White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses that are usually financially motivated. While no one is physically hurt by white collar crimes, they are still harshly penalized by the court system in California. You can end up incarcerated for decades and left with impossibly high fines if you are convicted of a white collar crime.
Dealing with the court system after a white collar crime accusation can be difficult. You can get professional help by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Our white collar crime lawyers in West Covina understand what you’re going through and can build your defense.
Understanding Embezzlement Charges
Embezzlement is a form of white collar crime that occurs is someone is entrusted with another person’s money or property and then fraudulently takes it. There are many actions that can be charged as embezzlement in West Covina, including:
- Stealing from a cash register at work
- Taking money from a parent’s savings account
- Using a medical account from a patient to get funds
- Selling jointly owned property and keeping all the money
The state of California uses two charges to prosecute embezzlement:
- Petty Theft
- Grand Theft
Petty theft covers acts of embezzlement up to $950. You can be fined $1,000 and sent to jail for 6 months if convicted of petty theft embezzlement.
Charges of grand theft are more serious. Any time more than $950 is embezzled you could face a grand theft charge. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony and a conviction can lead to 3 years in jail and fines of $10,000.
Fraud as a White Collar Crime
You can be charged with fraud for illicitly obtaining money from an organization or another individual with deceit or lies. The state of California uses a number of unique charges to prosecute different kinds of fraud. Common examples include:
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud involves tricking an insurance company into giving out payments that are not legitimate. This can be done if an individual submits a false claim for payment. Insurance fraud can be broken down into smaller categories, such as:
- Health Care Fraud
- Auto Insurance Fraud
Mortgage Fraud
You can be charged with mortgage fraud if you are accused of making:
- False loan modification promises
- False appraisals
Mortgage fraud charges also apply if someone falsifies a mortgage application. Real estate professionals and homeowners are often charged with mortgage fraud in West Covina.
Government Program Fraud
The state of California and the federal government both offer a number of programs to help certain members of society. You can face serious criminal charges for defrauding any of these programs. You could be charged with:
- Unemployment Insurance Fraud
- Workers Comp Fraud
- Medi-Cal Fraud
All fraud charges must be taken seriously. You could end up left with fines of $150,000 if you are convicted of fraud. Most fraud convictions also require you to spend time in jail. A criminal defense lawyer in West Covina can take on your case and protect you from fraud accusations.
Charges for Probation Violations
The court system in West Covina sometimes sentences individuals convicted of a crime to probation. While on probation, you are allowed to remain out of jail or prison as long as you follow the rules set down by the court.
Probation violations occur anytime someone breaks the court-ordered rules for their probation. Many individuals can break these rules unintentionally, by disobeying a minor law or using drugs or alcohol. You can also violate your probation by:
- Driving on a Suspended License
- Missing a Meeting with Your Probation Officer
- Failing to Complete Court Ordered Programs
Any probation violation can have serious consequences for your life. You could end up fined. The court can also extend your probationary period and set new, harsher regulations for you to follow. In some severe cases, you may even be taken off of probation and sent to jail or prison.
A white collar crime lawyer can help you protect yourself if you are accused of violating your probation. Make sure that you address these accusations before it’s too late.
Handling Criminal Charges with a White Collar Crime Lawyer
It can be easy to underestimate the severity of a white collar crime charge, but a conviction can lead to incredibly high fines and years of time in jail or prison. You can get the professional help you need from a white collar crime lawyer in West Covina. Contact the Simmrin Law Group today for a FREE consultation about your situation.
Call (310) 997-4688 or fill out our contact form to get started.