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Sacramento White Collar Crime Lawyer
White collar offenses are far more complicated than the average criminal offense, and the target of an investigation often doesn’t even know he or she is being investigated—until it’s too late.
You may be giving away statements that can be used against you without you even realizing it. It’s imperative that you call a Sacramento white collar crime lawyer from our office right away to discuss your concerns and options. If you’re convicted of a white collar crime in California, you could suffer disastrous consequences.
Your professional life could be ruined, you could lose licenses and accreditations, and your family life could be forever impacted. Hiring a lawyer won’t make you “look guilty,” and it could protect you from being convicted of one of these life-altering charges.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
“White collar” is a term used to describe a wide variety of crimes committed for the purpose of financial gain—usually perpetrated by nonviolent individuals who may not fit the stereotypical idea of a criminal.
White collar crimes are often committed through fraudulent or deceptive means, and the perpetrators are usually in positions of power. White collar criminals could be managers, accountants, insurance adjusters, bankers, or anyone with access to money. These types of crimes are essentially a form of theft, only on a much grander scale.
Examples of White Collar Crimes in Sacramento
White collar crimes cover a large list of offenses, and more offenses are added to the list with each passing year. For example, insurance fraud is becoming quite common, as are securities fraud and Ponzi schemes. Below is a list of common white collar crimes in Sacramento, although this list is not exhaustive:
- Bank Fraud – Pretending to be a bank to take other people’s money and defrauding a banking institution are considered bank fraud.
- Embezzlement – Embezzlement is when someone steals money from an employer or organization where he or she works. Examples include giving money to an investment advisor who misuses your funds or employees stealing money from their employers, usually by syphoning funds into their own accounts.
- Securities Fraud – Insider trading, which is using insider information to trade or invest in stocks, is an example of securities fraud.
- Identity Theft – This kind of theft can take several forms. An example is stealing a person’s credit card and using it as though it is yours. This is also called credit card theft.
- Mail Fraud – This is any fraudulent scheme in which you use the postal service to carry out your offense. Mail fraud can include stealing mail or sending phony bills with the intention of depriving another of his or her money.
- Healthcare Fraud – This is when a healthcare provider or consumer purposefully submits false documents with the intent of gaining access to benefits they wouldn’t otherwise be entitled to.
- Tax Offenses – These offenses involve a business or individual who purposefully avoids paying taxes, often by misrepresenting financial information.
- Money Laundering – Concealing illegally obtained money by bank transfers or mixing the money with legitimate business money is called money laundering.
- Wire Fraud – This crime involves defrauding someone using electronic communication. This kind of fraud can include the telephone, radio, television, or internet.
Penalties for Sacramento White Collar Crime Convictions
Theft involving large amounts of money and the abuse of a position of power, or the abuse of another’s trust, can result in serious criminal penalties. Without legal representation, you will most likely spend some time in jail or prison, and you will almost certainly be forced to pay restitution to the victims of your crimes.
Below, please see some examples of the penalties you might face if convicted of a white collar crime in Sacramento:
- Embezzlement – The seriousness of this charge depends on how much money was embezzled, but it can be punished by prison up to three years and a fine or restitution.
- Money Laundering – You could be fined severely and spend up to a year in prison for each count.
- Tax Offenses – If you are convicted of tax fraud, you could be imprisoned for up to five years and be forced to pay a fine up to $100,000.
- Bribery – Knowingly bribing an official can get you up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Defenses Against White Collar Crime Charges
As it is with any criminal charge, the prosecution must prove several elements in order for a person to be convicted. The act must have been committed, and there must have been cause and intent. Your white collar defense attorney in Sacramento can challenge one or all of these elements to protect you from a conviction.
The following are just a few examples of defenses your attorney could use to defend you:
- Entrapment – When the government purposefully presents an opportunity for you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have committed
- Duress – If you were forced to commit a criminal act through the threat of physical bodily harm, and you were in immediate and inescapable danger
- Insanity – When your attorney argues that you did commit the crime, but you weren’t able to fully appreciate the wrongfulness of your actions
- Intoxication or Incapacity – You weren’t capable of committing the crime or you were under the influence at the time the crime was committed
Sacramento White Collar Crime FAQ
When you suspect you’re being investigated, or if you’ve already been charged with a white collar crime, you probably have a million questions running through your mind.
Speak with an attorney from Crowell Law Offices to get your questions answered. We’ve listed some frequently asked questions below to help you until you have a chance to call.
How do I know if I’m being investigated?
If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement about an investigation and they’re asking general but pointed questions, you may be under investigation. They may make it seem like someone else is the target, but it’s actually you. If you’ve received a subpoena or seen a warrant, this is a sign of a possible investigation.
Should I contact an attorney even if I’m guilty?
You should contact a Sacramento white collar crime defense lawyer whether you believe you’ve committed a crime or not. Everyone is entitled to an aggressive defense—it’s your right.
How will a white collar conviction impact my life?
White collar convictions will make it difficult for you to secure good employment, cause you and your family embarrassment, cause you to lose certain rights as a felon, and force you to suffer legal penalties like prison and fines or restitution.
Get in Touch with a Sacramento White Collar Crime Attorney
Being investigated for a white collar offense is very serious. In many cases, simply being charged with an offense is enough to destroy your life. That’s why it’s so important that you seek help from a knowledgeable lawyer if you have reason to believe you’re being investigated or you have been charged.
The criminal defense team with Crowell Law Offices has experience handling all types of white collar cases, and we can help defend you against a conviction. Call us today at 916-303-2800 or complete the form below to discuss your options with a Sacramento white collar crime lawyer.
