Let an Alameda County White-Collar Crimes Lawyer Advocate For You
White-collar crimes might not carry the same stigma as violent offenses, but their consequences are still life-changing. These charges can result not only in long prison sentences but also hefty fines that may take years to pay off. The good news is that you are entitled to a vigorous defense that can reduce these charges or even lead to a dismissal. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime, Berkowitz Law is here to assist you. Let your Alameda County white collar crimes lawyer help you develop a solid defense.
Types of White-Collar Crimes
There are various types of white-collar offenses recognized under California and Federal law. Some common examples include:
Fraud
Fraud is among the most common white-collar crimes. It includes a broad range of conduct, including fraudulent activities involving mortgages, bank transactions, or health insurance claims. Penalties depend on the amount of money involved and whether the case is prosecuted under state or federal law.
Embezzlement
When people in a position of trust misuse funds for personal gain, they may be guilty of embezzlement. This crime differs significantly from most theft offenses because the accused initially has the authority to access or even use the funds.
Insider Trading
Trading securities based on confidential, non-public information is a serious federal offense. Prosecutors often aggressively seek convictions in these cases to deter the use of insider information.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves disguising the source of illegally obtained money. Usually, this is done by funneling illegal earnings through legitimate businesses or financial accounts. You can be prosecuted for money laundering at either the state or federal level.
Defense Strategies for White-Collar Crimes
Defending against white-collar crime allegations requires a careful, detail-oriented approach. Unlike many criminal cases, these prosecutions often rely heavily on financial documents, emails, contracts, and other paper or digital records. A strong defense begins with examining how this evidence was obtained. If investigators seized records without proper warrants or exceeded the scope of their authority, key evidence may be suppressed.
Another important defense centers on intent. Many white-collar crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement, require proof that the defendant deliberately intended to deceive or misappropriate funds. Mistakes, accounting errors, or poor business judgment are not the same as criminal conduct. Demonstrating the absence of intent can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Defense attorneys also scrutinize whether prosecutors can prove each element of the alleged offense. For example, in an insider trading case, the government must demonstrate that the information used was both material and non-public. By challenging these elements, it may be possible to negotiate reduced charges, seek dismissal, or obtain a favorable verdict at trial.
Talk to Berkowitz Law Today
It can feel hopeless facing charges for a white-collar crime, but the reality is that your conviction is never guaranteed. Building a strong defense strategy could allow you to avoid conviction and walk away with a clean record. Reach out today to speak to an Alameda County white collar crimes lawyer.