White Collar Crime AttorneysSherman & Sherman LawMany financial and business-related criminal offenses are more informally called ‘white collar’ crimes. Essentially, all white collar charges involve profiting illegally and/or under false pretenses but, in most instances, without using the threat of force. These crimes include various forms of fraud and other dishonest practices. The Los Angeles criminal defense law firm of Sherman & Sherman has considerable skill and expertise in defending clients against these charges. We also have an outstanding record of results. The following information is intended to provide you with a general overview of white collar crime. If you have other questions or would like further information, please contact us at our Santa Monica office today.
White Collar Crime - An OverviewCrimes that do not involve physical violence, and that relate largely to financial matters, are often called "white collar crimes." White collar crimes involve most of the same legal principles as do other crimes, and people charged with white collar crimes have the same rights and protections as defendants accused of other crimes. On the other hand, white collar offenses are often complex, and involve numerous complicated legal and factual issues. The possible penalties include fines, prison sentences, restitution and criminal forfeiture. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, it is essential that you seek legal counsel from an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney at once so that you can preserve your rights and protect your future. FraudBlack's Law Dictionary (8th ed. 2004) defines fraud as "a knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment." The injury in fraud is usually depriving a person of money or other property that rightfully belongs to that person. Fraud crimes are classified according to the type of transaction in which the deception occurred. Fraud is a serious and broadly defined criminal offense. Criminal fraud is a charge that can be brought against a business, as well as against an individual (a business cannot be put in prison, but can be hit with substantial fines). A charge of fraud — let alone a conviction — can ruin the reputation of a person or company charged. Zealous legal representation is critical in fraud cases, as in all criminal cases. It is critical for an accused to seek help from an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney. Grand Jury InvestigationsA grand jury is a powerful tool that federal prosecutors can use to investigate and gather information about white collar crimes. The grand jury has the power to subpoena witnesses to testify and produce documents for review in an effort to gain information about an individual's involvement in a white collar crime and to see if there is enough evidence to indict that person. If you have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced defense attorney Other Types of White Collar CrimeThe term white collar crime encompasses a wide variety of criminal acts that are committed in a business or professional setting to achieve financial gain. This article provides general information about a few of the more common types of white collar crime. If you would like more information about these or other white collar crimes, contact an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney. Penalties for White Collar CrimeThe most frightening part of being a defendant in a white collar criminal case — or any criminal case — is the potential penalties involved if convicted. Most white collar defendants have no prior experience with the criminal justice system, and the uncertainty of their future looms understandably large in their minds. In addition to criminal penalties, many white collar offenses may give rise to civil lawsuits, brought either by the federal or state government, or by the victims of the offense. Any civil liability imposed as a result of these suits is in addition to, and not a substitute for, the penalties imposed in the criminal case. An experienced white collar defense attorney can give you specific advice on the possible penalties in a particular case.
State & Federal Criminal Defense in California & Nationwide Spanish Services Available Sherman & Sherman Law The attorneys at Sherman & Sherman Law provide criminal defense representation in both state and federal courts to clients nationwide and throughout the state of California, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the cities of Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Culver City, Sacramento, Fresno, San Francisco, and San Diego |
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
White Collar Crime Information Center
Sherman & Sherman, PLC
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Santa Monica, CA 90405
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