduced by Ohio Lawmakers aims to give more protection to “whistleblowers,” encourages exposure of fraud at the work place as well as wasteful tax dollar spending within businesses.

The new Bill, sponsored by State Rep. Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, who has been pushing for years to create a law better designed for Ohio citizens and public employees to report corrupt business practices without repercussions, has unanimously passed changes through the Senate and currently awaits Governor John Kasich’s signature.

House Bill 66 will make anonymous reporting of illegal business practices easier with the set up of a toll-free hot line, a Web tool and a mailbox, where people can anonymously report suspected fraud by any public office or public official with protection against ramifications such as being reprimanded by employees or even worse, fired.

The Ohio Fraud Reporting System will be maintained under the Ohio Auditor of State and require government entities to provide information about the fraud reporting system to their employees.  The proposed legislation is intended for purposes of decreasing Ohio White Collar Crime such as:

  • Forgery
  • Identity Fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Tax Evasion
  • Extortion
  • Engaging in Corrupt Activity
  • Insurance Fraud
  • Medicaid Fraud
  • Computer Offenses

Frequently, individuals who are prosecuted for white collar crimes may not be aware they were involved in an illegal operation, or they were not the person responsible for organizing the crime ring or enterprise. If you become someone charged with a white collar criminal offense either because of House Bill 66 or not, it is important to speak with an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney within the first 24 hours to help you develop your best defense to the allegations against you.

Punishments for those convicted of white collar crimes vary on the severity of the crime and/or previous record of the accused.  White collar crimes are also commonly prosecuted as federal crimes, which often lead to more serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.

Call (614) 444-1900 for a free detailed consultation with Columbus criminal defense lawyer Brian Joslyn if you have, or believe you may be in the future, accused of a white collar crime in Columbus or surrounding areas of Central Ohio including Delaware County, Franklin County, Madison County, Licking County, Fairfield County and Pickaway County.

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