What is White-Collar Crime?
In California, allegations of theft, fraud, and misuse of company funds are often charged as felony crimes. If you or your loved one is suspected of committing this type of crime, consult an experienced Riverside white-collar crime attorney to minimize any potential harm.
EXPERIENCED RIVERSIDE WHITE-COLLAR CRIME ATTORNEY READY TO HELP YOU
With more than 50 years of criminal law experience, Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon has defended clients throughout Southern California accused of committing white-collar crimes. If you were arrested, or if you have been questioned in connection to this type of offense, it is important to consult with an experienced San Bernardino or Riverside criminal defense lawyer. We will act quickly to uncover any evidence obtained against you and determine the best defense strategy for you.
TYPES OF WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES IN RIVERSIDE
Our firm’s Riverside attorneys are former deputy district attorneys. We know how to anticipate the district attorney’s strategies and gauge the strength of their case to put you in the best legal position. We are experienced white-collar crime lawyers with a substantial background defending clients facing white-collar crime allegations, including:
- Credit card fraud, credit card forgery, and credit card theft
- Embezzlement and fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Employee theft
- Fraud against the government
- Ponzi schemes
- Welfare fraud
- Consumer crimes such insurance fraud, real estate fraud, and mortgage fraud
- Computer crimes such as identity theft and Internet fraud
- Conspiracy, money laundering, and larceny
What Are Common Consequences of White-Collar Crimes in California?
California Penal Code-PEN Section 186.11 details white-collar crimes in the state. Even though white-collar crimes are generally considered non-violent, they are illegal acts committed to obtain some financial gain. Most white-collar crimes involve abuse of trust, concealment, or deceit. Penalties may include jail, prison, restitution, and fines, depending on the specific crime.
Some white-collar crimes are misdemeanors, while others are felonies. A conviction for a misdemeanor white-collar crime can result in time in the county jail, up to a year. Regardless of whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony, most businesses will not hire someone convicted of a white-collar crime.
A conviction for a white-collar felony charge can result in prison time, with the exact number of years in prison depending on the specific crime. Many people are under the impression that being sentenced to prison for a white-collar crime involves a “different” type of prison than the one “other” criminals are sentenced to.
Depending on the crime, you could be sentenced to a minimum-security prison, but it is still a prison, which makes it an unpleasant place to spend years of your life. Even minimum-security prisons have restrictions and loss of your freedom and there is no guarantee that you will be sentenced to a minimum-security prison. California also has an “aggravated white-collar crime enhancement” penalty, which allows a judge to add two to five years to a white-collar conviction prison sentence if:
- You have two prior white-collar convictions involving embezzlement and fraud
- Your victim lost more than $100,000 as a result of your crime.
Judges may also require you to pay restitution to your victims if you are convicted of a white-collar crime. Restitution is not the same as the court fines you will be required to pay; rather, it is a separate monetary penalty paid to your victim or victims.
Other potential penalties for a white-collar crime conviction might include forfeiture of your personal property, home detention, punishment by a professional ethics organization, or, if you are convicted of corruption, you could be barred from ever holding public office. If you are not a United States citizen, you could be deported after a white-collar crime conviction.
How Can an Attorney Help with Your Defense Against White-Collar Crimes?
White-collar crimes are complex, requiring a highly experienced criminal defense attorney. Some white-collar crimes may be charged federally, making them even more complex—and the penalties more severe. If you have been arrested for a white-collar crime, or you believe you are under investigation, you should never speak to the police without having a knowledgeable Riverside white-collar crime attorney by your side. The police will do their best to get you to make a statement that shows your guilt. Even an innocent comment can be taken out of context and used against you.
Once you have a Riverside white-collar crime attorney, you must be honest with them. Gather up all evidence you may have so your attorney will be able to properly evaluate your charges. If your white-collar crime is charged as a federal crime, you should know that the federal criminal justice system is more complex than the state criminal justice system. Making a single mistake can result in serious consequences for your case and your future.
Your attorney will perform a comprehensive investigation into your charges, building a solid case on your behalf. Both federal and state governments have extensive resources at their disposal. If your white-collar offense is federal, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the Securities and Exchange Commission may be investigating you. Agency resources will be used to convict you of the crime you are accused of, with no care regarding whether there were extenuating circumstances. With everything you are facing, having an experienced legal advocate in your corner is not just beneficial—it is essential.
Many white-collar criminal cases are resolved through plea agreements. In a plea deal, you admit guilt in return for a lighter sentence. Some defendants who do not have legal representation accept a plea deal because they feel they have no choice—even if they are innocent. When you have a zealous Riverside white-collar crime attorney, all aspects of your charges will be examined before a plea deal is considered. Your attorney will look for weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. One area your attorney will examine is intent.
If you had no intent to commit a crime, this could be the defense used by your attorney. It is worth noting that in some cases, prosecutors who do not have sufficient evidence to pursue a criminal conviction will pursue a civil lawsuit—where intent is not necessarily a required element of liability. In other words, even if a lack of intent defense prevents the prosecutor from pursuing criminal charges, it will probably not protect you from civil liability. Whether you are facing federal or state white-collar criminal charges, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Why and How You Should Hire a Riverside White-Collar Criminal Attorney Near You
Choosing the right Riverside white-collar crime attorney can feel overwhelming at a time when you are already feeling overwhelmed by your charges. Some people will ask friends, family members, or co-workers for a referral, while others will look online to find an attorney who seems like a good fit. Once you have chosen a couple of good prospects, you can set up consultations.
You can ask questions during these consultations and get a good idea of which attorney you feel the most comfortable with. Whatever course of action you take to hire a Riverside white-collar crime attorney, you need to take action as quickly as possible. Having a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights and review your legal options. Even if you think law enforcement could be investigating you, the sooner you have an attorney, the sooner they can begin building a strong defense.
DEFENDING AGAINST WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES
At Greenberg, Greenberg & Kenyon, we have experience handling complex cases of corporate fraud and organized theft rings. We also defend individuals suspected of lying to obtain workers’ compensation, fire insurance benefits, or auto accident insurance benefits.
In these complex cases, the prosecution’s case often hinges on paper trails. We know how to challenge questionable evidence to demonstrate your innocence. Our firm will also seek to uncover any contradictory evidence in order to aggressively defend you.
Our law firm has the resources and skills to counter the charges at trial or negotiate with the district attorney for a reduction in charges. We often can settle with the district attorney for restitution, probation, counseling, fines, and other alternatives to jail or prison.
CONTACT A RIVERSIDE WHITE-COLLAR CRIME ATTORNEY
Never forget that you are at a distinct disadvantage in the California court system. Thousands of innocent people are convicted each year for crimes they did not commit. State and federal prosecutors have virtually unlimited resources. Once they make up their minds to go after you, you have little protection against presumed guilt on the part of prosecutors and juries. If you do not want your future altered forever, you need to speak to a highly skilled Riverside white-collar crime attorney from Greenberg, Greenberg, & Kenyon.
If you have been charged with a white-collar crime and need a strong criminal defense, we are here to help. Contact us today. We offer free initial consultations, and our phone is answered 24 hours per day. All calls are returned promptly.
