If you believe you are being investigated for a financial offense, it is crucial to contact a skilled Temecula white-collar crime lawyer as soon as possible. When our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry become involved early in the process, we may be able to prevent charges from ever being filed.
Our seasoned defense attorneys provide experienced legal representation to individuals and businesses charged with state and federal level white-collar crimes. We have the necessary skills to review and analyze large amounts of financial transactions, helping us to build a detailed and aggressive defense strategy against these charges. Our attorneys have an in-depth understanding of the rules that govern state and federal practice and could effectively navigate your case.
What Constitutes a White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crimes are non-violent, financially motivated offenses committed by a professional, employee, businessperson, or public official. They are fraudulent acts that involve taking another individual or business’s money or property for the perpetrator’s personal gain. Some of the most common offense that fall into this category include:
- Identity theft
- Forgery
- Extortion
- Embezzlement
- Bribery
- Money laundering
- Tax fraud
- Bank fraud
- Credit card fraud
Our attorneys in Temecula could help someone prepare a legal defense if they have been accused of any of these white-collar crimes.
Are all White-Collar Crimes Prosecuted at the Federal Level?
It is often believed that white-collar crimes are prosecuted at the federal level. However, it is not uncommon for state prosecutors to also pursue those accused of these offenses. Many white-collar crimes are quite complex and require vast resources to prosecute these cases effectively. These cases may be tried at the federal level because, typically, the resources needed are not available at the state level. If the case involves a significant financial loss or involves a federal institution, federal authorities will likely become involved. Federally prosecuted offenses include bank fraud, securities fraud, federal income tax fraud, and bribery of federal officials.
Who Investigates White Collar Crimes?
Several government agencies investigate these offenses, and at times, more than one agency is involved. Typically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates fraud crimes, such as bank fraud and mortgage fraud. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigates tax-related crimes but often works with the FBI in fraud offenses. The IRS and FBI commonly work together to investigate money laundering crimes because they often accompany additional fraud offenses. For crimes involving forms of mail fraud, the U.S. Postal Service may pursue and investigate the possible perpetrators. A lawyer in Temecula could help someone prepare for investigations by any of these agencies if they have been accused of a white-collar offense.
Contact a Temecula White-Collar Crime Attorney
Being charged with a white-collar crime can be devastating. You not only face considerable jail time and hefty fines, but your personal and professional reputation, and career can be irreparably damaged. With the stakes this high, it is best to contact a knowledgeable Temecula white-collar crime attorney immediately.
Our skilled defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry are committed to providing you with an aggressive, case-specific defense. We have the experience and resources to successfully handle even the most serious and complex cases. Our legal team is passionate about defending the rights of the accused and could fight tirelessly to get you a favorable outcome.