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This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Karren Kenney following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Karren Kenney, the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a criminal defense attorney.
White collar crimes can carry severe penalties, affecting not only your freedom but also your reputation and future. If you are charged with a white collar crime, it's essential to have experienced defense attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases. Kenney Legal Defense helps you build a strong defense strategy, working to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Whether facing charges for fraud, embezzlement, or wire fraud, our lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way. We know that these crimes involve significant financial gain and require a detailed approach in both federal and state courts. Let us help you understand your options and work toward a favorable outcome.
White collar crimes are often complex and involve substantial financial transactions. If you are accused of such a crime, you need a law firm with the experience and skill to handle these cases. From fraud to embezzlement, our white collar crime lawyer can guide you through the legal challenges you face.
White collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses that are financially motivated and usually committed by individuals in positions of trust or authority. These crimes often involve deceit, fraud, or theft with the goal of obtaining money or assets. White collar crimes can be complex and may involve sophisticated schemes, making them more difficult to detect.
The crimes usually affect businesses, individuals, or the financial system, and can lead to significant financial loss. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and insider trading. These crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement, and the penalties can be severe, including hefty fines and long prison sentences.
Whether committed at the corporate level or by individuals, white collar crimes often attract the attention of federal law enforcement agencies, especially when they involve large sums of money or widespread impact.
White collar crimes include a wide range of offenses that typically involve financial schemes or illegal transactions. Some of the most common types of white collar crimes in San Diego are:
Fraud involves deliberately deceiving someone for financial gain, often through false information or misrepresentation. Under Penal Code § 487 and § 532, fraud can take many forms, including identity theft, tax fraud, or fraudulent schemes involving businesses or individuals. Convictions for fraud can lead to substantial fines, restitution to victims, and lengthy prison sentences.
Federal crimes like securities fraud or healthcare fraud also fall under this category and are prosecuted with severe penalties. Those found guilty of fraud may face civil penalties in addition to criminal penalties, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Embezzlement occurs when a person who is entrusted with someone else's money or property illegally takes or uses it for personal gain. This type of crime is common in business settings, where employees or managers misappropriate funds for their benefit. Embezzlement can involve anything from small amounts of money to millions of dollars.
A conviction for embezzlement may lead to hefty fines, restitution, and lengthy prison sentences, depending on the amount embezzled and the individual's criminal history. This crime is often prosecuted in state courts and federal courts if it involves larger-scale operations or interstate activities.
Money laundering involves disguising illegally obtained money to make it appear as if it comes from legitimate sources. Under Penal Code § 186.10, money laundering is a serious crime that often occurs in conjunction with other offenses such as drug trafficking or fraud. The federal government takes money laundering very seriously, with penalties including substantial fines, asset forfeiture, and federal charges that can lead to long prison sentences.
In addition to criminal penalties, those convicted of money laundering may also face civil penalties. This crime is typically investigated by federal law enforcement agencies and prosecuted by federal prosecutors, especially when it involves large sums of money or international transactions.
Insider trading happens when someone uses private information about a company to buy or sell stocks and make a profit. This information is not available to the public and could give someone an unfair advantage.
For example, if an employee knows about a company's future plans to launch a successful product and buys stocks before that information is released, that's insider trading. It is against the law, and if caught, the person could face serious consequences, such as fines and time in state prison. Federal law also strongly punishes insider trading, especially if the actions affected many people or caused big financial losses.
Bribery and corruption happen when someone offers money, gifts, or other benefits to influence a person's actions in business or government. For example, if a company pays a government official to get a contract, that's bribery. Corruption involves more than just offering bribes; it also includes actions like using a position of power for personal gain or to help someone else.
Bribery and corruption are illegal, and those involved can face heavy fines and long prison sentences. These crimes are often investigated by federal agencies and prosecuted under federal law, especially when they affect government decisions or involve large sums of money.
Wire fraud and mail fraud happen when someone uses phones, the internet, or the mail to trick people and steal their money. For example, if someone sends fake offers through email or regular mail to get people to send money, that's mail fraud. Wire fraud happens when someone uses phones or the internet to do the same thing.
