White collar crimes have been prosecuted more seriously in California in recent years in the wake of major scandals involving billions of dollars in losses to victims. As a result, you may need an experienced white collar crimes attorney in Los Angeles, CA, if you’re facing charges.
White collar crime charges can be enough to derail your career, while a conviction could upend your life. An experienced criminal defense attorney at Simmrin Law Group can clear your name once and for all and help you move past this chapter of your life.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
A white collar crime is a name given to nonviolent crimes that are typically committed in a business setting. Many white collar crimes are financial in nature and involve management or owners of a business. Other types of white collar crimes involve individuals defrauding insertions, sometimes those of the government.
White collar crimes are often perceived by the public to be less serious than more violent criminal charges. However, they are treated very seriously by the California legal system and can carry significant penalties if a person is convicted. Though some white collar crimes are tried as misdemeanors, others may be categorized as felonies.
The following are some of the most common types of white collar crimes:
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Bribery
- Extortion
- Computer crimes
- Tax evasion
- Espionage
- RICO violations
- Perjury
If you face these types of charges, you need an experienced criminal defense team on your side. With the experienced white collar crime lawyers in Los Angeles at the Simmrin Law Group, you’ll be able to mount the best possible defense.
For a free legal consultation with a Criminal Defense lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 928-9347
Types of Fraud Charges in California
California has several serious fraud charges that are considered white collar crimes. Though the laws regarding different kinds of fraud are complex, the essential element of a fraud charge is that you are accused of embellishing or falsifying data to receive some kind of benefit, usually in the form of extra money.
Fraud charges can come in a variety of forms, and the laws relating to each kind of fraud can be difficult to understand. Nevertheless, our skilled criminal defense attorneys can help you beat the following penalties.
- Medi-Cal fraud: Six months in jail and $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor; three years in jail and $10,000 fine for felonies.
- Workers’ compensation fraud: One year in jail and $150,000 fine for a misdemeanor; five years in jail and $150,000 fine for felonies.
- Health care fraud: One year in jail and $10,000 fine for a misdemeanor; five years in jail and $50,000 fine for felonies.
- Auto insurance fraud: One year in jail and $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor; three years in jail and $50,000 fine for felonies.
- Unemployment insurance fraud: One year in jail and $20,000 fine for a misdemeanor; three years in state prison and $20,000 fine for felonies.
- Mortgage fraud: One year in jail and $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor; three years in jail and $10,000 fine for felonies.
For all these charges, there can be additional penalties if you have prior fraud convictions or are accused of defrauding a person, company, or program out of extraordinarily high amounts of money.
To defend you, a skilled Los Angeles white collar crimes attorney can argue that you had no intent to defraud anyone and simply erred in the paperwork process. After all, making mistakes with program applications or insurance forms is not a crime. For the charge to stick, the prosecution has to show proof of your intent to defraud.
There are other ways to defend against fraud charges, such as finding issues with the prosecution’s evidence. We offer free consultations with our white collar crime lawyers so that you can get a feel for the defense that best suits your circumstances.
Los Angeles White Collar Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
Embezzlement
Charges of embezzlement can be confusing and difficult to navigate, but our criminal defense experts are here to help. The first step is to understand what the charge entails. In California, you can be charged with embezzlement if:
- You were entrusted with money or property
- The owner of the money or property expected you to maintain it
- Instead, you transferred the money or property into your own possession fraudulently
- The original owner has been deprived of the money or property because of your actions
The actual charge of embezzlement can be tried as either petty theft or grand theft, depending on the value of what is alleged to have been embezzled. If convicted of the lower-level misdemeanor petty theft, you may face:
- Six months in jail
- A fine of $1,000
If convicted of grand theft as a misdemeanor, you may face:
- One year in jail
- $1,000 fine
Finally, if convicted of grand theft as a felony, you may face:
- Three years in jail
- $10,000 fine
No matter what level of offense you face, the best choice is to contact a Los Angeles white collar crimes attorney to help work toward having the charges dropped.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Probation Violations
Many white collar crimes carry probation as either a penalty or a substitute for jail time. However, a violation of probationary terms can lead to serious consequences, such as the following.
- Serving the original jail time if probation was an alternative
- Serving additional jail time if the original sentence was already served
- Serving additional probation
- Serving probation with more stringent restrictions
- Paying a fine
The penalties you face for your specific probation violation are up to the presiding judge. With a knowledgeable L.A. white collar crime lawyer, you may be able to provide a defense tailored to fight the tactics of local prosecutors. Given that edge in court, it is possible to defeat a probation violation charge and even have your existing probation terminated early.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Are White Collar Crimes Prosecuted at the Federal Level?
Given their nature, white collar crimes often involve a federal investigation. However, California has taken to vigorously pursuing white collar crime cases, meaning you could be facing state charges as well. Due to the complexity and expense of white collar crime cases, state officials may look for any way to bring in federal authorities.
White collar crimes are typically investigated by the IRS if they involve cases of money laundering. The FBI typically leads fraud investigations, but may cooperate with the IRS in them. The type of crime you’re accused of will determine which agencies are involved in the investigation. This makes it vital to have a lawyer who is fluent in how these agencies operate.
Get Your FREE Consultation Today
At the Simmrin Law Group, we know that time is of the essence in white collar crime cases. Your reputation and livelihood are at stake the moment your charges are pressed. We can help you successfully fight for them and have a track record of decisive wins for our clients.
To speak with some of our reputable Los Angeles white collar crime lawyers, fill out the contact form or call us by phone. We offer a FREE initial consultation so that we can begin working through the details of your case and crafting the best possible defense strategy.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form