If you’ve been accused of a white collar crime in California, you could face some stiff financial penalties, including fines and restitution.
Just because no one is hurt physically doesn’t mean white collar crime is a victimless crime. Just one financial scam can bankrupt a company, cost a widow her life savings, or cost millions of taxpayer dollars. The financial penalties for white collar crime therefore depend on what crime was committed, how much money was involved, whether it’s being prosecuted locally or on the federal level, and several other factors.
If you’ve been accused of white collar crime, it’s crucial that you speak with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney experienced in the intricacies of defending such a case. Even if you haven’t been arrested, but think you might get caught up in an investigation, an experienced attorney might be able help you avoid or limit any prison time.
Types of White Collar Crime
Before we discuss the financial penalties for white collar crime in California, we should probably say what white collar crime is, and what charges it includes. White collar crime is generally defined as financial fraud committed by an individual, business or government professional(s). White collar crime depends on deceit, lies, and document falsification to obtain a financial benefit, rather than using the threat of violence, such as in a robbery.
The criminal defense lawyers at Simmrin Law Group represent clients accused of a variety of white collar crimes. White collar crime can be prosecuted at the local, state, and federal level, depending on the circumstances. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, we can help.
Types of white collar crime include:
- Auto Insurance Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Health Care Fraud
- Medi-Cal Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Probation Violations
- Unemployment Insurance Fraud
- Workers Comp Fraud
- And more
Then there are a number of white collar crimes that are automatically federal crimes, because they involve federal agencies or laws. These include::
- Antitrust Violations
- Bank Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Mail Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Securities Fraud
- Medicare Fraud
- Social Security Fraud
- And more
We have experience defending clients in district, state, and federal court. In many cases, we are able to help our clients avoid spending any time behind bars, get the charges reduced, get the case dismissed, or win your case in a jury trial. We make no guarantees, but we do guarantee we will work hard and dedicate ourselves to getting you the best possible outcome for you and your family.
White Collar Crime Prison Time, Fines, And Restitution To The Victim
If you are convicted of a white collar crime, you may be sentenced to time in county jail, state or federal prison, depending on the severity of the crime and the harm done. In addition, the judge may impose fines and require you to pay restitution to the victim. They are two separate financial penalties imposed in white collar crime cases, on top of any jail or prison time.
Fines
A fine is a payment you make to the court. It can cover court costs, or be a punitive fine to discourage you from committing the same crime again. The judge may order you to pay a fine ranging from $1,000 to more than $10,000, depending on your individual circumstances.
Restitution
Restitution is money the court orders you to pay to the victim as part of your punishment. A judge may require you to pay restitution to your victim(s) as a way to help them recover from the financial setbacks you caused. The amount of the restitution varies based on how much money was involved. Paying the required restitution could take you years, depending on the severity of the crime, and your own financial situation.
Asset Forfeiture
If you are convicted, a judge can also require you to forfeit your personal property if it was used in the commission of the white collar crime, or if you bought it with funds you gained through commission of a crime. For instance, if you embezzled money from your company and used funds to buy a fancy car, the court could require you to forfeit the car. Asset forfeiture can affect your family as well, if you used the family home, computers, or other property in the commission of a crime.
Contact the Simmrin Law Group
If you or a loved one has been accused of white collar crime, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Call the Simmrin Law Group in Los Angeles at 310-997-4688 or use our contact form for a free case evaluation. We’re available to help you 24/7. Don’t talk to the police or federal investigators until you’ve talked with us.