Have you been charged with a white-collar crime? If so, it is best to speak with a knowledgeable Laguna Beach white-collar crime attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Office of Scott D. Henry, our criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience fighting white-collar charges. We have the knowledge and resources necessary to thoroughly investigate the alleged offense and create an aggressive defense strategy to ensure a favorable resolution.
What is Considered a White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crime refers to a nonviolent, financially motivated crime typically committed by businessmen and women or government officials. The term is synonymous with various types of fraud offenses, including embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, corporate fraud, tax fraud, and extortion. These crimes are considered much more serious than they were in the past, largely due to the considerable amount of financial loss to the victims.
What is Extortion?
Extortion is a crime committed for financial gain. It involves illegally acquiring money or other assets from the victim by coercing them with verbal or written threats. Extortion is not simply threatening someone – it is when a person demands something of the victim. Blackmail is a common form of extortion and threatens to expose embarrassing or disgracing details about the victim if they do not pay the perpetrator.
Extortion crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense. Misdemeanors carry penalties of up to one year in jail, and felonies carry a prison term of up to four years.
Defenses for White-Collar Crime Charges in Laguna Beach
Several defenses are commonly used to combat white-collar charges. They include a lack of intent, insufficient evidence, entrapment, false accusation, mistaken identity, intoxication, and mental incapacitation. The most effective defense strategy will depend on your case’s circumstances. Our skilled white-collar criminal defense attorneys could carefully examine and analyze the facts of your case to determine the most appropriate strategy to use in your defense.
Penalties for White-Collar Crimes
Fraud is taken very seriously by Laguna Beach courts. These crimes are prosecuted zealously, and the penalties are harsh when convicted. Penalties for a white-collar crime conviction include the following:
- Substantial jail or prison time
- Hefty fees
- Restitution to the alleged victim(s)
- Probation
For more serious crimes, the penalties may include home detention, community confinement, supervised release, forfeiture of property, and payment of the cost to prosecute the case. Since the stakes are high, it is crucial to seek competent legal representation. Our defense attorneys have decades of experience, legal and financial knowledge, and long-standing relationships with local prosecutors and judges. We could fight effectively on your behalf to obtain the best result possible.
How an Experienced Laguna Beach White-Collar Crime Attorney Can Help
Being investigated or charged with a white-collar crime is a scary situation. Your case’s outcome will drastically affect your future. Our Laguna Beach white-collar crime lawyers at the Law Office of Scott D. Henry understand the fear and uncertainty you are experiencing. Our top priority is to provide you with aggressive legal representation while guiding you through this challenging process.
Our seasoned attorneys have over 40 years of combined fraud crime defense experience. Mr. Henry and his team have the legal knowledge, expertise, and resources needed to advocate effectively on your behalf. Contact our office today for a free case analysis so we can determine a course of action to ensure you receive the most favorable resolution possible.