“White collar crime” is a label applied to any type of crime that is committed for reasons of financial benefit and in a nonviolent way. This label differentiates it from so-called blue collar crimes such as shoplifting or armed robbery. These crimes include offenses like extortion, embezzlement, racketeering and money laundering. Being charged with one of these crimes can be a frightening experience, but retaining a good defense attorney can make a positive difference in the outcome of your case. If you need a white collar crime lawyer, contact Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your legal options.
White collar crimes are covered by various statutes under state and federal law. Each crime is prosecuted differently according to which section of the California Penal Code or U.S. Code the individual crime is outlined under. Two common white collar crimes are extortion and embezzlement.
Extortion is illegal under Section 186.10 of the California Penal Code, and it can also be classified as a white collar crime. Extortion is commonly referred to as blackmail and involves using force or making threats in order to persuade someone to hand over their money or valuables. One example of extortion would be if a person threatened to expose a high-profile politician’s penchant for pornography unless the politician gave a certain sum of money to the person making the threat. Penalties for people convicted of extortion could include fines up to 10,000 dollars and a prison term of up to four years in a state penitentiary.
Embezzlement is the funneling of funds or valuable goods that have been entrusted to you in some way in order to use those funds or goods for personal purposes. This offense can manifest in a variety of ways, and they are all unlawful under California Penal Code Section 503. If a person is in charge of the petty cash drawer at their place of employment and decides to take a small amount of that money to buy a birthday gift for a relative, this could be charged as misdemeanor embezzlement if the amount taken was less than 950 dollars. Embezzlement is penalized as a type of theft—either petit theft (funds or goods valued at 950 dollars or less) or grand theft (funds or goods valued at more than 950 dollars), and could be punished as either a misdemeanor or a felony under state law.
A competent defense attorney can review the details of your case and help you decide which options best suit your unique circumstances. In some cases, an acquittal may be possible, allowing you to clear your name entirely. In other cases, stacked charges can be reduced via a plea agreement, leading to reduced sentencing when the time comes. At Okabe and Haushalter, legal defense is our specialty and we will fight for the best outcome for your case.
When you are ready to fight the allegations against you in court, talk to a white collar crime lawyer in Redondo Beach at Okabe and Haushalter. We will work together with you to create a custom defense plan and represent your side of the story in the courtroom. We have a reputation for courtroom excellence because our strategies get results. You can get your case evaluated free of charge, so call or click now to learn more about how we can put our legal skills to work for you.
