Compliance Programs May Reduce Corporate Culpability

According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Sentencing Commission has proposed revamping the penalties for corporations convicted of criminal activity. The revisions, which are subject to public comment and which will be voted on in April, include provisions that would give a break to corporations that have compliance programs with a focus on white collar crime. In order to a corporation to qualify for reduced sentencing, the compliance officer must be responsible for detecting criminal activity, have access to directors, and report the criminal activity to the proper authorities.