What is the difference between white collar and blue collar crime?

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between white-collar crime and blue-collar crime? Knowing the differences between the two can be vital because there are different types of punishments for different types of crimes. Recognizing what type of crime you have committed can better help you understand what type of punishment you may be dealt. Our criminal defense attorneys Hamiltonare here to explain the differences between white-collar crime and blue-collar crime.We know how to properly investigate these cases and build a case that minimizes the impact of the charges on our clients. If you find yourself in this sort of situation, call us for your free consultation today.

White-Collar Crime VS. Blue-Collar Crime

White Collar Crime

To start things off, you must have an understanding of what white-collar crime and blue-collar crime are. White collar crime is typically non-violent and motivated by a want for financial gain. There are many examples of white-collar crime, which include:

  • Fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Public Corruption
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Money Laundering
  • Securities Fraud
  • Tax Evasion

Where Does the Term “White-Collar Crime” Come From?

It is known that the term “white-collar crime” came about in 1939. President Edwin H. Sutherland gave a presidential address titled “White-Collar Criminality.” The term “white-collar crime” was commonly used after that.

Blue-Collar Crime

Typically, white collar crimes are committed by citizens that are in a “higher” social class, whereas blue-collar crimes are committed by people from a “lower” social class.  Some examples of blue collar crimes may include:

Where Does the Term “Blue-Collar Crime” Come From?

The term “blue collar crime” was created in the 1920s.  It was meant to refer to Americans who performed manual labor jobs. Often they would wear darker clothing to make the stains that occurred at their jobs less noticeable. Many would wear uniforms that had “blue-collars.” Typically, these workers were paid a low hourly wage.

Many of the felony cases we handle involve charges of assault, battery or other violent crimes. Our Lebanon assault charge defense attorneys have successfully represented clients against a broad range of first and second-degree assault charges.


  • Felony DWI
  • Drug offenses, including trafficking, distribution, manufacturing, and cultivation
  • White collar crimes, including embezzlement and identity theft

If you have any questions or need a skilled criminal defense attorney, call us to set up a free consultation today.