Orange County White Collar Crime Lawyer

It is easy to overlook criminal charges for white-collar crimes. Many defendants don't realize that the penalties for white-collar crime convictions can be serious. At Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers, our Orange County criminal defense attorney is here to provide a robust defense. If you are facing white-collar criminal charges, you need experienced lawyers to defend you. Our law offices are ready to defend those falsely accused.

Learn more about white-collar crime and fraud charges below. Then, contact us to schedule a case consultation.

Our Orange County White Collar Crime Lawyer Will Provide an Aggressive Defense

Facing white-collar crime charges in Orange County can be daunting. It has potential consequences that could affect the rest of your life. Our Orange County white-collar crime lawyer is here to provide a robust defense against these charges. We draw on years of experience and a deep understanding of the law and the local court system. We are committed to exploring every avenue to protect your rights. We fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We carefully analyze the evidence and employ strategic legal tactics. Then, we challenge the prosecution's case at every turn.

Our approach to defense is thorough and personalized. We recognize that each white-collar crime case comes with its unique complexities. We take the time to understand your side of the story. This allows us to tailor our defense strategy to suit your specific situation. Whether negotiating for reduced charges or arguing your case in court, you can count on our legal team to advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Trust us to navigate the intricate legal landscape of white-collar crime. We ensure you receive the dedicated and effective representation you deserve.

What Is a White Collar Crime?

White-collar crime refers to various non-violent crimes typically committed for financial gain. These crimes often involve deceit, fraud, or breach of trust and are usually associated with individuals or organizations in professional or corporate environments. Common examples include embezzlement, insider trading, fraud, and money laundering. Due to their sophisticated nature, these crimes can be complex to prosecute and defend and require a deep understanding of legal principles and financial practices.

The impact of being charged with a white-collar crime can extend far beyond potential legal penalties. It can damage reputations, end careers, and have lasting effects on personal and professional relationships. That's why it's important to have an experienced white-collar crime lawyer. We can navigate the legal system and work to mitigate these consequences. Our legal team is skilled in handling the nuances of these cases. We strive to safeguard your future and minimize the impact of the charges against you.

White-Collar Crimes Vs. Other Crimes 

When you think of someone who commits a crime, you typically think of someone who commits rape, assault, burglary, robbery, arson, or vandalism. These types of crimes are the most common and usually violent.

There is an entirely different type of crime that typically goes unnoticed: white-collar crimes. These accused individuals are people with high social status, esteem, and respect. They sometimes engage in illegal activity with completely different motives. They are financially motivated. They are more likely to commit acts of fraud for illegal personal gain. Those accused are highly intelligent, educated, and affluent individuals. They take advantage of their position at some point during their occupation.

We Have a Variety of Defense Strategies We Can Use

• Lack of intent. We can argue that there was no intention to commit a crime. This is often a critical element of white-collar offenses. Proving that any actions were made without fraudulent intent can considerably weaken the prosecution's case.
• Insufficient evidence. Highlighting the insufficiency of evidence presented by the prosecution is another effective strategy. If the evidence does not conclusively prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it may result in the charges being reduced or dismissed.
• Duress. In certain cases, we can assert that the defendant was coerced into committing the crime under duress. Demonstrating that you were forced to act against your will due to the threat of harm can serve as a compelling defense.
• Entrapment. We may also explore an entrapment defense. We can argue that the defendant was induced by law enforcement to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. This requires showing that the idea and means to commit the crime originated with the authorities.
• Mistake of fact. Arguing that a mistake of fact led to the alleged criminal activity is another potential defense. This strategy involves proving that any actions were based on incorrect information or a misunderstanding. They negate the criminal intent.

TYPES OF WHITE COLLAR CRIMES IN CALIFORNIA

White-collar professionals often hold jobs that involve having access to hefty sums of money. Sooner or later, some individuals take advantage of their predisposition, and white-collar criminal action is born. White-collar crimes are not violent, but defendants should not be fooled into believing that they are treated with any more leniency. Some common examples of white-collar offenses include:

Conspiracy: In order for a crime of conspiracy to be committed, both conditions of California Penal Code 182 must be unequivocally proven. These conditions are as follows: 1) the mutual agreement between two or more people to commit a crime, and 2) the overt action of one person from the agreement, which extends beyond the terms of the original agreement that was made.

Embezzlement: Embezzlement is both a white-collar offense and a theft offense because it involves the unlawful taking of something by the person entrusted to protect it. Common forms of embezzlement include falsifying records, creating false vendor accounts, and other Ponzi-like financial schemes. It is usually charged under California Penal Code 503.

Extortion: Extortion is also known as blackmail because it involves obtaining the personal property of another through the use of fear or force. Threats that can be used as blackmail in an act of extortion include the threat of injury, defamation, criminal accusation, and the threat to reveal secret/personal information about a targeted individual. It is usually charged under California Penal Code 518.

Fraud: Benefits that are obtained through unfair means, as well as benefits that are undeservedly received, are often reasons to suspect fraudulent behavior. Crimes of fraud are defined as those that use deceit to unlawfully obtain something that would not otherwise be given to you, and they almost always involve causing personal harm or loss to another person. Accusations of Orange County fraud are serious. Let us provide a strong defense.

Examples of fraud include cybercrimes, insider trading, copyright infringement, identity theft, money laundering, Ponzi schemes, forgery, and bribery. Variations of fraud can also be categorized as white-collar offenses, adding to this list of criminal activity additional behaviors such as bankruptcy fraud, credit card fraud, health care fraud, insurance fraud, and mortgage fraud.

PENALTIES FOR WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES

The FBI sums up White-collar crimes as being "…the full range of frauds committed by business and government officials." These crimes and schemes are becoming more and more sophisticated as technology advances. Authorities have been cracking down on white-collar offenders and enhancing the penalties. These include a combination of monetary fines, incarceration, restitution to the victim, community service, and probation.

Since these crimes involve fraud and theft, offenders will be subject to petty or grand theft penalties. They are found under California Penal Code Sections 486-490. You can also be charged with an "aggravated white-collar crime." This is penalized under Code Section 186. An "aggravated" charge usually means the defendant embezzled or defrauded $100,000 or more. They could have five years added to their prison sentence and pay fines of up to $500,000.

NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A WHITE COLLAR CRIME CHARGE?

If you or a loved one is involved in a white-collar crime, you must seek aggressive legal protection. You must protect yourself from tough prosecution. These crimes are punished to the fullest extent of the law, and your attorney could be the only person between you and a prison sentence.

At the Law Office of Frances Prizzia, we offer compassionate, aggressive, and dedicated criminal defense when you need it most. Our lead attorney, Frances Prizzia, is a former public defender with a driving passion for producing results. She is also fluent in Tagalog. Together, we will do everything in our power to reduce your charges. We may even have you dismissed on a full acquittal of all charges.

Get the assertive legal advocacy you need. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Contact Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Orange County White Collar Crime Lawyer

If you're facing charges for a white-collar crime in Orange County, you need a strong defense. Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers offers the expert representation you need. We can navigate these complex cases. Our dedicated Orange County white-collar crime lawyer is ready to develop a robust defense strategy. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.