White-collar crime is a proverbial term for financially motivated offenses carried out by professionals or people in business. The FBI and SEC are the two main federal agencies that investigate federal white-collar crimes. Because the statute of limitations for most federal crimes is five (5) years, these agencies can devote years to an investigation before formally charging someone.
A conviction for a white-collar crime can significantly impact your future and place you in financial ruin. The government may have the ability to seize all your assets – e.g., home, vehicles, properties, cash, and stocks. The government has no remorse for putting you in jail, imposing large court fines and fees, meanwhile leaving you and your family with nothing.
Top White Collar Crimes Attorney for High Stakes Cases
If you are under federal investigation, you must be cognizant that the government does not take these cases lightly. You must enlist the help of an experienced and knowledgeable federal white-collar defense lawyer. Many lawyers have never stepped inside a federal courthouse. The legal rules and procedures are very different than in state court. We pride ourselves on standing out among the rest. We have extensive federal experience and make it our prime objective to keep you out of prison and achieve the best possible result. Attorney John D. Rogers is a state bar-certified criminal law specialist. This rare distinction has been achieved by only a small percentage of attorneys in California. His qualifications and results have been recognized by hundreds of satisfied clients.
White Collar Investigations and Inquiries
Federal investigators do not reveal the presence of an open investigation as a matter of policy. Informing someone that they’re a target could compromise an ongoing investigation. However, sometimes a person may be able to know if they are entangled in a criminal probe.
- Federal agents executed a search warrant on your home, or office, or for the seizure of your electronic devices.
- You received a letter from your Bank informing you that your banking activity is suspicious and its opening an investigation. Sometimes these notices are letters from Financial Crimes Network (FinCEN).
- Your credit cards, debit cards, stock, and bank accounts suddenly close and the banking institutions are unable to disclose the reason(s) why.
- Social media companies alert you via e-mail that your account information and activity were requested by the government either by grand jury subpoena or search warrant.
- Federal agents visited you at your home or office requesting to speak with you.
- You received a grand jury subpoena to produce documents or to testify before the federal grand jury.
Types of White Collar Charges We Handle
Our office represents individuals, professionals, and corporate clients in all types of federal white-collar prosecutions and investigations. Our particular experience extends to a variety of cases including the following.
Bribery
Bribery is the act of giving money or services in exchange for corruptly influencing the actions of an individual. The crime involves a public official and it encompasses both giving an accepting bribes. Bribery is statutorily punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is codified under 18 U.S.C. § 1956 making it a crime to use financial transactions as a means to hide the source or destination of illegitimate money. Money laundering is usually charged along with wire fraud and drug trafficking. It is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
Tax Crimes
Tax crimes occur when someone uses illegal means to avoid paying taxes. They include filing false returns, under-reporting income to avoid paying higher taxes, willfully failing to file returns, or endeavoring to obstruct the Internal Revenue Service. Tax crimes are usually investigated by the FBI and criminal investigators with the IRS. The punishment for tax offenses is largely based on the amount withheld from the IRS.
Bankruptcy Fraud
Bankruptcy fraud is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 157 making it a crime to misrepresent, conceal, or provide inaccurate reporting of assets to the bankruptcy court. It is usually charged along with perjury, mortgage fraud, and identity theft. Bankruptcy fraud is statutorily punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.
Wire & Mail Fraud
Mail fraud is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 and wire fraud is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Both involve facilitating a scheme through the use of the U.S. Postal Service or electronic transmissions. Either offense carries 20 years in federal prison.
What are the Penalties Associated with White Collar Criminal Charges?
White-collar crimes can carry consequences of catastrophic proportions. A federal felony conviction will remain on your record for life, and you face considerable federal prison time and hundreds of thousands in fines. Most white-collar crimes are characterized as crimes involving moral turpitude because they contain an element of defraud. Accordingly, the following consequences may result:
- Lifetime prohibition from owning or possessing a firearm
- Adverse immigration consequences to non-U.S. citizens
- Revocation or suspension of your professional license
- A felony conviction on your record for life
It is common for the government to conduct a financial investigation into a suspect. If any of your assets contain or were paid for by, illegitimate money derived from the offense, then the government will seize those assets by civil forfeiture. This includes your home, vehicles, bank accounts, investment properties, and stock accounts.
Contact an Experienced Orange County White Collar Crimes Attorney Today
If you are under investigation for a federal crime, then you must seek protection from an experienced Orange County federal crimes attorney. A conviction may carry significant consequences that leave both you and your family financially devastated. Early intervention by a lawyer could help deflect the government’s case during its investigative stages. It can make the difference of serving a prison sentence or stopping the case from ever reaching the inside of a courtroom. Speaking with investigators without counsel can cause irreparable damages to your case and future. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
