San Ramon White Collar Crime Lawyer

White Collar Crime Attorney in San Ramon, CA

If you have been charged with a white collar crime, the penalties can be serious and can extend well beyond fines and prison time. Don’t risk your professional reputation by waiting to talk with a San Ramon white collar crime lawyer who can build a strong defense to protect your freedom.

Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer with Experience in San Ramon

At Tully & Weiss Attorneys at Law, we have over 25 years of experience representing clients who are under criminal investigation. Our attorneys have a reputation for providing aggressive defenses and success in the courtroom, and our team works together to provide high-quality representation throughout the entire process.

White Collar Crimes Defined

A white collar crime can refer to a wide variety of criminal offenses. They typically involve a professional, are nonviolent, and are financially motivated. White collar crimes can be committed by an individual, a business, or a government professional and can cause significant financial loss.

Types of White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes are generally financial and fraud-related. They include:

• Embezzlement. Under California Penal Code Section 503, embezzlement occurs when a person entrusted with property or funds uses their power for personal gain.
• Money laundering. Money laundering is the process of concealing the origin of illegally obtained funds by sending them through legitimate-looking transactions.
• Insider trading. Insider trading involves using confidential, non-public information to trade on the stock market for personal gain.
• Fraud. Fraud is a scheme used to steal money and can occur in a variety of industries. Mortgage fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, and healthcare fraud are a few examples. Recent statistics show that 40% of U.S. adults experienced financial fraud in the last 12 months.
• Bribery and extortion. Bribery involves offering, giving, or soliciting money, favors, or gifts in a way that influences someone’s actions or duties.
• Tax evasion. Tax evasion involves the avoidance of filing or paying taxes.
• Identity theft. When one person steals another person’s personal information, it is identity theft. It often involves using this information to gain access to their bank accounts or open credit cards.

Possible Penalties for White Collar Crimes

The penalties for white collar crimes in California depend on the seriousness of the charges and on whether they are misdemeanors or felonies. The penalties often involve:

• Fines
• Restitution
• Probation
• Prison time
• Loss of professional licenses

White Collar Crimes Defense Strategies

There are a variety of options for a defense strategy for a white collar crime case. A San Ramon white collar crime attorney can build a defense based on the case elements listed below:

• Insufficient evidence. An attorney can argue that the prosecutor does not have enough evidence to demonstrate that an actual crime was committed or that there was an intent to commit a crime.
• Challenging criminal intent. Since prosecutors have to prove a defendant acted with intent, an attorney can argue honest mistakes, reliance on professional advice, or good faith business judgment that negates the fraudulent intent requirement.
• Coercion or duress. If a defendant committed a crime because they were being threatened, their attorney can use this in their defense.
• Expired statute of limitations. Under California Penal Code 801.5, the statute of limitations for most white collar crimes is four years from when the crime was discovered. If the prosecution does not file charges within this time limit, they are outside of the time frame to file.
• Illegal search and seizure. If an attorney can prove that a search and seizure violated a defendant’s Constitutional rights, they may file a motion to suppress evidence. This could result in the charges being dropped or reduced.

Why You Need a San Ramon White Collar Crime Attorney

If you are facing white collar crime charges, your future may be at stake. If convicted, you could face large fines and prison time. The severity of the consequences makes it important to hire a San Ramon white collar crime lawyer as soon as possible.

An experienced attorney familiar with white collar crime laws can help you understand the charges against you, discuss your options, and help mitigate legal risks. They can examine the evidence against you, work to exclude as much of it as legally possible, and develop a strong legal strategy to cast reasonable doubt.

FAQs

Are White Collar Crimes Hard to Prove?

White crimes are often hard to prove because of their complexities. The alleged offenders often hide their activities through a variety of transactions, making them hard to uncover. Proving intent can also be difficult because these cases often involve senior executives and managers who have help from financial advisors or other professionals to cover their tracks. In 2024, only 27% of white collar defendants were convicted in U.S. district courts.

How Long Do White Collar Crime Investigations Last?

White collar crime investigations are often complex and move slowly. They can last anywhere from several weeks to months or several years. The more complex the case, the longer the investigation can take. The length of the investigation also depends on whether it is investigated at the state or federal level. In federal white collar crime cases, the statute of limitations is either five or 10 years, depending on the nature of the crime.

Are White Collar Crimes State or Federal Crimes?

White collar crimes can be handled either at the state or federal level. If the offense involves significant amounts of money, if victims are in more than one state, or if the case falls under the jurisdiction of a federal agency, such as the FBI, IRS, or SEC, the case is most likely going to be investigated at the federal level. Talk to a San Ramon white collar crime lawyer to learn if your case is state- or federal-level jurisdiction.

Who Investigates White Collar Crimes?

In San Ramon, CA, if the white collar crime is investigated at the state level, it is most likely investigated by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office located in Martinez on Escobar Street. White collar crimes may also be investigated by the California Department of Justice or local law enforcement. At the federal level, the FBI, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office, and other regulatory agencies, such as the SEC, conduct white collar crime investigations.

Contact a White Collar Crimes Lawyer Who Gets Results

White collar crime charges can be complex and require the knowledge and experience of attorneys with proven track records. Contact Tully & Weiss today if you are facing charges and need help regarding a white collar crime case. Our team of lawyers, paralegals, and third-party professionals can work together to provide you with strong representation and justice.