If you have been accused of criminal and professional misconduct, it is essential to speak with an experienced Rancho Cucamonga white-collar crime lawyer as soon as possible. The stakes are extremely high when faced with these charges. Fraud crimes are harshly punished in our court system. You need superior legal representation from a qualified and experienced attorney.
Our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry have over 40 years of combined experience defending against white-collar charges. We have a proven track record of success due to our persuasive defense strategies, highly respected experience in negotiation, and dedication to ensuring our clients receive the best possible outcome.
Federal White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. How it is charged and prosecuted depends on the specifics of the alleged crime. If the offense took place over state lines or involved a federal agency or federally insured banking system, it will be charged and prosecuted at the federal level. Some examples of federal white-collar crime include tax fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, extortion, financial institution fraud, mortgage fraud, identity theft, pyramid schemes, and embezzlement. Depending on the white-collar offense, one of our dedicated attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga could help build a defense.
Tax Fraud
If you lied or misrepresented facts in order to decrease your tax liability, you can be charged with tax fraud. California Revenue and Taxation Code 19706 states that you are guilty of tax fraud if you willfully failed to file a tax return or supplied information with the intention of avoiding taxes. Additionally, you may be accused of this crime if you willfully made, signed, or verified false documents or supplied false or false information.
Tax fraud convictions carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a maximum fine of $20,000. If you are convicted of a federal charge, you may be sentenced to up to five years in state prison and up to $100,000 in fines.
Law Enforcement Agencies That Investigate White-Collar Crimes
State and Federal law enforcement agencies employ substantial resources to investigate white-collar crimes. An individual believed to have committed a fraud crime faces an in-depth and coordinated investigation from several state offices and agencies such as the state attorney general’s office, Division of Insurance Fraud, Division of Securities, or Gaming Enforcement. A Federal investigation could include agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI,) the US Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS,) and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC.)
Due to a recent increase in federal sentencing guidelines, penalties for white-collar crime convictions carry even harsher, long-lasting consequences. From substantial fines to lengthy imprisonment, the punishment for these offenses resemble those associated with violent crime convictions.Â
Defenses Against White-Collar Offenses
White-collar crimes tend to be more complex than other criminal offenses. This is largely due to the number of complex financial transactions that typically transpire during the commission of these offenses. Fortunately, our seasoned attorneys in Rancho Cucamonga have extensive experience obtaining and analyzing financial data that assist in building strong defense strategies in white-collar crime cases. Strong legal arguments may include:
- Lack of intent or Mistake of Fact
- Insufficient evidence
- Entrapment
- Lack of knowledge
- Intoxication or Incapacity
Consult with a Rancho Cucamonga White-Collar Crime Attorney
Facing serious criminal charges can be frightening. Your freedom and future depend on the outcome, so it is essential to find experienced, aggressive legal counsel to defend you skillfully against these charges.
Our Rancho Cucamonga white-collar crime lawyers offer free consultations so you can understand the charges against you, learn your legal rights and options, and discuss all possible legal outcomes. Our dedicated legal team may do everything within our power to protect your rights and freedom.