White-collar crimes are becoming increasingly more common, largely due to the easily accessible abundance of information on the internet. To combat the commission of these offenses, state and federal governments have devoted substantial resources to investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate these crimes. Punishment for a white-collar crime conviction generally includes significant jail time and the forfeiture of assets. When the stakes are this high, you need aggressive and qualified legal counsel.
The San Diego County white-collar crime lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have extensive experience handling every stage of these complex cases. From performing a detailed investigation into the allegations to building a compelling defense strategy and aggressively advocating on your behalf in court, we could protect your rights throughout the entire process, giving you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Our trusted and capable San Diego County attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have the resources and skills to effectively represent you against a wide range of white-collar offenses, including:
We also offer quality representation for federal white-collar crimes, such as:
“White-collar crime” is a broad term used to describe nonviolent, financially motivated offenses. Typically, these crimes are carried out by professionals, such as high-level executives, medical professionals, and government officials.
White-collar crime is steadily on the rise, thanks to our technologically advancing society. We increasingly rely on our cell phones and computers to handle most of our personal business and financial transactions, leaving our information easily accessible to others. According to the FBI, these crimes costs the United States an estimated $300 billion annually. Identity theft alone cost Americans $56 billion last year. These significant losses are the top contributor to the increased focus and vast resources placed on investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
The stakes are high when facing any type of white-collar crime charge. Anyone accused of these complex crimes needs an experienced attorney that understands the possible defenses and knows how to implement them effectively. Below are the most common defenses that an attorney in San Diego County could use in white-collar crime cases.
Intent must be proven by the prosecutor to secure a conviction. If it is shown the defendant made a mistake or otherwise did not intend to commit a crime, they cannot be convicted of the charge.
Although a lack of knowledge is typically not a viable defense to a crime, it is sometimes possible in white-collar crime cases. When several parties are involved in a crime, and if the defendant was simply a part of a bigger plan, they may not have known a crime was being committed.
Being forced to commit a crime is a valid white-collar crime defense. For example, a perpetrator may threaten the safety of an individual’s family to get them to participate in the crime.
Entrapment is similar to coercion. However, in these cases, a member of law enforcement is the one who is coercing the defendant. This does not mean that every situation in which an undercover law enforcement official is involved is automatically entrapment. It must be proven the defendant would not have committed the crime without the influence or coercion of the official.
If you are being investigated for a white-collar crime, you must act quickly. Having skilled legal representation early in the process could help to avoid or minimize serious criminal charges. Our legal team works with a network of financial and investigative experts to compile supporting evidence and build a persuasive defense strategy. We are diligent and thorough when preparing for trial and provide you with a strong, compelling defense in court, if necessary.
To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact a San Diego County white-collar crime today. We offer all prospective clients a free consultation without any obligation to ensure everyone receives sound legal advice. Contact us today.
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