These crimes are taken seriously because they involve communication across states or countries, and can harm many people at once. The punishment for wire fraud or mail fraud can be severe, including prison time and substantial fines. These crimes are prosecuted in federal courts and can lead to significant penalties if found guilty.
White collar crimes carry severe penalties in California, and the consequences of a conviction can affect your future. Whether it's a fine, prison time, or probation, the legal consequences can vary depending on the crime.
There are several defenses that can be used to fight white collar crime charges. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will carefully review the case and determine the best defense strategy.
Some of the most common defenses used to challenge white collar crime accusations are:
One common defense in white collar crime cases is the lack of intent. For a crime like fraud or embezzlement, the prosecution must prove that you intentionally committed the crime. If you did not mean to deceive or steal, or if your actions were a mistake, this defense can be effective. Lack of intent can reduce or even dismiss charges if proven.
If there is not enough evidence to prove the charges against you, the case may be dismissed. This is a powerful defense when the prosecution does not have clear or reliable evidence linking you to the crime. If they cannot show that you committed the crime, you may not be convicted.
Mistaken identity is another defense that can be used. If the prosecution has confused you with someone else or you were wrongly accused, your lawyer can help prove that you were not involved in the crime. This is especially important in cases where there is limited evidence and no direct link to you.
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers encourage or pressure you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed. If you were forced or persuaded to commit a white collar crime due to illegal actions by the authorities, this could be a valid defense. In cases of entrapment, charges can be dropped or reduced.
If you are facing white collar crime charges, our experienced lawyer can help you by providing strong legal representation. We will carefully review your case, identify the best defense strategy, and guide you through the entire legal process.
Here's how our legal team can support you every step of the way:
We will thoroughly evaluate the details of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and determine the best defense approach. Our lawyer will carefully review any documents, evidence, and circumstances surrounding the charges to build a strong defense.
Our team will represent you in all negotiations, whether with prosecutors or other parties involved. We will work to reduce your charges or seek a favorable plea deal if possible. Our goal is to protect your future by achieving the best possible outcome.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will help you prepare for trial by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and crafting a strong defense strategy. Our criminal defense lawyers will ensure you are ready to present your case in court and challenge any evidence presented by the prosecution. Whether your case involves federal offenses or state-level crimes, we will work to give you the best chance of success.
If your white collar crime case involves federal charges, we have the experience to handle cases involving federal offenses. We will work with federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Our criminal defense attorneys are familiar with the complexities of federal criminal charges and will guide you through each step, whether it's negotiation or preparing for a federal court trial.
1. What is tax evasion?
Tax evasion involves illegally avoiding paying taxes that are owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This can include deliberately misrepresenting income, hiding offshore accounts, or providing money in ways that violate tax law. Penalties for tax evasion can include fines, penalties, and prison time, depending on the severity of the offense.
2. How can I defend against charges of fraud?
If you're accused of trying to commit fraud, such as real estate fraud or securities fraud, your defense may focus on proving that you didn't deliberately misrepresent information or deceive others. The best lawyers will work on a case-by-case basis to challenge the evidence and reduce potential penalties.
3. What is fiduciary duty, and how does it apply to white collar crimes?
A fiduciary duty refers to the legal responsibility one person has to act in the best interest of another. If someone violates this duty, such as by misusing trade secrets or committing real estate fraud, they can face criminal charges. Violating fiduciary duty can lead to serious legal consequences.
4. What happens if I'm involved in an internal investigation?
If you are under internal investigations for deliberately misrepresenting information or engaging in other white collar crimes, it's important to seek legal help immediately. Depending on the case, charges may involve criminal or civil penalties, and your attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize potential consequences.
5. How serious are federal charges for financial crimes?
Federal charges for crimes like tax evasion, dirty money, or offshore accounts are serious and can lead to significant fines, imprisonment, and long-lasting consequences. Federal offenses are prosecuted by agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and often result in severe penalties if convicted.
If you've been charged with a white collar crime, you need a lawyer you can trust. At Kenney Legal Defense, our white collar criminal defense attorneys are here to help. We offer a free consultation to talk about your case and guide you through the legal process.
In our law offices, we focus on building a strong attorney-client relationship where you feel comfortable and confident. Our goal is to fight for your justice and protect your future. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
