Encino White-Collar Crimes
Encino Attorney
White-Collar Defense Attorney in Encino, CA
One minute, you’re at your desk managing accounts, and the next, you’re answering questions from federal investigators. It could have been a single email, a spreadsheet entry, or an internal audit flag that led to questioning. The clock is already ticking if you’ve been charged or are under investigation for a financial crime in Encino. You need legal protection before allegations snowball into formal charges or convictions.
A knowledgeable Encino white-collar crime attorney can protect your rights and reputation.
Understanding White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are financially motivated, non-violent offenses often involving deceit, manipulation, or a breach of trust. The government can prosecute these crimes under state and federal law, depending on the facts of the case.
Agencies such as the FBI, IRS, and the California Attorney General’s Office are responsible for investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes. In Encino, such cases are often filed in the Van Nuys Courthouse West or U.S. District Court, depending on jurisdiction.
Common white-collar offenses include:
- Fraud. This offense covers many deceitful acts, such as insurance fraud, securities fraud, and health care fraud. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly made a false statement or misrepresentation for financial gain to get a conviction on this charge.
- Embezzlement. If you are entrusted with the property or money of another and you fraudulently convert those assets for your own personal use, the prosecutor can charge you with embezzlement.
- Identity theft. This crime involves unlawfully using another person’s personal identifying information for financial gain.
- Forgery. Faking a signature, altering a document, or presenting false documents with the purpose of defrauding for financial gain can constitute the basis for a forgery charge.
- Money laundering. The government can charge you with money laundering if you conceal illegally obtained money by funneling it through legitimate accounts or businesses.
Encino has seen several white-collar investigations in recent years, especially as digital transactions and real estate fraud have become easier to track with forensic accounting. Local prosecutors often work with federal investigators on large-scale fraud cases—but even a small mistake can have lifelong consequences.
What Are the Penalties for a White-Collar Crime in California?
While white-collar crimes don’t involve violence, the penalties can be just as harsh as other felonies. Sentencing depends on factors like:
- The amount of financial loss,
- The number of victims,
- Prior criminal history, and
- Whether the act crossed state lines.
Potential consequences include:
- Jail or prison time. Many white-collar offenses are wobblers, meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies.
- Restitution to victims. If convicted, the judge may order you to repay victims for financial losses, sometimes including interest, punitive damages, or additional penalties.
- Significant fines. Courts often impose fines in addition to restitution. Such fines can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Probation or supervised release. Supervised release often includes strict financial monitoring, travel restrictions, mandatory reporting to a probation officer, and the completion of other court-imposed conditions.
- Permanent record. A conviction can have a significant negative impact on your professional license, career, and future job opportunities.
Convictions often follow lengthy investigations and are prosecuted aggressively, which is why it’s so important to have a trusted Encino white-collar crime attorney in your corner.
How Prosecutors Build White-Collar Cases
White-collar cases often rely on thousands of documents, financial records, emails, and computer data. Unlike street crimes, there’s usually a paper trail, but interpreting that trail can be subjective.
Prosecutors aim to prove the following:
- You knowingly and willfully committed an act involving deception;
- You intended to gain a financial or personal benefit; and
- You took steps to conceal your actions or used fraudulent means to achieve your goal.
Even if the alleged conduct occurred in a corporate setting or as part of your job responsibilities, prosecutors may argue that you had criminal intent. The burden of proof is on the State, but you need a skilled Encino white-collar criminal defense lawyer to challenge those assumptions.
Effective Legal Defenses Against White-collar Charges
No two cases are alike, and your attorney will tailor a defense strategy based on your case’s facts, timeline, and existing paper trail. Some of the most effective defenses include the following:
- Lack of intent. If you didn’t knowingly commit fraud or were unaware of incorrect information, this can undermine the charges.
- False allegations. Personal disputes, workplace politics, or financial jealousy can lead to wrongful accusations.
- Insufficient evidence. The State must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough credible evidence to reach this high threshold, a jury should find you not guilty.
- Mistaken identity. With so many parties often involved in complex transactions, it’s not uncommon for the State to accuse the wrong person.
- Entrapment. If law enforcement pressured or induced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed—entrapment could be a valid defense.
- Constitutional violations. Illegal searches, wiretaps, or document seizures may lead to the suppression of critical evidence.
Your attorney will work to identify procedural errors and weaknesses in the prosecution’s timeline or case theory.
Aggressive and Effective Encino White-Collar Crime Lawyer
At Esfandi Law Group, we bring over two decades of white-collar defense experience to every case. Led by Seppi Esfandi, a UCLA Law School graduate and former public defender, our team is well-versed in the legal, technical, and practical aspects of defending complex financial charges.
We can provide you with the following:
- Confidential, strategic advice from the start of your case;
- Thorough document and data analysis;
- Access to forensic accountants, investigators, and expert witnesses; and
- Bilingual representation for Spanish-speaking clients.
We also bring a track record of dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea resolutions to the table. Whether the case is in state or federal court, we’re prepared to aggressively advocate on your behalf to protect your reputation and your future.
Start Your Defense Today Before the Charges Escalate
White-collar crimes don’t come with a warning. If you’re being investigated or even suspect you’re a target, early legal representation can change the course of your case. We examine every thread in your case’s timeline because, in white-collar cases, the details can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
You’ve built a career, a name, and a bright future. Don’t let an accusation redefine it. Let our Encino white-collar crime attorney help you take control, starting today. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do White-Collar Cases Usually Take?
These cases can last several months to over a year. The timing depends on the complexity of the evidence and whether the prosecutor charges you in federal or state court.
Can I Resolve My Case Without Going to Trial?
Yes. Negotiations, pretrial motions, or diversion programs often resolve white-collar cases, especially for first-time, non-violent offenses.
What Should I Do If I’m Being Investigated for Fraud?
Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and contact an Encino white-collar crime lawyer immediately. Legal counsel early on can shape how your case unfolds.
