Pasadena White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer

Facing a white-collar crime charge requires a precise and strategic defense. If you’ve been accused of financial misconduct in Pasadena or the surrounding areas, you need a lawyer who understands how to fight complex white-collar cases in the local court system. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling brings over two decades of criminal defense experience to every case, protecting clients in high-stakes investigations involving fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crimes.

Taking timely action is essential to protect your legal rights. Call or contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today to discuss your case with an experienced white-collar crime defense lawyer in Pasadena. The initial consultation is free.

What Is a White-Collar Crime?

White-collar crimes are financially motivated offenses that typically involve deceit, manipulation, or exploiting professional trust. These cases are often investigated by federal government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and/or by the California Department of Justice. The exact agency and charges depend on the specific alleged conduct.

White-collar crimes can be prosecuted under both state and federal law, which means you could face charges in either— or both — criminal justice systems. The penalties typically range from restitution and probation to prison sentences and steep fines. Even an allegation can permanently disrupt your career and professional reputation. The earlier you can work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the more defense options you may have.

Common Types of White-Collar Cases in Los Angeles & Pasadena

White-collar offenses can take many forms, from small-scale business disputes to complex financial schemes involving multiple parties or companies. Some of the most common charges handled by Pasadena criminal defense lawyers include:

• Fraud: Financial fraud encompasses a broad range of conduct, including insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, and securities fraud. Submitting false claims for insurance payment can result in felony charges.
• Embezzlement: Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with property or money uses it for their personal benefit. This typically happens in employment or business relationships, where the accused had legitimate access to funds.
• Forgery: In California, forging a signature or document with the intent to defraud applies to handwritten, digital, and electronic records.
• Money laundering: Money laundering occurs when someone conducts financial transactions designed to conceal the source of their criminal proceeds. Large-scale or international laundering activity is typically prosecuted under federal law.
• Identity theft: California law defines identity theft as the use of someone else’s personal information for fraudulent purposes. Even a single transaction involving stolen data can lead to multiple felony counts.
• Public corruption and bribery: Offering or accepting a bribe to influence an official act often results in prison time and disqualification from public office.

White-collar investigations often start quietly, sometimes with a subpoena, search warrant, or records request. By the time you learn about an internal investigation or government investigation, law enforcement may already have a substantial case against you. A proactive response from a seasoned criminal defense lawyer can help you respond with precision, protect your rights, and avoid missteps that could damage your defense.

Why You Need a White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer

White-collar cases demand more than general criminal defense experience. Cases often involve complex financial systems, forensic accounting, and complicated evidentiary rules. A Pasadena white-collar crime defense attorney can dissect the prosecution’s case and leverage its weaknesses to strengthen your defense.

The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has earned a reputation for handling sophisticated criminal cases across Los Angeles County and beyond. Justin E. Sterling is a former public defender who has represented clients in dozens of jury trials and criminal proceedings, including white-collar cases.

When you work with us, you get direct access to your defense team when you need us. Our goal is always to protect your rights, minimize potential penalties, and, whenever possible, prevent charges from being filed at all.

Obtaining legal representation early on provides an opportunity to resolve your case before it escalates. In some cases, our legal team can work with investigators or prosecutors before formal charges are filed. This potentially allows us to negotiate a resolution that avoids trial.

Potential Defense Strategies in White Collar Crime Cases

Every white-collar case is different. Your criminal defense attorney will review the exact charges and evidence and independently investigate before deciding on the best strategy for your case. Some of the most common defense strategies used in cases involving financial crimes include:

• Entrapment: In some investigations, law enforcement agents may induce or pressure you into doing or saying something you otherwise wouldn’t have done. Proving entrapment could lead to a case dismissal.
• Illegal search or seizure: If investigators seized documents or electronic data without a valid warrant — or exceeded the scope of their authorized searches — that evidence can be excluded under the Fourth Amendment.
• Lack of credible evidence: We often challenge the accuracy or interpretation of the prosecution’s evidence.
• Mistaken identity or false allegations: In corporate or multi-party cases, blame can shift among colleagues or departments. Your defense strategy could focus on showing that you were not responsible for the conduct in question.
• No criminal intent: Most white-collar crimes require the prosecution to prove that you intentionally committed a crime. Sometimes, the alleged illegal actions are accidental or based on a misunderstanding. This can weaken the prosecution’s case and lead to dismissal or acquittal.

In some cases, a settlement or plea agreement is the most practical outcome. We can work to negotiate terms that reduce the charges, avoid jail time, or limit professional consequences to protect your long-term interests. However, remember that the prosecution’s job is to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If we can introduce compelling evidence to challenge their case, an acquittal is possible.

Because these cases often rely heavily on extensive documentation and digital forensics, building a strong defense frequently involves collaboration with accountants, investigators, and financial analysts. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has access to a network of industry-leading experts and an in-house team of former law enforcement professionals, whose insights help us craft persuasive defenses.

What to Do If You’re Facing White-Collar Crime Charges in Pasadena

If you believe you’re under investigation or have already been charged with a white-collar offense, use your right to remain silent. Avoid discussing your case with co-workers, investigators, or anyone outside your legal team. Anything you say could later be used against you in court or negotiations.

Next, contact a Pasadena white-collar criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling. Gather any relevant documents, communications, or financial records that support your version of events. However, do not alter or delete anything. Tampering with evidence may lead to additional charges.

Learn More from a White-Collar Defense Attorney in Pasadena, CA

Whether you are the subject of a corporate investigation or facing allegations in a smaller-scale dispute, having an experienced Pasadena white-collar criminal defense attorney can make a difference in protecting your career and personal freedom. But early intervention matters when you’re facing white-collar charges in Southern California. At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we provide access to counsel 24/7 so you never feel alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.