Los Angeles White Collar Crimes Lawyers

White-collar crime is a non-violent criminal activity that is typically committed for financial gain by individuals in positions of power and privilege. It can involve activities such as embezzlement and fraud committed against individuals, groups, or government agencies. These crimes are often complex and can be difficult to investigate and prosecute. Law enforcement agencies often spend enormous amounts of time and resources investigating these crimes at both the state and federal levels. 

Being accused of white-collar crime can have severe consequences for your personal as well as your professional life. An accusation can damage your reputation, affect your ability to work, and even lead to imprisonment. Due to the high-stakes nature of white-collar crimes, the prosecution will aggressively pursue these cases in seeking a conviction. This is why it’s imperative to seek the legal guidance of a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who has experience in white-collar crime. At Stein & Markus, we can vigorously protect your rights, build a legal strategy, and relentlessly pursue your best interests throughout the legal process.

Put a seasoned Los Angeles white-collar crime attorney in your corner by discussing your case in a free initial consultation. Call (562) 512-7030 or contact us online today. Hablamos español. Available 24/7. 

White Collar Crimes in California

California has established a wide variety of white-collar crimes as has the federal government. These crimes are intensely investigated by state and federal law enforcement agencies such as the State of California Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement’s White Collar Investigation Team (WECIT) and the FBI.

Because these crimes can have a huge economic impact on individuals, businesses, and the government, they can result in extensive investigations lasting months or even years. The full resources of the government are used to accumulate sufficient evidence to lock in convictions. Furthermore, the FBI also works with other federal agencies, such as the IRS, SEC, USPS, and the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. 

These crimes are based on misrepresentation and deceit, as in various types of fraud. 

Common white-collar crimes include but are not limited to:

• Embezzlement
• Forgery
• Misappropriation of Public Funds
• Passing bad checks
• Credit card fraud
• Identity theft
• Counterfeiting
• False financial statements
• Insurance fraud
• Health insurance fraud
• Unemployment insurance fraud
• Welfare fraud
• Workers’ compensation fraud
• Computer and Internet crimes
• Cybercrime
• Racketeering
• Investment fraud, such as Ponzi schemes
• Insider trading
• Securities fraud
• Money laundering
• Tax fraud/evasion
• Mortgage fraud
• Intellectual property theft or piracy
• Public corruption
• Corporate fraud

White Collar Crime Penalties

 Penalties for white-collar crimes can range from fines and probation to substantial prison sentences. For example, embezzlement penalties depend on the amount of money involved, and convictions can result in a maximum of up to 20 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine. Securities fraud can result in up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $10,000,000 in fines. Money laundering can result in up to 20 years in prison and/or $500,000 or twice the value of the property or financial transaction involved, whichever is greater. Tax fraud can lead to over five years in prison and substantial fines.