White collar crimes are those criminal offenses motivated by financial gain and typically accomplished without the use of overt force or violence. Laundering money and counterfeiting, check fraud and wire fraud, embezzlement and extortion are all examples of white collar crimes, in contrast with so-called blue collar crimes such as shoplifting or aggravated assault. Being accused of committing any crime can be a frightening experience, but a skilled defense attorney can help you fight the allegations you face in court. If you need a white collar crime lawyer, contact Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about how we can help you with your case.
A variety of different criminal offenses, including misdemeanors, felonies, and federal crimes, fall under the umbrella of white collar crime. Some examples of white collar crimes include:
If you have been charged with one of these or any other white collar crimes, contact us to discuss your legal options.
Each white collar crime is outlined by a different portion of the California Penal Code, along with its potential penalties if a conviction is reached. Some common white collar crimes people are charged with are extortion, embezzlement, and insurance fraud.
California Penal Code Section 518 through 527 outline the crime of extortion. Also commonly referred to as blackmail, extortion is a crime wherein a person is coerced into handing over funds, information, or materials. Usually this coercion involves a threat of some sort, such as threatening to expose a secret unless goods or funds are exchanged for silence.
Embezzlement is defined under California Penal Code Section 503. It is the misappropriation of funds or goods that have been entrusted to a person in some capacity, such as an employee or someone with power of attorney over a relative or close friend taking the money entrusted to them and using it for personal purposes.
Under California Penal Code Section 550, it is unlawful to make fraudulent insurance claims for the purposes of financial gain. For example, disposing of an insured automobile in a little-traveled area and then claiming that the vehicle was actually stolen in order to obtain an insurance check would be considered an act of insurance fraud.
Have you been accused of one of these or another white collar crime in the Los Angeles area? If you need a white collar crime lawyer in Torrance, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can help. We pride ourselves on providing clients with courtroom excellence, and can aggressively defend you in the court of law. We are criminal law experts and have handled multiple high-profile white collars crime cases. We have a reputation for putting up a strong defense and getting real results that can get you back to living your life sooner. We can negotiate for reduced charges and reduced penalties, and we offer free consultations. Call today to learn more about how we can put our legal expertise to work for you.
