An Experienced Team of Professionals Providing Dedicated Legal Representation for Clients in Los Angeles White Collar Crime Cases

Are you at the center of a white-collar crime investigation? The California and federal government criminal justice systems take white collar crimes very seriously and will frequently seek harsh penalties for criminal offenders. Fortunately, those accused of a white-collar offence have legal options to defend their rights and fundamental freedoms.

Our law firm provides effective representation to defendants accused of committing fraud, providing false or misleading billing, and other white-collar crimes for personal gain. We have half a century of combined legal experience representing clients across California and the Los Angeles area. Our extensive experience can challenge the evidence provided by state and federal agencies to raise reasonable doubt and help you avoid the most severe consequences of a criminal conviction.

For help upholding your constitutional rights and defending your future, contact our Southern California law office to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation with our legal team today.

What Are the Different Types of White-Collar Crimes 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 offenses committed by professionals within the corporate realm to achieve financial gain. The prevailing notion is that these kinds of offenses result in softer penalties. However, that 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
• Securities Fraud
• Computer Fraud and Hacking
• Embezzlement
• Insurance Fraud
• Ponzi Schemes
• Counterfeiting
• Insider Trading
• Forgery
• Corruption
• Money Laundering
• Bribery
• Identity Theft and Fake IDs
• Copyright Infringement
• Perjury and the Supplying of False Information
• Tax Evasion
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violations
• Misleading Billing and False Financial Statements
• Credit Card Fraud
• Extortion
• Healthcare Fraud
• Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law Violations
• RICO
• And more…

Although white-collar crimes can occur in nearly any organization, there are a few types of white-collar crimes that law enforcement pays special attention to, which can result in more severe penalties. The white-collar crime team at Wegman & Levin can offer insightful counsel while also championing aggressive defense strategies tailored to 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.

How Can Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Help You Navigate the Legal Process of White-Collar Criminal Cases in California?

As businesses become increasingly complex in their operations and transactions, the potential for innocent individuals to be mistakenly ensnared in accusations increases. Intensive investigations can mistakenly point fingers at both the top-tier executive and the unsuspecting employee.

The white-collar crime attorneys at Wegman & Levin have successfully defended numerous clients in cases involving workers’ compensation fraud, real estate and mortgage fraud, Medicare fraud, insurance fraud, and other related offenses. Due to the complex nature of fraudulent activity within businesses, innocent individuals often become the target of fraud investigations. Any individual, regardless of their level within an organization, can be charged with a white-collar crime.

Will Your White-Collar Crime Be Charged at the State or Federal Level?

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 involving national systems, such as the banking system, Medicare, the postal service, or digital operations that cross state lines, typically result in federal court proceedings. In contrast, those that only affect local organizations usually result in state charges. Wegman & Levin APC understands the intricacies of both federal and state courts and can help you assemble the strongest defense for your situation.

What Are the Potential Penalties for State and Federal Crimes After a White-Collar Crime Conviction?

If found guilty of a white-collar offense in California, the defendant may face dire and potentially life-altering consequences for their alleged criminal acts. The exact penalties that the defendant may face will depend on several factors, including the vast amounts of money stolen, whether a state or federal authority is prosecuting the case, and other relevant considerations.

Some of the most common legal penalties for white collar crimes, such as the intent to commit fraud, steal another person’s identity, tax evasion, and other offenses, include the following:

• A damaging criminal record
• Depending on the severity of the alleged criminal offence, the defendant may face a lengthy prison sentence 
• Forfeiture of all proceeds is often ordered to be given back to the alleged victims
• If released from custody, the release will often be under strict supervision
• Loss of certain civil rights
• Major fines, including court fees, attorney legal fees, and Other costly expenses
• Probation and parole orders
• Restitution is often mandatory in white collar criminal cases
• The loss of professional licenses and employment
• Damage to your professional reputation
• And more

As your attorneys, we will explore all options to help you avoid the most severe consequences for your alleged criminal offense. Our law firm takes pride in thinking outside the box to devise innovative solutions to criminal cases that other law firms may have overlooked. Contact our offices to request a free case review, and we will begin crafting a uniquely tailored defense that suits your needs.

How Can an Experienced Lawyer Help You Build a Strong Defense to Your White-Collar Crime Charges?

Those accused of committing white collar crimes are strongly encouraged to seek professional legal counsel to defend their rights and freedoms. It is inadvisable to represent yourself or rely on the services of a public defender in such critical legal matters as these.

As your legal representatives, we provide dedicated services to assist our clients throughout the various stages of their case, including representing them in courtroom trials and potentially negotiating with the prosecution for favorable plea agreements.

Among the many legal services our criminal attorneys provide in white collar crime cases are the following:

• Pre-indictment legal representation, including representing you in grand jury investigations
• Thorough investigations into the charges and the available evidence
• Patiently answer all your questions and address all concerns
• Explain your various legal options
• Legal counsel in corporate internal investigations
• Assistance in compliance reviews
• Regulatory and administrative defense strategies
• Committed legal representation in federal and state criminal and civil trials
• Media crisis management
• Help with parallel proceedings
• Argue that there was no intention of committing a crime and that you made a genuine error of judgment
• Raise the possibility of mistaken identity or false accusations
• Show that the victim suffered no financial loss due to the alleged fraud
• Establish that the defendant was unaware that they had provided false or misleading information
• Upon review of the facts, establish that there is insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• Cast doubt upon the procedures conducted by law enforcement and prosecutors to scrutinize whether the evidence was legally obtained
• Negotiate with prosecutors in attempts to secure a satisfactory plea bargain
• Filing criminal appeals
• And more

Contact Our Law Firm to Schedule a Free Consultation with Our North Hollywood White Collar Crime Lawyers Today

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 thoroughly examine every aspect of the case details, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Our commitment is to ardently defend your rights, striving for the most favorable outcome, and enabling you to rebuild and move forward.

If allegations of a white-collar crime loom over you, whether in North Hollywood, Los Angeles County, Burbank, or anywhere in Southern California, it’s time to act. Reach out to Wegman & Levin APC at 818-495-8330. Schedule a meeting with our experienced white-collar crime defense attorney and strengthen your defense.