Which of the following is a characteristic of white-collar crime?

The characteristic that accurately defines white-collar crime is that it typically involves skilled professionals. White-collar crime refers to non-violent, financially motivated crimes committed by individuals, businesses, or government officials in their professional lives. These crimes often involve deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and they are committed in business or professional contexts rather than through violent means.

This context emphasizes that perpetrators are often individuals who hold professional positions or possess specialized knowledge. For instance, corporate executives or financial managers may engage in fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other forms of deceitful practices intended to gain financial benefits without resorting to physical violence or direct harm to individuals.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of white-collar crime. It is not inherently violent, it is not limited to residential areas, and it is frequently not punished more harshly than street crimes, despite the significant social and economic impact it may have.