In the last two decades, California has seen a steep rise in the number of white-collar crimes. This increase is due to the technological advancements we have seen in recent years and our society’s growing reliance on cell phones and computers to access our personal and financial information.
To combat the increase of white-collar crimes, local law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges are aggressively investigating and prosecuting these cases. If you are facing charges, it is best if you speak immediately with a Riverside white-collar crime lawyer. Scott D. Henry and his team of skilled attorneys have represented hundreds of clients facing financial crime charges with unprecedented success. Our team has the specific experience, skills, and resources necessary to defend our clients against these charges effectively.
What is Considered a White-Collar Crime?
The term “white-collar crime” began in the 1930s. It was used to describe non-violent crimes that were not as serious as others. Today, white-collar crimes have become much more serious because they are significantly more common and the losses can be substantially larger. These offenses typically involve criminal fraud, which can include:
- Credit card fraud
- Extortion
- Ponzi Schemes
- Bank fraud
- Wage Theft
- Mail fraud
- Money laundering
- Bribery
- Income tax fraud
- Embezzlement
- Corporate fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Insurance Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
A Riverside attorney could determine if a person’s fraudulent actions constitute a white-collar crime and what their legal options are moving forward.
Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Riverside
White-collar convictions are punished harshly and may include financial penalties and possible jail time. The financial penalties commonly used for these convictions are fines, restitution, and forfeiture. These crimes also may result in significant prison time. The penalties vary and are typically related to the amount of financial loss to the alleged victim.
Common Defenses Against White-Collar Charges
White-Collar crimes are typically complex and require extensive research and analysis to determine the best defense. There are several effective strategies a lawyer in Riverside could pursue in a white-collar crime case.
- Lack of Intent: Most of these crimes require the prosecution to prove intent to get a conviction. If the defendant made a mistake and did not intend to commit the crime, they could not be convicted.
- Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement uses coercion and other overbearing tactics to induce someone to commit a crime.
- Intoxication: If the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the alleged incident, they were not in full control of their actions. An intoxication defense typically results in a lesser sentence.
- Incapacity: If the defendant was mentally incapacitated at the time of the alleged incident, they might not have fully understood their actions.
Ultimately, the defense strategy depends on the specifics of the alleged incident. After a thorough investigation and analysis, an attorney could determine the strategy that would be most effective in a particular case.
Contact a Riverside White-Collar Crime Attorney Today
White-collar charges are typically more complex. These cases require a significant amount of resources and the ability to review and analyze financial data. Fortunately, our skilled team at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry not only has the resources necessary, but we have a team of top-notch financial experts who could thoroughly obtain and analyze the essential data. We have a thorough understanding of financial concepts, which helps us effectively defend our clients.
If you are facing these charges, it is crucial that you speak immediately with a Riverside white-collar crime lawyer. Our firm offers a free consultation with no obligation. During your consultation, we could go over your case’s specifics, advise you of your rights and options, and determine the best move going forward.