Formal and informal exclusion of prosecuted white-collar offenders

• In Event: White-collar offenders after criminal justice involvement

Abstract

Research on ‘the fall from grace’ of prosecuted white-collar offenders is scarce. Based on over 65 interviews with prosecuted offenders, this paper explores the consequences of prosecution for white-collar crime in the Netherlands. In this study, the consequences and experiences during prosecution, sentence execution and after sentencing or acquittal are analyzed for offender’s private life, social life and professional life. Respondents describe processes of formal and informal exclusion. Screening procedures prevent them from obtaining bank accounts, insurance, permits, visa and certificates of conduct. Job disqualification prevents them from re-entering the positions in which they were accused of committing white-collar crime. Nevertheless, most find ways to evade or circumvent these barriers. Informally, respondents experience stigma and shaming. Even those who are acquitted in the end, do not escape from the ‘Google-effect’. When convicted, the impact of criminal justice is more associated with the shame and attrition of prosecution and with post-conviction stigma, than with prison sentence or community service.

Authors

• Wim Huisman, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

• Dennis Lesmeister, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam