Santa Monica White Collar Crime Lawyer

Criminal Defense in Santa Monica

If you have been charged with a white collar crime, you should not make the mistake of underestimating the seriousness of the case. The State of California and the federal government will pursue you with aggressive prosecution for any violation of the law, and you will face the possibility of harsh sentencing if you are found guilty. Don’t wait for an arrest-speak with an experienced Santa Monica criminal defense attorney as soon as you have any reason to believe that you are suspected of a crime. Your chances of defeating the charges will be much better if you get started on your defense early. Every moment you wait, you expose yourself to the risk of making statements and actions that can contribute to the evidence against you.

The term “white collar crime” covers a wide range of non-violent criminal offenses. Common examples include wire fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and forgery. With the rise of the internet, federal investigators and local law enforcement have become alert for cases of identity theft and credit card fraud, which can include small amounts of money or large, organized operations. You may be targeted as the primary suspect, or you could be under investigation for involvement with the crime, and in either case the penalties for a conviction can be harsh. Depending on whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you may be sent to jail or prison for months or years, as well as having to pay thousands of dollars in fines and having to serve a term of probation.