Committed Criminal Defense Team Focused On Your Freedom

Salinas White Collar Crime Lawyer

Defending Clients in Monterey & the Surrounding Counties

White collar crimes are serious offenses and can be prosecuted at both the state and federal level. At Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we know that you could be facing heavy penalties and fines, a significant loss of liberty, and may be ordered to repay significant restitution to the victim. Our Salinas white collar crimes attorneys will work with you to create a tailored defense, aggressively representing your interests throughout the course of your case.

After an arrest and accusation, contact our office right away and schedule a free case evaluation with a Salinas white collar crime lawyer member of our team.

What is a White Collar Crime?

A white-collar crime refers to a range of non-violent offenses that are typically committed by individuals, businesses, or government officials in the course of their professional lives.

These crimes are often characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and are usually motivated by financial gain. The term "white-collar" distinguishes these crimes from "blue-collar" crimes, which are more likely to involve physical acts of violence or theft.

Common examples of white-collar crimes include:

  • Fraud: This encompasses various types of deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Examples include securities fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, and healthcare fraud.
  • Embezzlement: The act of dishonestly withholding or stealing funds that have been entrusted to one's care, typically in a professional setting.
  • Money Laundering: The process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally, typically by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions.
  • Insider Trading: The illegal practice of trading on the stock exchange to one's own advantage through having access to confidential information.
  • Bribery and Corruption: Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value as a means of influencing the actions of an official or other person in a position of power.
  • Identity Theft: The fraudulent acquisition and use of someone's private identifying information, usually for financial gain.
  • Tax Evasion: The illegal act of not paying taxes owed to the government by underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding money.

White-collar crimes are typically prosecuted under federal law, although they can also be addressed by state law. The penalties for these crimes can be severe, including substantial fines, restitution to victims, and lengthy prison sentences.

Given the complexity and often sophisticated nature of these offenses, investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes often requires significant expertise and resources.

Types of White Collar Crime Cases We Handle

At our office, our team of Salinas white collar crime lawyers are ready to handle even the most complex matters, including those related to:

  • Computer fraud
  • Bankruptcy fraud
  • Credit card fraud
  • Annuity fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Tax evasion
  • Environmental law violations
  • Money laundering
  • Insider trading
  • Anti-trust violations

Challenging Your Charges

Most white collar crimes are related to theft and fraud, and many white collar cases revolve around deception in order to secure financial gain. We use our extensive knowledge to help you work toward resolution.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, our approach may include:

  • Challenging insufficient evidence during the investigation to get charges dropped
  • Negotiating a plea agreement with prosecutors for reduced charges and penalties
  • Challenging the evidence against you if it has been illegally obtained
  • Bringing motions to suppress in order to prevent the government from being able to use illegally obtained evidence in their case against you
  • If your case goes to jury trial, we can pinpoint weaknesses in the case against you and effectively present evidence to establish potential defenses

We can also utilize our professional network, which includes quality and trusted forensic accountants, private investigators, and substance abuse and mental health experts, to help us prepare and present evidence in court.

Understanding the Impact of White Collar Crimes

White collar crimes can have serious consequences for individuals and businesses, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal penalties. At Law Offices of William V. Pernik, we understand the complexities of white collar crime cases and the potential impact on our clients. Our experienced Salinas white collar crime lawyer is dedicated to providing strategic defense and protecting our clients' rights throughout the legal process.

When facing white collar crime charges, it's important to have a knowledgeable and skilled attorney on your side. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully challenging white collar crime charges and advocating for our clients' best interests.

Whether you are under investigation for fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, or other white collar offenses, we are prepared to fight for you. Contact Law Offices of William V. Pernik today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Law Offices of William V. Pernik Will Fight for You

If you’ve been accused of a white collar crime, you need an experienced, resourceful, and aggressive defense advocate. Call Law Offices of William V. Pernik today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Law Offices of William V. Pernik serves the entire Monterey County, including the cities of Salinas, Marina, Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove, and accepts cases from nearby counties of Santa Cruz and San Benito. Upon request, we also take selected cases from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Call (831) 273-3152 to schedule a free case evaluation with Law Offices of William V. Pernik today.

White Collar Crime FAQ

What are the penalties for white collar crimes in California?

Penalties for white collar crimes in California vary depending on the specific offense, the amount of money involved, and the defendant's criminal history. They can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, restitution, and forfeiture of assets.

What is fraud under California law?

Fraud involves the intentional deception or misrepresentation made for financial gain or to cause another person to suffer loss. Common types of fraud include insurance fraud, identity theft, securities fraud, and mortgage fraud.

What is embezzlement?

Embezzlement is the unlawful misappropriation or theft of funds or property entrusted to someone for safekeeping or management. It often occurs in corporate settings, where employees or executives steal money or assets from their employers.

What is insider trading?

Insider trading occurs when individuals buy or sell stocks or securities based on material, non-public information about a company. It is illegal because it undermines the integrity of the financial markets and gives unfair advantages to those with privileged information.

Can corporations be held liable for white collar crimes in California?

Yes, corporations can be held criminally liable for white collar offenses committed by their employees or agents, especially if the illegal conduct was carried out as part of the company's policies or practices.

What should I do if I am under investigation for a white collar crime in California?

If you are under investigation for a white collar crime, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without your lawyer present, and cooperate fully with your attorney to protect your rights.

Are there any defenses to white collar crime charges in California?

Yes, several defenses may apply depending on the circumstances of the case, including lack of intent, mistaken identity, entrapment, duress, and insufficient evidence. A skilled defense attorney can evaluate your case and develop a strategy to challenge the prosecution's evidence.

Can white collar crime charges be negotiated or settled out of court?

In some cases, prosecutors may be willing to negotiate plea deals or settlements that result in reduced charges or penalties in exchange for cooperation, restitution, or other concessions. However, the outcome will depend on the specific facts of the case and the discretion of the prosecuting attorney.

How can I protect myself from white collar crime allegations in California?

To protect yourself from white collar crime allegations, it is essential to maintain accurate financial records, comply with all relevant laws and regulations, and avoid engaging in any conduct that could be perceived as deceptive or fraudulent. If you become aware of suspicious activity or wrongdoing, report it to the appropriate authorities or seek legal advice promptly

The Opinions That Matter

See What Our Client Have To Say
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