Understanding White Collar Crime Charges in California

White collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses involving fraud, deception, or the abuse of trust for financial gain. These cases are often built on paper trails, electronic records, financial audits, or witness testimony — and can take months or even years for investigators to compile before charges are filed.

In California, white collar offenses can be prosecuted under both state and federal law, depending on the nature of the allegations, the amount of money involved, and whether interstate communication or federal programs (like Medicare or IRS filings) were affected. Many of these crimes are charged as felonies and carry significant penalties, even for first-time offenders.

Common elements in most white collar cases include:

• Intent to defraud or deceive
• Use of false pretenses, forged documents, or misrepresentations
• A financial loss or attempted gain
• A position of trust or authority being misused

Even if you had no criminal intent — for example, if you were following instructions from a supervisor, unaware of the full picture, or caught in a business dispute — you may still be investigated or charged. In many cases, prosecutors cast a wide net, charging employees or third parties based solely on access to documents or involvement in transactions.

White collar cases can also trigger parallel proceedings, such as civil lawsuits, professional discipline (for doctors, accountants, or real estate brokers), or asset seizures under forfeiture laws. That’s why it’s essential to have a defense attorney who understands not just the criminal side — but the big picture.

If you’ve been contacted by investigators, subpoenaed by a grand jury, or suspect you’re under investigation, now is the time to speak with a white collar criminal attorney before making any statements or decisions.

Common White Collar Crimes We Defend

Our firm defends clients facing a broad range of non-violent financial crimes, many of which carry felony consequences and long-term professional repercussions. Below are some of the most frequently prosecuted white collar offenses in Los Angeles:

Embezzlement – Penal Code § 503

In many embezzlement cases, the accused was in a position of trust — such as an employee, manager, or contractor — and is now facing allegations of misusing funds or assets that weren’t theirs. These charges often stem from internal audits, bookkeeping discrepancies, or disputes within a business. Even if the value is small, embezzlement can be filed as a felony and lead to prison time, restitution, and permanent damage to your career or professional license.

Money Laundering – Penal Code § 186.10

Charges for laundering money typically arise when someone is accused of trying to disguise funds earned through illegal means — such as through shell companies, structured bank deposits, or cryptocurrency transactions. Prosecutors often build these cases using financial records, wire transfers, and surveillance, especially if large sums are involved. Because this offense is frequently connected to other alleged crimes (like fraud or drug sales), it often comes with serious enhancements or even federal prosecution.

Tax Evasion – Revenue and Taxation Code § 19706

Tax-related investigations often begin with a state or IRS audit and can escalate quickly into criminal charges when prosecutors believe the person deliberately underreported income, overstated deductions, or hid assets. In some cases, businesses or individuals are charged for using “cash-only” models or off-the-books labor. A conviction can result in substantial fines, asset seizure, and possible jail time — even for first-time offenders.

Insurance Fraud – Penal Code § 550

These cases typically involve accusations that someone lied or exaggerated information on a claim to collect insurance benefits they weren’t entitled to. This could include staged auto accidents, inflated property loss reports, or fake injury claims. In Los Angeles, law enforcement works closely with insurers and the California Department of Insurance to build cases, which means charges often come after lengthy investigations — sometimes without the accused realizing they were under scrutiny.

Workers’ Compensation Fraud – Insurance Code § 1871.4

If someone is receiving benefits after a workplace injury and is later found to be working another job, exaggerating symptoms, or misrepresenting their condition, they may face felony charges. Likewise, employers accused of misclassifying workers or underreporting payroll to reduce insurance premiums can also be prosecuted. These cases often include video surveillance, social media monitoring, and extensive documentation used by prosecutors to support their case.

Health Care Fraud – Penal Code § 550

Medical professionals and billing managers are often charged with health care fraud when insurers or government agencies discover discrepancies in billing records. Common allegations include billing for services not rendered, duplicate billing, and misrepresenting procedures. In some cases, entire clinics are targeted for conducting high volumes of suspicious claims involving Medicare or Medi-Cal. These are highly technical cases that require an experienced defense with knowledge of both criminal law and healthcare billing practices.

Denti-Cal Fraud – Welfare and Institutions Code § 14107.2

Dental practices and billing staff can face Denti-Cal fraud charges when the state alleges they submitted false claims to California’s dental Medicaid program. Often, these accusations arise from billing for procedures not performed, misusing patient information, or inflating treatment costs. Because Denti-Cal is a state-run program, these cases are typically investigated by the California Department of Health Care Services and prosecuted aggressively.

Forgery – Penal Code § 470

Forgery goes far beyond signing someone else’s name. It can include altering a check, faking a business document, or creating fraudulent government forms. In white collar contexts, forgery is often tied to financial gain — such as manipulating contracts or creating false IDs. Even if no money was actually lost, intent to defraud is enough to trigger felony charges.

Identity Theft – Penal Code § 530.5

Stealing someone’s personal information — including Social Security numbers, credit card data, or online credentials — can result in serious criminal penalties. This charge is especially common in cybercrime investigations and often involves multiple counts for each victim. Prosecutors don’t have to prove the stolen identity was used successfully — just that it was unlawfully acquired or possessed.

Securities Fraud – Corporations Code § 25401

When investors are misled about the value, risk, or structure of an investment — whether in stocks, partnerships, or private placements — the person or company involved may face securities fraud charges. These are complex cases that often involve the SEC, FINRA, or the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. They can stem from investment schemes, pump-and-dump tactics, or insider trading allegations.

Penalties for White Collar Crimes in California

White collar crimes are often non-violent, but that doesn’t mean they’re treated lightly. In Los Angeles and throughout California, these offenses can carry harsh consequences — including felony convictions, prison time, hefty fines, restitution orders, and lasting damage to your professional reputation and financial future.

The penalties you face will depend on several factors, including:

• The specific charge and statute involved
• The amount of financial loss alleged
• Whether the offense involved fraud, deception, or a position of trust
• Your criminal history or any prior convictions
• Whether the case is prosecuted at the state or federal level

Common Consequences for White Collar Offenses:

• Jail or prison time: Many white collar crimes are felonies punishable by up to 3, 5, or even 10 years in custody — especially if the loss amount exceeds $100,000.
• Restitution: Courts often order repayment to victims, which can lead to years of financial burden even after a case ends.
• Fines: You may be required to pay thousands in fines, plus court fees and investigative costs.
• Probation or parole: These cases often involve lengthy supervision periods with strict reporting requirements.
• Asset seizure: Prosecutors can move to freeze or seize bank accounts, property, or vehicles if they believe they were tied to unlawful conduct.
• Professional consequences: A conviction can trigger license suspensions for doctors, lawyers, accountants, real estate agents, or any licensed professional.
• Immigration issues: Non-citizens charged with fraud or theft-related crimes may face removal proceedings or denial of naturalization.

In some situations, white collar cases are charged under California’s Aggravated White Collar Crime Enhancement (Penal Code § 186.11), which can add additional prison time if the alleged loss is over $100,000 — or more than $500,000 in major fraud cases.

Because these charges often involve months or years of investigation, it’s critical to take early action. Even if you haven’t been formally charged yet, speaking with a white collar criminal attorney right away can make a major difference in how your case unfolds.

Legal Defenses Against White Collar Crime Charges

Just because you’ve been accused of a white collar offense doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. Many of these cases are built on months of financial records, documents, and digital evidence — but that doesn’t guarantee the prosecution has a strong case. With the right defense strategy, it’s possible to get charges reduced, dismissed, or even avoided entirely.

As your white collar criminal attorney, Attorney Hashemi analyzes every detail to identify weaknesses in the case against you and build a personalized defense based on the facts. Some of the most effective legal defenses in white collar cases include:

Lack of Intent

Most white collar crimes require proof that you knowingly and willfully acted to defraud or deceive. If there’s no clear evidence of intent — or if the incident was the result of a mistake, miscommunication, or accounting error — then the charges may not hold up in court.

Insufficient Evidence

These cases often involve thousands of pages of bank records, contracts, and emails. If the prosecution can’t prove your direct involvement or connect you to key transactions, the case may fall apart due to lack of evidence.

False Allegations

White collar charges sometimes stem from business disputes, whistleblower claims, or internal investigations. If someone accused you for personal reasons or to deflect blame, we work to expose their motives and challenge their credibility.

Unauthorized Access or Identity Theft

In fraud or embezzlement cases, it’s not uncommon for defendants to be wrongly accused after someone else uses their login credentials, bank information, or business accounts. Proving that you weren’t the one who accessed or controlled the funds can be key to your defense.

Entrapment or Government Misconduct

In federal white collar investigations, law enforcement sometimes uses undercover agents or confidential informants. If they crossed the line — pressuring you into conduct you wouldn’t have otherwise engaged in — entrapment could be a valid defense.

Illegal Search or Seizure

If law enforcement accessed your computers, files, or financial records without a proper warrant or exceeded the scope of a legal search, we may be able to suppress that evidence — weakening or even eliminating the case against you.

How a Los Angeles White Collar Criminal Attorney Can Help

White collar crime investigations are often lengthy, complex, and built on large volumes of financial or digital evidence. By the time you find out you’re under investigation — or worse, arrested — law enforcement may have already been building a case against you for months. That’s why acting quickly is critical.

As a Los Angeles white collar criminal attorney, Attorney Hashemi provides proactive, strategic defense at every stage of your case. Whether you’ve received a subpoena, been contacted by investigators, or are already facing charges, our goal is to protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with our firm:

Early Intervention Before Charges Are Filed

If you’re being investigated but haven’t been charged yet, we step in immediately to communicate with law enforcement and prosecutors on your behalf. In some cases, we can resolve the matter before charges are ever filed — especially if we can present mitigating evidence or clarify misunderstandings early in the process.

In-Depth Review of Financial and Digital Records

White collar cases often hinge on documentation: emails, contracts, spreadsheets, accounting records, and more. We dig into the details, consult with forensic accountants when needed, and identify errors, assumptions, or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.

Negotiating for Reduced Charges or Civil Resolutions

Not every white collar crime case has to go to trial. In many situations — particularly when the alleged conduct involves a business dispute, clerical error, or first-time offense — we negotiate with the prosecution to seek alternatives to criminal conviction. This could include reduced charges, restitution agreements, or civil settlements that avoid jail time and protect your professional standing.

Aggressive Defense in Court When Needed

If your case does proceed to court, we prepare thoroughly and fight hard. That means cross-examining witnesses, challenging the credibility of government experts, filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and presenting a clear narrative that supports your defense.

Speak with a Los Angeles White Collar Criminal Attorney Today

If you’re facing a white collar crime investigation or have already been charged, your next steps are critical. You deserve a defense strategy built on experience, discretion, and a deep understanding of how financial crime cases are prosecuted in California.

At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we take the time to listen to your concerns, analyze the facts, and walk you through every legal option available. Whether you’re a business owner, licensed professional, employee, or someone who’s been pulled into a complex investigation — we’re here to protect your rights and your future.

Attorney Hashemi brings over two decades of courtroom and negotiation experience to the table, offering personalized legal counsel from the very first consultation. If you’re being investigated, have received a subpoena, or are facing charges for fraud, embezzlement, or another white collar offense — don’t wait to take action.

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Your career, your reputation, and your future are worth defending. Contact us today to speak with a Los Angeles white collar criminal attorney who knows how to fight back.