White Collar Crimes

In general, white collar crimes are typically crimes of theft and deception (as opposed to other crimes that involve the use of force) that are perpetrated by individuals who are salaried professionals. Such crimes can be prosecuted at the state level, the federal level or both. The penalties for convictions of white collar crimes usually consist of fines, restitution, and, in some instances, prison. A knowledgeable Orange County commercial litigation lawyer can further advise you if you have questions about the classification of your specific situation.

Some of the more common white collar crimes include bribery, embezzlement, extortion, fraud, forgery, larceny, and perjury. As defined, bribery is the corrupt payment or receipt of anything of value in exchange for an official action. Embezzlement entails the dishonest conversion of the property of another by a person who is in lawful possession of the property.

Extortion involves forcing a person to give up his or her property through the use of violence, fear or under the pretense of authority. Forgery is defined as the creating or changing of a fake writing with the intent to defraud others. Fraud is the false misrepresentation of a matter of fact that induces someone to part with something of value that belongs to him or her, or to give up a legal right.

Larceny involves personal property that, first of all, must be capable of being possessed and carried away and is actually taken and carried by trespass for the purpose of permanently depriving the owner of his or her interest in the property. Perjury is the willful and corrupt taking of a false oath during a judicial proceeding. In addition to the above-mentioned crimes, computer and telemarketing fraud, tax evasion and fraud, and insurance fraud also fall under the definition of white collar crimes.

If you have been accused of a white collar crime, any skilled Orange County commercial litigation lawyer will tell you that it is crucial that you protect your legal rights and never agree to speak with any officials or answer any of their questions regarding a possible investigation into a white collar crime until you have conversed with a lawyer who is highly experienced in white collar crimes.

If you or someone you know has already been arrested, or is being investigated for a white collar crime, you should seek the advice of an Orange County commercial litigation attorney as soon as possible. Please call the Firm at 949-861-2524 for a free consultation.