White Collar Crime Lawyer Redwood City, CA
A San Mateo, CA white collar crime lawyer from The Morales Law Firm has significant experience handling cases of sophisticated fraud and white collar crimes. We understand how careers can be ruined by these allegations, let alone the potential for incarceration if convicted.
If you were arrested or are a suspect in an investigation, contact our team immediately. Early intervention may help you avoid the full brunt of formal charges and public exposure if there is an innocent explanation to your involvement.
The term “white collar crimes” can actually be applied to a variety of many, more specified charges, including:
- Embezzlement and corporate theft
- Misappropriation of company or client funds
- Medical insurance fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Internet scams/consumer fraud
- Check forgery
- Identity theft/credit card theft
Crimes such as bribery, identity theft, embezzlement, and fraud crimes including wire fraud, contracting fraud, and mail fraud often require a criminal lawyer to have a thorough understanding of the law and all the defenses available to their clients. White collar criminal defense, too, requires representation from a skilled San Mateo, California white collar crime lawyer who is dedicated to building a strong case from competing interpretations of financial documents and transactions, e-mails, and billing and accounting procedures against the federal government. At The Morales Law Firm, we understand the stakes are extremely high in these cases, as often a defendant with no criminal record is facing severe maximum penalties, and we want to help our clients fight for their rights.
The Investigation
White collar crimes are typically investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI); however, other federal agencies are sometimes involved in more nuanced or specified areas of fraud or white collar crimes. Specifically, the FBI tends to focus their attention on insurance fraud, healthcare fraud, and mortgage fraud. Insurance fraud reportedly costs insurance companies roughly 30 billion dollars per year. Thus, these insurance companies have large and powerful lobby groups that place pressure on federal and state governments to crackdown on fraudulent claims — meaning the odds are stacked against our clients when facing strong, heavily funded opposition in court.
The FBI and other law enforcement agencies secure search warrants and arrest warrants in white collar cases using a variety tactics including deploying undercover agents and conducting covert surveillance. Do not wait to contact a white collar crime lawyer in San Mateo, California if you think you are under investigation by the FBI or another US law enforcement agency. If you or someone you know is being investigated or has been arrested or indicted for a federal crime, contact The Morales Law Firm today.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crime
When you commit a crime, you should never try to represent yourself in court, even if your crime was non-violent. Thus, the white collar crime lawyer in San Mateo, CA from The Morales Law Firm recommends giving our office a call if you have been accused of committing a white collar crime. In some instances, committing a white collar crime may seem insignificant. You might have taken some office supplies home for your own personal use. In other cases, you may have committed embezzlement which carries with it severe penalties. Whatever type of white collar crime you allegedly committed, you want to ensure you have a trusted attorney on your side. Below, our San Mateo, CA white collar crime lawyer has answered frequently asked questions regarding white collar crime.
How serious are white collar crimes? Are they misdemeanors or felonies?
White collar crimes should always be considered serious by the person being accused of committing it. A white collar crime can either be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the crime committed. Less serious crimes that involve smaller amounts of money will likely end up being a misdemeanor. If you committed more serious crimes, like bank fraud. You may be charged with a felony. Unlike a misdemeanor, you will face more serious penalties, like hefty fines or even time in prison.
Does everyone charged with a white collar crime go to jail?
No, this will depend on the charges brought against you and whether you have legal representation. If you are convicted of a white collar crime, it is possible that you will serve time in jail or even prison. However, with the help of a San Mateo, CA white collar crime lawyer your charge may not result in a conviction.
Can I get a job after a conviction like this?
Yes, it is possible to find a job. However, finding a job when you have a misdemeanor or felony like this on your record will not be simple.
What are the common types of white collar crimes?
There are many ways an employee can commit a white collar crime. Some of the most common types of white collar crime are:
- Wire Fraud
- Mail Fraud
- Embezzlement, and
- Bank Fraud
I think I’m going to plead guilty. Do I need an attorney?
We strongly believe you should not plead guilty unless you know for certain exactly what you are being accused of and what kind of penalties there will be for your crime. Just because you have been charged with a white collar crime does not mean you will be convicted of one. It is important to get legal representation so that we can fight the charges placed against you.
Contact a Lawyer Today:
White collar crime charges can completely up-root the accused party’s life. At The Morales Law Firm, we understand how daunting this can be, and have dedicated our lives to fighting for the rights of our clients. If you think you are under investigation or have been charged with a white collar crime, you need to contact a competent white collar crime lawyer Redwood City CA residents trust.