Long Beach White Collar Crime Lawyer

Long Beach White Collar Crime Attorney

The federal government takes white collar crime very seriously because of the harm such offenses can cause to financial institutions and government agencies. White collar crime charges are often federal offenses, and convictions can come with harsh penalties. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, it is essential to speak with a skilled Long Beach white collar crime lawyer skilled in criminal defense against these charges. At TMG Law Firm, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of your case and work toward the best possible outcome.

White Collar Criminal Defense in Long Beach, CA

At TMG Law Firm, we know that facing white collar crime charges can be stressful, especially for clients who have no previous criminal history. The legal system is complex, and white collar crimes often require careful attention to detail in creating a strong criminal defense strategy tailored to the specific practice areas involved. Our criminal defense lawyers are experienced in handling white collar crime cases and will work diligently to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Tara Gallogly has achieved proven results by carefully analyzing each case and crafting a defense that addresses the unique challenges clients face. She provides every client with the personalized and responsive time and attention they deserve throughout the legal process.

White Collar Crime Explained

There is no legal definition of white collar crime. Rather, white collar crime is an informal term used to describe typically non-violent crimes that involve fraud or scams done for financial gain. It generally involves money, investments, real estate, other kinds of property, services, and other assets.

Some common charges that are considered white collar are:

• Healthcare and insurance fraud. Intentionally deceiving the healthcare system or insurance companies to receive illegal payments or benefits.
• Corporate fraud. Misrepresenting a company’s finances, engaging in illegal transactions to avoid regulations or oversight, misusing corporate property for personal gain, or insider trading (profiting from trading stocks based on non-public information).
• Money laundering. Disguising financial assets obtained through illegal means to separate them from the crimes that produced them.
• Securities and commissions fraud. Using illegal means to mislead investors with fraudulent information to gain an unfair advantage and profit.
• Embezzlement and misapplication of funds. Taking or using money or property that was legally entrusted to a person’s care.
• Mortgage fraud. Providing false or omitted information to secure a mortgage or using industry knowledge (e.g. as a bank officer, appraiser, or real estate agent) to steal cash and equity from homeowners or lenders.
• Intellectual property theft. Illegally taking others’ ideas, inventions, or creative works, often referred to as “pirating.”
• Tax evasion. Avoiding taxes through fraudulent or illegal schemes or other methods.
• Phone fraud, online fraud, and mail fraud. Using various methods of communication to rob individuals of money or property through misrepresentation.
• Identity theft. Using someone’s name and personal information (e.g. a Social Security number) without their permission to open new accounts, use existing accounts, obtain medical services, or achieve financial gain.
• Counterfeiting. Making, dealing, or possessing counterfeit money or other assets without legal authorization and passing it off as the original item. This can also apply to designer clothing, handbags, and other consumer goods.
• Forgery. Unlawfully making or altering genuine documents with the intent to deceive.

Who Investigates White Collar Crime?

Generally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is in charge of investigating white collar crime. Depending on the specific type of crime, other law enforcement or regulatory agencies may also investigate. These include the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Investigations of white collar crime involve gathering evidence using these agencies’ legal tools. Evidence can be difficult to obtain for white collar crime. There is usually not as much physical evidence as there often is in other kinds of cases, and offenders often have sophisticated methods for concealing their transactions. Whistleblower programs can also help law enforcement in their investigation. If you are facing charges related to white collar crime, a skilled drug crime lawyer can also assist in navigating the complexities of your case, especially if there are overlapping issues with drug-related offenses.

FAQs

How Many Years Do You Get for White Collar Crime?

Prison sentences for white collar crime can range from a few months to 25 years. Federal crime convictions typically carry heavier penalties than state cases do, which often means longer incarceration. The length of the sentence depends on several factors, including the severity of the crime, the financial impact on victims, and whether there were any other charges, such as obstructing justice, conspiracy, or aiding and abetting criminal activity in Long Beach, California.

What Is the Most Common Punishment for White Collar Crime?

There are several common punishments for white collar crime, including imprisonment, but because white collar crimes are not usually violent, many penalties do not involve prison. For many convictions, the consequences are regulatory fines; home detention, also called house arrest; forfeitures of assets or properties; paying restitution to the victims, and supervised release.

Other potential penalties include community service, probation, reputational damage, and restrictions on professional licenses or future employment opportunities in certain industries.

What Is the Prosecution Rate for White Collar Crimes?

The prosecution rate for white collar crimes is lower than most other types of federal crimes, like immigration offenses or drug offenses. Prosecutions for white collar crimes have been steadily decreasing for years, largely due to limited resources, complex investigations, and the difficulty of proving intent in financial cases. Additionally, regulatory agencies often pursue civil penalties instead of criminal charges, leading to fewer prosecutions overall. Most cases are closed without prosecution filing.

Why Is White Collar Crime So Hard to Prosecute?

White collar crime is hard to prosecute for several reasons. Investigations can take years before they produce enough evidence to file a criminal case and involve complex financial records and methods to conceal offenses. Many cases involve possible wrongdoing by a corporation or other business entity, and getting legal proof of such offenses for large entities in California can be more challenging than it is to acquire for individuals.

Get Free Legal Consultation for White Collar Crime Cases

At TMG Law Firm, your criminal defense attorney can review the details of your case and discuss your rights and legal options with you. When facing white collar crime charges, you need a skilled lawyer who can fight for your legal rights and interests. Contact our office today to set up an initial consultation.