“White collar crime” is a label applied to any type of nonviolent crime that is committed for the purposes of financial benefit. This label differentiates it from so-called blue collar crimes such as assault and battery or armed robbery. These crimes include offenses like bribery, extortion, racketeering and insider trading. Being charged with one of these crimes can be an intimidating experience, but retaining a competent defense lawyer can make a tangible impact on the results of your case. If you need a white collar crime lawyer, contact Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your options under the law as a defendant.
White collar crimes are outlined under various parts of the California Penal Code and United States Code. Each crime is prosecuted differently according to which law the specific crime is governed by. Two common white collar crimes are embezzlement and insurance fraud.
Embezzlement is defined under California Penal Code Section 503 and is prosecuted as a form of either petit theft or grand theft. This crime involves the misappropriation or misuse of funds that have been entrusted to a person in either a professional or personal capacity, such as an employee funneling funds for personal use or someone with power of attorney over a relative taking the money entrusted to them and using it for personal reasons.
Under California Penal Code Section 550, it is unlawful to make false insurance claims for the purposes of financial gain. For example, disposing of an insured piece of personal property in a desolate rural area and then claiming that the property was stolen in order to get a check cut from the insurance company would be considered insurance fraud.
A competent defense attorney can go over the details of your case and help you understand your options under the law. In some cases, you may be able to be acquitted of charges and clear your good name after your court date. In other cases, multiple charges may be reduced via a plea bargain, leading to less severe sentences if a conviction is reached. At Okabe and Haushalter, criminal defense is our specialty and we will stand up for your best interests in the courtroom.
If you are facing charges due to an alleged criminal offense and live in Los Angeles county, talk to a white collar crime lawyer in Marina Del Rey at Okabe and Haushalter. We will work together with you to craft a custom defense plan that is aimed at achieving a desirable outcome for your case. We have a reputation for providing our clients with courtroom excellence because our defense tactics yield solid results. We offer free consultations, so contact us now to learn more about how we can put our legal skills to work for you.
