White Collar crimes generally refer to economic and non-violent criminal offenses, including fraud of all types, embezzlement, grand theft, forgery, identity theft, Internet crimes or use of business technology for illegal financial gain. White collar crimes involve most of the same legal principles as do other crimes, and people charged with white collar crimes have the same rights and protections as defendants accused of other crimes. On the other hand, white collar offenses are often complex, and involve numerous complicated legal and factual issues.

White collar crime is typically defined as an illegal act characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and is not generally dependent on the threat of physical force or violence. White collar crimes are typically committed (or alleged to have been committed) to obtain money, property, or services or to secure personal or business advantages. Most white collar crime offenders are ordinary people who, for various reasons, make calculated, impulsive or poor decisions. As white collar crime lawyers, our attorneys represent individuals who face criminal investigations or charges for committing any of the following offenses:

• Financial crimes
• Real Estate Fraud
• Mail or Wire Fraud
• Counterfeiting
• Money Laundering
• Extortion
• Receiving Stolen Property
• Forgery
• Welfare Fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Embezzlement
• Medicare Fraud
• Health Care Fraud
• Identity theft
• Workers Compensation Fraud
• Bribery
• Insurance fraud
• False Financial Statement
• Income Tax Fraud
• Tax Evasion
• Perjury
• Grand theft
• Mortgage fraud
• Internet crimes including cyber-stalking, pirated software and Internet fraud

At The Chahine Law Firm, we understand that most people have never been arrested and are simply unfamiliar with the criminal court system. If you are charged with a white collar crime, your freedom, your job, your reputation and your future are all at risk. In these difficult times, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer for dedicated advocacy.

White Collar Crimes Penalties

White collar crimes can be prosecuted at the state level, federal level, or both. Just like a conviction for any other crime, the legal consequences of a Los Angeles white collar crime conviction include prison or jail sentences, payment of monetary losses (restitution), fines, probation, the loss of professional licenses, and more. In a addition, a defendant charged with a white collar crime faces asset seizures and/or asset forfeiture.

Los Angeles White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys

Regardless of whether you are currently under investigation or have already been charged in a criminal case, it is essential that you avoid talking to police or prosecutors until you consult an attorney. Since white collar crime usually involves financial mismanagement, fraud, or bribery, prosecutors often introduce conspiracy charges against the accused as well. At The Chahine Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers act immediately to protect the rights and interests of our clients. We hire forensic accountants, private investigators, computer experts, and handwriting analysts in evaluating and the evidence against you and preparing your defense. We're prepared with the resources needed to undermine the prosecution's version of events, expose contradictory evidence, and identify illegally-obtained statements and records.

To discuss your case during a completely confidential consultation, contact the white collar crime attorneys at The Chahine Law Firm today.