Types of White Collar Crime in California
“White collar crime” by definition is “a crime committed by a person of respectability and high social status in the course of his or her occupation.”
Under California Penal Code Section 186.11, white collar crimes may include forgery, bribery, embezzlement, identity theft, and extortion.
These crimes are typically non-violent and carried out by professionals within the corporate realm in order to achieve financial gain. The prevailing notion is that these kind of offenses result in softer penalties. However, this isn’t necessarily true. A guilty verdict for a white-collar crime can yield staggering fines and prolonged prison terms.
Some examples of crimes that fall under white collar classification include:
- Bank Fraud
- Cell Phone Fraud
- Computer Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Insurance Fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Insider Trading
- Forgery
- Money Laundering
- Bribery
- Identity Theft
Although white-collar crimes can occur in just about any organization, there are a few types of white-collar crime that law enforcement pays special attention to and which can bring harsher penalties. The white collar crime team at Wegman & Levincan offer insightful counsel while also championing aggressive defense strategies tailored for these specific offenses. Whether you’re preemptively seeking advice or actively facing allegations, the guidance of a seasoned white collar crime attorney is invaluable in navigating these uncertain legal waters.
Navigating White Collar Crimes in California
As businesses dive deeper into complicated operations and transactions, the potential for innocent individuals to get mistakenly ensnared in accusations increases. Intensive investigations can mistakenly point fingers at both the top-tier executive and the unsuspecting employee.
White collar crime attorney, Wegman & Levin has successfully defended countless clients in cases involving workers’ compensation fraud, real estate, and mortgage fraud, Medicare fraud, insurance fraud, and more. Because of the complex nature of fraudulent activity within businesses, innocent people often end up in the line of fire during fraud investigations. Any individual at any level of an organization can be charged with a white-collar crime.
State vs. Federal Charges in White Collar Cases
When it comes to white-collar crime, the jurisdiction under which charges are filed can drastically influence the trajectory of the case.
Typically, federal courts carry harsher sentences; however, this varies on a case-by-case basis. That being said, as a general rule, white-collar crimes that involve national systems like the banking system, Medicare, the postal service, or digital operations that cross state lines will generally end up in federal court, while those that only affect local organizations will result in state charges. Wegman & Levin understand the ins and outs of both federal and state courts and can help you put together the best defense for your situation.
North Hollywood’s Premier White Collar Crime Attorneys at Your Service
Allegations of white-collar crimes can tarnish both personal and professional reputations. The ramifications of a conviction can be both long-lasting and debilitating. At Wegman & Levin, our white collar crime attorneys bring over 65 years of combined expertise to the table. We delve deep into case details, ensuring every aspect is thoroughly examined. Our commitment is to ardently defend your rights, striving for the most favorable outcome, allowing you a chance to rebuild and move on.
