La Mirada White Collar Crime Attorney
If you’ve been accused of a white-collar crime, you likely never thought you would be facing criminal charges, and now you have your future, career, and reputation suddenly at risk. Even though white-collar crimes don’t include physical harm, prosecutors still fiercely go after these offenses, with convictions leading to steep fines, years in prison, and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, a La Mirada white-collar crimes lawyer can help you fight back.
At Shield Law, APC, our empathetic team has decades of combined experience successfully representing folks who’ve been charged with white-collar crimes. We understand the nuanced and complex nature of financial crimes, knowing that many of them are not intentional.
Accusations of fraud or embezzlement can stem from errors with the books and misunderstandings, necessitating fierce legal representation that can protect your rights and interests.
Understanding White-Collar Crimes in La Mirada, California
White-collar crimes are offenses that typically involve financial misconduct, deception, or fraud for personal or business-related gain. These crimes are typically classified as a felony on the state and federal level, therefore coming with severe penalties. Common white-collar crimes our detail-oriented team has helped clients defend against include:
- Identity theft. These offenses involve the use of another individual’s personal information for personal or financial gain.
- Embezzlement. When an individual misuses or diverts money that was entrusted to them by an individual or organization, this can constitute embezzlement.
- Fraud. Fraud involves the use of deceptive practices to gain assets or money.
- Credit card fraud. Credit card fraud includes the use of stolen credit card information to make purchases.
- Forgery. Forgery involves making fake documents and falsifying signatures to carry out fraud.
- Bribery. This offense involves accepting or offering money in exchange for certain actions or influence.
- Money laundering. Hiding money that was illegally obtained through various legal financial transactions can constitute money laundering.
- Tax evasion. Not paying taxes on purpose can lead to criminal charges.
- Securities fraud. Such crimes involve using insider trading or stock market practices that deceive to gain personal or business-related wealth.
Penalties for white-collar crimes in California are dependent on various factors, including the amount of money involved, the crime severity, and the offender’s criminal history. Depending on your case, you could face thousands to millions of dollars in fines and restitution, prison or jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Furthermore, you could lose your professional credentials or business licenses, impacting your reputation and income indefinitely.
How a La Mirada White-Collar Crimes Lawyer Can Help
It is not uncommon for white-collar crimes to fall under federal jurisdiction, which can result in even stricter penalties and prosecution by federal agencies such as the SEC, IRS, and FBI. An experienced attorney from our firm can help you take on your charges, whether they are at the state or federal level, working hard to expose any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Depending on the specific details of your case, we can help you negotiate to reduce your charges or defend you in the courtroom with aggressive, strategic tactics. We can put your rights and interests first, helping defend your reputation and future.
FAQs
The types of white-collar crimes that a La Mirada lawyer may handle include embezzlement, fraud, identity theft, corruption, bribery, money laundering, securities fraud, and forgery. By working closely with a white-collar crimes attorney, you can understand your rights and potential penalties and implement an optimal defense strategy to fight back against your charges effectively.
The penalties for white-collar crimes in California are dependent on various factors, including the specific charges, the financial damage done, and whether the crime is being charged on the state or federal level. Consequences can include jail and fines for misdemeanor white-collar crimes.
Felony white-collar crimes, on the other hand, can lead to long prison sentences and millions of dollars in fines and restitution. Federal white-collar crimes tend to have even more severe penalties.
Yes, white-collar crimes can be charged as federal offenses. Crimes that may fall under federal jurisdiction include those that involve government programs, securities, wire transfers, and banks. If you have been charged on the federal level, you could be dealing with much harsher penalties and stricter sentencing guidelines. An experienced attorney can help you leverage optimal legal tactics to present your case in a positive light.
Defenses that can be used against white-collar crime charges include showing that the act was committed by mistake, calling into question the prosecution’s evidence if it is inaccurate or insufficient, and showing that law enforcement pressured or coerced you into committing the crime. Furthermore, if you were searched without a warrant or if evidence was obtained illegally, it can be argued that your constitutional rights were violated.
Yes, in some cases, white-collar crimes can be settled without jail time. Individuals who have a strong legal defense or are being charged with a first-time offense may be able to have restitution payments assigned in lieu of jail time, effectively reach a plea agreement that reduces penalties, or receive alternative sentencing or probation. A detail-oriented attorney can help you minimize your penalties.
Safeguard Your Reputation and Future With an Empathetic La Mirada White-Collar Crimes Lawyer
Whether you are facing charges for embezzlement, fraud, or another type of white-collar crime, it’s crucial to act quickly so that you can protect your rights and start mounting a strong criminal defense strategy. A knowledgeable La Mirada white-collar crimes lawyer from Shield Law, APC, is eager to understand the details of the charges you’re facing so that we can help you fight back.
Contact our law firm today to schedule an initial case evaluation, where we can begin discussing your rights and options and building a solid defense on your behalf.