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White-collar crimes don’t involve violence. However, the penalties for a conviction can be equally severe. If you’ve been charged with a financial offense, you need a skilled Burbank white-collar crimes lawyer with extensive local and legal knowledge to protect your rights.
For over 20 years, The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has represented clients under investigation for crimes in Burbank and across Southern California. We know that facing criminal charges is stressful, and we’re here to provide fierce advocacy and fight to restore your good name. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Burbank white-collar crimes lawyer.
What Are White-Collar Crimes?
White-collar crimes generally involve deceit or violating trust for financial gain. While they usually don’t end in physical harm or property damage, their impact can touch every area of your life.
White-collar crimes often happen in business or government settings. You might be accused of falsifying records or misrepresenting facts to obtain money or property.
California law focuses on intentional deceit for personal or organizational benefit. Because these criminal offenses can involve complex financial transactions and long digital and paper trails, each case requires careful analysis by an experienced criminal defense lawyer and a team of expert witnesses.
Common Types of White-Collar Crimes in California
White-collar crimes encompass a wide range of offenses that involve the use of deception for financial gain. Common examples include:
Fraud
Fraud involves intentionally deceiving someone to gain a financial or personal advantage, like insurance fraud and mortgage fraud. Theft by fraud is often charged as a felony, punishable by prison time, fines, and restitution requirements.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when a person who is entrusted with property or money illegally converts it for their own use. Penalties often include imprisonment and steep fines, although the exact punishment typically depends on the value of the stolen property.
Bribery
Bribery is the act of giving or receiving something of value to influence an official action. This includes offering or soliciting bribes. Conviction can result in both fines and incarceration, depending on the severity of the offense.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s identifying information without permission, usually to commit fraud or other crimes. It is a wobbler offense in California, meaning it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, and penalties may include restitution and imprisonment.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion occurs when a person fails to pay taxes or deliberately falsifies tax documents. This may include failing to disclose a source of income or falsifying earnings. State punishments include fines and incarceration. Federal charges are punished even more harshly.
Forgery
Forgery involves falsifying documents or signatures to gain something of value, usually money or property. Forgery can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity, but either type of charge can affect your career and reputation.
Legal Penalties & Consequences of a Conviction
Convictions for white-collar crimes in California have severe consequences. Felony convictions typically include prison time, probation, restitution, and fines. For example, large-scale fraud can result in a prison sentence of up to three years. Misdemeanor charges may involve shorter jail terms and smaller fines, but they can stay on your record and cause difficulties throughout your life. Federal charges are even harsher.
Beyond criminal penalties, convictions can affect your professional licenses and employment opportunities, especially when you work in finance or positions of trust. You could face permanent reputational damage and be disqualified from holding certain positions. Civil liability is also possible — in other words, victims may pursue separate lawsuits against you. If successful, you may be liable for monetary damages. For these reasons, it’s essential to consult a Burbank criminal defense attorney for legal representation.
Defenses Against White-Collar Crime Charges in Burbank
When you’re accused of a white-collar crime, you need an aggressive defense from a detail-oriented legal team. Hiring an experienced Burbank criminal lawyer to investigate the facts and build a custom defense is crucial.
The strategy your defense attorney chooses may center around these concepts:
- Lack of evidence: Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. A white-collar crime attorney in Burbank can challenge weak or improperly obtained evidence. If enough evidence is thrown out, that can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
- Mistakes or misunderstandings: Sometimes, accounting errors or miscommunications seem suspicious to investigators. Because most white-collar crimes require intentional wrongdoing, demonstrating that your actions were unintentional or due to a misunderstanding may help defend against criminal charges.
- No intent to deceive or steal: Generally, prosecutors have to prove that you knowingly intended to commit a crime. If you can demonstrate that you didn’t intend to defraud or misappropriate funds, that can be a persuasive defense.
- Relying on expert opinions: If your actions were based on advice from accountants, lawyers, or other professionals, that can be a defense. However, that reliance must be reasonable. If you knew their guidance was illegal, this defense won’t hold up in court.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling?
White-collar cases are complex, so you need a sophisticated defense that addresses and attacks the evidence. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling offers an experienced legal team that has investigated and defended California cases for decades. Our firm is well-versed in California law and knows how to apply it strategically to the specific facts of each case. Being locally based enables us to meet with clients promptly, attend court hearings in a timely way, and provide the personalized attention that is the cornerstone of what we do. We know what to expect — and the defense strategies that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
We’re honest, committed to practical problem-solving, and skilled at identifying potential solutions that work toward the best possible outcome. With courtroom experience that includes handling over 70 jury trials to verdict in California courts, we’re equipped to help when you need it most.
What To Do If You Are Under Investigation
If law enforcement or government agencies contact you about a white-collar crime, contact a Burbank criminal defense lawyer right away. Consulting a lawyer before you provide statements or documents will help prevent missteps that can be used against you later. Similarly, avoid talking about your ongoing criminal case with family, friends, or on social media.
Always preserve your records and documents, including communications, financial statements, and contracts. Don’t delete anything — that looks suspicious and can lead to additional charges later.
Finally, follow your lawyer’s guidance. They can advise you on how to handle subpoenas and interviews and represent you at each court hearing. Following an attorney’s advice puts you in the best position to protect your rights and attack the case against you.
Your Defense Starts Now. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling Today
White-collar crimes require early intervention and a proactive legal strategy. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has the skill, experience, and resources to tackle your case and help you navigate the criminal justice system. Call our law firm today for a free case review with a Burbank white-collar crime attorney.
