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White-collar crime cases often involve intense government scrutiny, complex financial evidence, and severe penalties on conviction. If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, fraud, forgery, or another financial crime, you need a white-collar criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys with the firepower to fight back.
The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has built a reputation as champions for the underdog. We aggressively defend clients when the government is against them. Justin E. Sterling has over two decades of trial experience and a background as a former Los Angeles Public Defender, allowing him to leverage deep knowledge of the local courts and prosecutors to fight for every client. Whether you’re charged with a minor state misdemeanor or a serious federal felony, we show up prepared and fight to win.
Let us defend you in your time of greatest need. Contact us today to speak with a white-collar criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys and discuss the options ahead of you.
What is White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crime is a broad category of non-violent offenses typically committed in commercial, financial, or professional settings. These crimes often involve deception, manipulation, or abuse of trust. Unlike many other crimes, white-collar offenses are complex and highly technical. They’re investigated and prosecuted based on documentation, digital records, and patterns of conduct. White-collar offenses can be charged at the state or federal level.
Common examples of white-collar crimes include the following:
- Fraud (including insurance fraud, credit card fraud, and mortgage fraud)
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Bribery and corruption
- Identity theft
- Money laundering
- Tax evasion
- Insider trading
These investigations often target business owners, executives, accountants, real estate professionals, healthcare providers, and public officials. Because white-collar offenses often involve large sums of money or institutional harm, the penalties can be severe — even if you’re a first-time offender with no prior criminal record.
White-collar cases require an aggressive legal strategy and a strong understanding of the financial systems involved. Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, you need a skilled Van Nuys white-collar criminal defense attorney who understands how to protect your rights and dismantle the government’s case. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling are ready to step in and defend you against these serious charges.
What a Van Nuys Criminal Defense Attorney from Our Firm Can Do for You
The government uses its vast resources to investigate and prosecute white-collar crimes. That’s why you need a strategic defense team that knows how to fight back.
The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling is a boutique criminal defense firm with a track record of winning complex financial cases. We devote the full force of our experience, connections, and resources to every client. Led by Justin E. Sterling, a former Los Angeles Public Defender with over 20 years of trial experience, our legal team knows how to challenge the government’s case at every stage.
The following is just a sample of what sets us apart:
- Deep local insight – We have longstanding professional relationships with local prosecutors, judges, and court personnel. We know the state and federal terrain—and how to leverage that knowledge to your advantage.
- A reputation for results – Our successful courtroom record has earned us referrals from clients and other attorneys throughout Los Angeles.
- Strategic pre-file intervention – If you’re under investigation but haven’t been charged, we can fight to stop charges before they’re ever filed. The earlier we can intervene, the more we can do to protect your rights.
- In-house investigators and access to industry-leading experts – Our team includes seasoned professionals who help uncover evidence, analyze complex financial records, and find weaknesses in the government’s case.
- Personalized, client-focused service – We don’t use one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter defenses. Every client we take on gets a strategy built around their unique circumstances. We work to give you the best chance at dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, or other favorable outcomes.
Whether you’re being investigated or have already been charged, our white-collar criminal defense firm in Van Nuys will fight to protect your freedom and reputation.
What is the Difference Between State and Federal White-Collar Cases?
White-collar crimes can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level — and in some cases, both. The agency handling your case determines how it’s investigated and prosecuted.
State White-Collar Cases
The local district attorney’s office typically handles state-level white-collar crimes. These cases may involve smaller-scale offenses. Local law enforcement or specialized units within the DA’s office usually investigate these cases. While still serious, state charges may carry less severe penalties than federal ones.
Federal White-Collar Cases
Federal white-collar prosecutions are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, or Department of Justice. These cases usually involve larger sums of money, multi-state or international activity, or violations of federal law. Federal charges often stem from long investigations with subpoenas, wiretaps, or grand jury proceedings. The penalties include long-term federal incarceration and massive fines.
Defending Against White-Collar Crime Charges
Every case is different, which is why we tailor each defense to your specific allegations and facts. Common defenses for white-collar crimes include the following:
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
- Entrapment
- Insufficient evidence
- Procedural errors
- Constitutional violations
When you’re accused of white-collar offenses, our proactive and aggressive defense strategies can mean the difference between conviction and freedom.
Van Nuys Penalties for White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crime penalties in Van Nuys vary widely depending on the charges, the amount of financial loss involved, and whether the case is prosecuted at the state or federal level. If convicted, you could face any or even all of the following:
- Jail or prison Time – Misdemeanor white-collar offenses may carry up to one year in county jail. Felony convictions can be punished by years—or even decades—in state or federal prison.
- Fines and restitution – Courts usually impose significant fines and require defendants to pay restitution to victims.
- Probation or supervised release – Many white-collar sentences include lengthy probation periods or supervised release conditions that can restrict your activities, employment, and travel.
- Asset forfeiture – The government may seize any of your assets it believes were obtained through illegal activity.
- Career and reputational damage – A conviction for a white-collar crime can severely damage your professional reputation, lead to job loss, and limit future employment opportunities, especially for licensed professionals.
California law also allows for enhanced penalties under the state’s “aggravated white-collar crime” statute.
When To Seek Legal Help
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar crime in Van Nuys, contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today. The earlier you involve a Van Nuys white-collar criminal defense attorney, the more options you’ll have to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and potentially avoid charges altogether.
