White Collar Crimes Attorney in Pasadena, CA
White-collar crimes, serious non-violent offenses driven by financial gain, often involve substantial amounts of money or property. A conviction can lead to lengthy prison sentences and significant fines, making it a matter of utmost seriousness that demands immediate legal attention.
It's crucial to understand that a white-collar crime is not to be taken lightly. Any criminal charge is a serious matter. The potential consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, should underscore the urgency of the situation.
Upon discovering that you're under investigation or have been charged, it's crucial to equip yourself with knowledge about your rights and the laws that can be pivotal in defending your charges. Understanding your situation is the first step towards taking control of it.
Suppose you find yourself facing charges for a white-collar offense, such as wire fraud, mail fraud, embezzlement, insurance fraud, tax evasion, or mortgage fraud. In that case, it's important to be aware that you may also be the subject of a federal investigation.
Federal investigators have vast resources to review suspected illegal activities thoroughly, and you may be accused of a crime that you didn't even know you were committing.
Key Takeaways
- White collar crime is defined as a non-violent crime that is motivated financially.
- Professionals in business or government positions typically commit white collar crimes for financial gain.
- These crimes involve deception, fraud, or breach of trust, can carry severe legal consequences.
- White-collar crimes can be investigated by both state and federal law enforcement agencies.
- The Pasadena Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit works closely with federal agencies.
What are the Common White Collar Crimes?
Some of the most common white collar crimes in Pasadena are discussed below.
- Embezzlement (PC 503). Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with another person's property unlawfully takes that property for personal use. This crime requires a fiduciary relationship between the perpetrator and victim.
- Extortion (PC 518). To prove extortion, a prosecutor must show that you used force or fear to compel someone else to give up consideration or property, and that person consented to your demands.
- Conspiracy (PC 182). To prove guilt, the district attorney will need to prove that you agreed with someone else to commit a crime, that you and the other conspirator intended to commit the crime, and that at least one conspirator committed an overt act in order to commit the crime.
- Securities Fraud. Securities fraud (Corporations Code 25541) involves deceptive practices in the stock or commodities markets. This includes providing false information to investors and engaging in insider trading.
- Identity Theft (PC 530.5). Identity theft involves unlawfully obtaining and using another person's personal identifying information without consent. There are various forms of identity theft, including the use of someone's personal information to obtain credit, goods, or services.
- Money Laundering (PC 186.10). Money laundering involves disguising the origins of illegally obtained money to make it appear legitimate. This process typically involves placing "dirty" money into the financial system, layering it through complex transactions, and integrating it back into the economy.
- Healthcare Fraud (PC 550). Allegations of Healthcare fraud often involve doctors, dentists, chiropractors, and other medical professionals for falsely billing programs such as Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal.
Other types of white collar crimes include credit card fraud, forgery, bribery, federal healthcare fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud.
Enforcement for White Collar Crimes in Pasadena
While the Pasadena Police Department is the primary agency for investigating white-collar crimes, its complex nature often necessitates collaboration with state and federal agencies. This multi-jurisdictional approach ensures a comprehensive and professional investigation.
The Pasadena Police Department's Economic Crime Unit, with its specialized training in forensic accounting, digital evidence collection, and complex financial investigations, provides a high level of expertise in investigating financial crimes.
They work closely with prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office to build strong cases against those suspected of these crimes, ensuring a thorough and professional investigation.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court, located in Pasadena, handles most white-collar criminal cases. Depending on the scope of the crime and whether federal law violations are involved, some cases may be transferred to federal court.
Defending Against White Collar Charges
Our Pasadena criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in various approaches to defending clients facing these charges. We may argue lack of intent, insufficient evidence, or police entrapment, among other potential defenses, providing you with a range of legal options and a sense of hope in your situation.
White-collar crimes often require proof of criminal intent. We may argue the actions were due to negligence, mistake, or misunderstanding rather than intentional misconduct.
Perhaps we can argue that there is insufficient evidence to support this claim. White-collar crime often relies on documents, financial records, and witness testimony to establish its legitimacy.
We may scrutinize the prosecution's evidence, questioning its relevance and chain of custody. We might also challenge the reliability of expert witnesses and their methods.
Perhaps we can argue police entrapment, which applies when government agents pressure someone into committing a crime they wouldn't have otherwise committed. Due to the complexity of white-collar investigations, which often involve undercover operations or informants, law enforcement may inadvertently cross a legal boundary.
We will review whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, such as illegal searches, improper interrogations, or ignoring Miranda rights.
Cities We Serve Near Pasadena
Our criminal defense law firm is committed to serving clients facing white collar crime cases in Pasadena, California, and the nearby cities of South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Alhambra, San Gabriel, La Canada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Temple City, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Arcadia, Glendale, Monrovia, El Monte, and South El Monte.
We understand the unique legal landscape of these areas and are here to provide you with the best possible defense.
For more information, contact the Hedding Law Firm, a reputable legal practice based in Los Angeles, CA, with extensive experience in defending clients against white-collar crime charges.
Our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to providing aggressive and effective representation, with a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. You can trust in our expertise to guide you through this challenging time.
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