What is the most common punishment imposed for white-collar crimes?

Fines are indeed the most common punishment imposed for white-collar crimes. This is largely due to the nature of white-collar crimes, which typically involve financial misconduct such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading. When individuals commit these crimes, they often derive significant financial benefits from their actions. The imposition of fines serves both as a means of restitution—requiring offenders to pay back amounts that may have been obtained unlawfully—and as a deterrent against future offenses.

While imprisonment, community service, and probation can also be consequences of white-collar crimes, they are generally less frequently applied compared to fines. Imprisonment is typically reserved for more severe cases or repeated offenders. Community service and probation are often seen in less serious crimes or as alternatives to incarceration, which may not be as relevant in the context of white-collar crime where financial penalties are more appropriate and effective in addressing the harm caused.