WHITE COLLAR CRIME LAWYER IN LONG BEACH, ORANGE COUNTY, IRVINE, LAKEWOOD, AND HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, & NEARBY

In California, white collar crimes can range from fraud to embezzlement, forgery, money laundering, bribery, and more. If you have been charged with or you are being investigated for a white collar crime, you need to hire an aggressive, skilled attorney immediately to protect your rights. You can get the help you need by retaining me at the McCready Law Group.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

"White collar crimes" is a term used to describe financial crimes that are business-related. White collar crimes are usually motivated by financial gain and committed through deceit. They violate federal laws and are often prosecuted by the federal government in a federal court.

Typical white collar crimes could include fraud, wage theft, bribery, insider trading, copyright infringement, Ponzi schemes, cybercrime, bribery, money laundering, embezzlement, forgery, and identity theft.

Types of White Collar Crimes in California

In the United States, white collar crimes remain a serious issue. These crimes are responsible for an estimated $250 billion to $1 trillion in economic damages every year. According to the FBI, the annual cost of white collar crimes is more than $500 billion.

The latest available data from the Justice Department indicate that 443 new white collar crimes were reported by the government in May 2019. Also, the government reported 389 new white collar crime prosecutions in October 2019. The cases within white collar crimes include those listed below.

Fraud: Fraud involves using deceit or deceptive means to achieve personal or financial gain. Common fraud charges include:

• Insurance Fraud

• Tax Fraud

• Credit Card Fraud

• Wire Fraud

• Identity Theft

• Welfare Fraud

• Medi-Cal Fraud

• Healthcare Fraud

• Workers' Compensation Fraud

• Mortgage Fraud

Under California law, fraud can be treated as a serious offense that can lead to felony charges, fines, and/or jail time.

Embezzlement: According to the California Penal Code Section 503, embezzlement is the act of taking money or property entrusted to you.

Money Laundering: Money laundering is the process of making proceeds that are gained through illegal means to appear legal. Under California law, money laundering penalties may include up to three years' jail time and fines of up to $250,000.

Forgery: Forgery includes countering, falsifying, or altering another person's handwriting. Under California Penal Code 470, anyone who signs the name of another person with an intent to defraud is guilty of forgery.

Identity Theft: Identity theft involves using the name or personal information of another person to gain access to the person's financial resources. Under California Penal Code 530.5, misdemeanor identity theft is punishable by a fine and up to a year in jail.

Bribery: Under California law, bribery involves giving something of value to a public official with a corrupt intent to influence the person's action or opinion, or to convince the person to vote unlawfully. Such public officials can be public employees, witnesses, judicial officers, executive officers, jurors, and legislative officers.

Wage Theft: Wage theft refers to violations of the California Labor Code, which involve the payment of wages and salaries to workers. Wage theft violations include failing to pay minimum wage, employee overtime, and split shift premiums.

Ponzi Schemes: A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent business which involves paying to join and earn money without selling any product or providing any service. Under California law, pyramid and Ponzi schemes are considered illegal.

Insider Trading: Insider trading involves trading public company's stocks in an attempt to profit, avoid losses, or gain advantage using information that is not available to the general public. Under California law, insider trading is a punishable offense.

In California, the exact punishment for a white collar crime depends on the particular type of crime you are being accused of or investigated for. Instead of risking your reputation, freedom, and resources by facing your white collar crimes charges alone, put yourself in a stronger position by consulting with a well-experienced white collar crimes attorney in Long Beach, California.

Why You Should Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Sooner

White collar crime cases are usually very complicated. Government authorities often dedicate an adequate amount of time and resources to investigate and prepare the case. If you are being accused of or investigated for a white collar crime, the law is not on your side. The best thing to do is to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Even if you believe you are innocent, you may be facing criminal charges for the actions of another person. Call my firm, the McCready Law Group, today to schedule a consultation and increase your chances of success. I will aggressively fight to keep your record clean.