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White-collar crime charges have severe potential sentences. These cases often involve complicated paperwork, financial records, and thorough investigations. Prosecutors sometimes spend months or years building their case, long before you even know you’re a target. Timely legal intervention is a smart strategy to protect your rights and have the aggressive defense you need.
The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling helps California residents who are facing white-collar crime allegations. If investigators have contacted you or have already been charged, now is the time to get experienced legal assistance. Call our law firm today for a free consultation with a white-collar crime defense lawyer in Van Nuys.
What Is a White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crime is a catch-all phrase for financial or business-related offenses. These crimes don’t involve violence. Instead of physical force, they include allegations of deception, misuse of authority, or improper handling of money.
California has many laws that are typically classified as white-collar crime. Embezzlement and forgery are two common examples. Federal prosecutors often rely on mail fraud and wire fraud statutes when they bring charges.
These laws are often technical, but the bottom line is that the government believes someone lied or misrepresented something for financial gain. The evidence might include bank statements, emails, or contracts, all of which can be open to interpretation. A strong defense often hinges on challenging the evidence and presenting your side of the story.
Types of White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crime covers a wide range of accusations. In Van Nuys, some of the most common cases involve:
- Major fraud – Fraud charges commonly involve insurance fraud, credit card fraud, healthcare fraud, and securities fraud. In each case, the government has to prove there was intentional deception for financial gain. (California Penal Code Section 484)
- Embezzlement – Embezzlement happens when someone entrusted with property or money is accused of misusing it. (California Penal Code Section 503)
- Forgery – It’s illegal to sign someone else’s name, alter documents, or create fake records with the intent to defraud. (California Penal Code Section 470)
- Identity theft – Identity theft involves using another person’s identifying information without permission. This crime is often tied to financial transactions, like opening a credit card in someone else’s name. (California Penal Code Section 530.5)
- Money laundering – Both state and federal laws make it a crime to move money in a way that hides its unlawful source. For example, someone running an illegal gambling enterprise might launder the money through a legitimate storefront so it appears legitimate. (California Penal Code Section 186.10)
- Bribery and corruption – These cases involve giving or receiving something of value in exchange for influence over a decision. Bribery and corruption charges typically stem from dealings with government employees. (California Penal Code Sections 67 and 68)
- Tax evasion – While anyone can make mistakes on their taxes, tax evasion charges typically involve more than just forgetting to declare freelance income. Investigators look closely at whether someone intentionally avoided paying their taxes. (Revenue and Taxation Code Section 19706)
Each of these charges has its own challenges. For example, fraud cases might hinge on what was actually written in a contract. Embezzlement might come down to whether someone had permission. Identity theft cases may turn on digital evidence. What they all share is the need for a careful, strategic defense from an experienced white-collar crimes attorney in Van Nuys.
Penalties for a Conviction in California
The consequences of a white-collar crime conviction in California depend on the charges and whether the case is in state or federal court. Some crimes are “wobblers,” meaning prosecutors can file them as misdemeanor or felony charges.
For example, embezzlement under $950 might be a misdemeanor, but embezzling larger amounts can lead to felony charges and prison time. Federal convictions are worse. They typically involve mandatory prison time and steep fines.
In addition to prison or fines, there are other serious consequences. People convicted of white-collar crimes often lose professional licenses and face reputational harm. Depending on the specific case, they may face a civil lawsuit, and a criminal conviction can be used as proof to support a civil case. It’s important to work with a Van Nuys criminal defense attorney with the experience and skill to mount a strong, evidence-based case on your behalf.
Navigating Investigations by Federal and State Agencies
White-collar cases often start long before charges are filed. You might get a subpoena, a letter, or a knock on the door from investigators at the FBI, IRS, SEC, or the California Department of Insurance.
By the time you’re contacted, the government may already have spent months collecting documents, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing financial data. That doesn’t mean your case is over — it means you should avoid speaking to investigators and instead contact a white-collar criminal lawyer in Van Nuys.
When you bring in the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling early, you get responsive, quick action. Your attorney can:
- Talk to investigators on your behalf
- Challenge overly broad subpoenas or search warrants
- Help you avoid making statements that could later be used against you
- Begin building a defense before charges are ever filed
In some cases, early legal intervention can prevent charges altogether.
Our Approach: Building a Strategic and Hard-Hitting White-Collar Crime Defense
White-collar cases involve complicated laws, heavy paperwork, and government agencies with vast resources. That’s why the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling takes a hands-on, strategic approach to every case. We can craft a solid defense by:
- Carefully reviewing every piece of evidence, from bank statements to electronic communications
- Working with forensic accountants and investigators to uncover details that the government overlooked
- Challenging how evidence was gathered, including whether your constitutional rights were violated
- Negotiating with prosecutors and preparing for a potential trial
Why Choose Justin E. Sterling for Your Van Nuys Criminal Defense Case?
When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you want someone who has direct experience fighting white-collar crime charges and a history of successful outcomes in cases similar to yours.
Attorney Justin E. Sterling has spent over 20 years defending clients against serious charges, including financial fraud and other white-collar criminal offenses. He has insight into how prosecutors build cases and how juries react to evidence. Our law firm focuses on serious criminal charges, so you’ll work with a team that understands complex white-collar cases. Every client receives personalized attention, with defense strategies tailored to the unique facts of their criminal case and the evidence available.
Over the years, we’ve helped many clients achieve favorable outcomes, including dismissed charges, acquittals, or reduced penalties. As one past client wrote:
“If you want a professional attorney as long as you’re honest, Justin Sterling will stand by you 100% with a positive outcome and a professional team behind him. Trust in Justin Sterling.” – Omar C.
Learn More from a Van Nuys White-Collar Defense Lawyer
If you’re accused of committing a white-collar crime in Van Nuys, don’t wait to get help. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free initial consultation.
