Can I Settle My White Collar Case Before Trial in California?
How to Settle a White Collar Crime Case Before Trial in California
If you’re being investigated or have already been charged with a white collar crime in California, you may be asking one critical question: Can I avoid going to trial?
In many cases, the answer is yes.
White collar offenses like fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, or bribery don’t always end up in front of a jury. In fact, a significant number of these cases are resolved quietly through early legal negotiation — long before the courtroom becomes a factor. With the right legal strategy, it may be possible to protect your record, your license, and your professional reputation without ever stepping inside a courtroom.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we’ve helped professionals, executives, and business owners throughout Los Angeles settle white collar cases before trial — often through pre-filing intervention, restitution agreements, or favorable plea deals.
If you’ve been accused of a white collar offense and want to avoid a public courtroom battle, we offer a free consultation to review your case, explain your options, and help you take control of the outcome. Call (310) 448-1529 to speak directly with our office today.
Why Most Professionals Charged with White Collar Crimes Want to Avoid Trial
For many people accused of white collar crimes, the courtroom is the last place they want to end up. Trials are more than just legally risky — they’re public, time-consuming, and deeply disruptive to your personal and professional life.
If you’re a doctor, executive, entrepreneur, or licensed professional, even the accusation of fraud or embezzlement can jeopardize everything you’ve built — your reputation, your career, your financial future, and in some cases, your freedom.
Avoiding trial isn’t about avoiding accountability — it’s about minimizing damage, protecting your name, and resolving the matter as quietly and efficiently as possible.
You may be able to settle your case before it ever reaches court if:
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You’re a first-time offender with no criminal record
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The prosecution’s case is weak, circumstantial, or incomplete
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Restitution is possible and you’re willing to make things right
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You have an experienced defense attorney negotiating on your behalf
We focus on getting ahead of the charges — not reacting to them after it’s too late. If trial isn’t in your best interest, we’ll fight for a resolution that protects your future.
Pre-Filing Intervention: Stopping Charges Before They’re Filed
If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement, received a subpoena, or learned you’re under investigation — but haven’t been charged — this may be the most important window of opportunity in your case.
At this stage, your defense attorney may be able to intervene directly with state or federal prosecutors to resolve the matter before it escalates. In many white collar cases, early legal action can prevent charges from ever being filed.
Our firm has successfully stepped in during the investigation phase to:
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Present mitigating or exculpatory evidence
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Clarify misunderstandings or financial discrepancies
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Negotiate reduced charges or alternative outcomes
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Propose restitution or corrective action as a resolution
This strategy can be especially effective when:
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The situation stems from a business dispute, not intentional fraud
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You were unknowingly involved in someone else’s scheme
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There’s a legitimate explanation for the conduct in question
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You’re willing to cooperate or make financial restitution
If your matter is still being reviewed by the District Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, or another agency, do not wait. Pre-filing intervention may be your best chance to resolve the issue quietly — without arrest, public record, or a damaging courtroom process.
Can You Avoid Conviction Through Diversion or Deferred Prosecution?
For many first-time white collar defendants, there may be a path forward that doesn’t involve jail or a public trial. California — and in some cases, the federal system — offers alternatives to traditional prosecution that can keep your record clean if handled correctly.
Pretrial Diversion (PC 1001.95 or PC 1000)
If your case qualifies, you may be eligible to complete a set of court-approved conditions — such as financial counseling, restitution, or community service — in exchange for having the case dismissed. When successfully completed, no conviction appears on your record.
Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs)
In federal cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a Deferred Prosecution Agreement — an arrangement where the government agrees to postpone prosecution as long as you meet certain terms. This could include repayment, cooperation, or participation in compliance programs. If all terms are met, the case may be closed without a conviction.
These options are most often available to:
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First-time offenders
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Individuals not accused of violent or organized criminal conduct
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Those willing to repay losses or comply with program terms
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Clients represented by a lawyer who understands how to negotiate alternatives early
If you’re facing charges for fraud, embezzlement, or another financial crime, ask your attorney whether diversion or deferred prosecution is on the table. It could be the key to protecting your future, career, and reputation — without ever going to trial.
Settling Your White Collar Case Through a Strategic Plea Deal
Even if formal charges have already been filed, going to trial is not your only option. In many white collar cases, your attorney can still negotiate a resolution that avoids jail, reduces the charges, or protects your career from long-term damage.
With the right strategy, a plea agreement can result in:
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A reduction from a felony to a misdemeanor
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Avoiding jail through probation, electronic monitoring, or home detention
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Dismissal of certain charges to limit your exposure and record
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Protection of professional licenses and credentials
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Immigration-conscious outcomes for non-citizens
This approach is especially effective in cases involving:
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Fraud or forgery
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Embezzlement or employee theft
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Misuse of government funds or benefits
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Bribery, kickbacks, or unethical financial conduct
We don’t settle just to close a case — we negotiate from a position of strength. That means investigating weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, identifying legal defenses, and showing prosecutors why a more favorable outcome is in everyone’s best interest.
If you’re already charged and worried about the consequences of a conviction, a well-crafted plea deal may be the most practical and discreet way to move forward.
Facing Federal Charges? Early Action Can Make the Difference
Federal white collar investigations are serious — and often begin long before you realize you’re a target. You might receive a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or even a surprise visit from federal agents. These early steps often signal that prosecutors are building a case — and you need experienced legal counsel immediately.
Federal charges are typically handled by powerful agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, or Department of Justice, and the penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and permanent damage to your reputation.
Attorney Hashemi represents professionals and business owners in complex federal cases, including:
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Wire fraud and mail fraud
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PPP loan fraud and SBA loan misuse
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Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance billing fraud
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Insider trading and securities fraud
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Tax fraud and evasion
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Bribery, corruption, and public integrity offenses
Federal prosecutors may be open to early resolution — but only if your attorney gets involved before formal charges are filed. In many cases, we can enter pre-indictment negotiations to:
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Avoid criminal charges entirely
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Negotiate a non-prosecution or deferred prosecution agreement
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Secure a civil or financial settlement in lieu of a criminal trial
If you’ve received a subpoena, target letter, or believe you’re under federal investigation, don’t wait. The earlier we act, the more options you may have to quietly resolve the matter and protect what you’ve built.
Should You Settle or Go to Trial?
Not every white collar case is meant to be settled — and not every client is best served by a quiet resolution.
If the allegations against you are exaggerated, the prosecution’s evidence is weak, or your rights were violated during the investigation, fighting the charges may be the most effective path forward. But the key is knowing when — and how — to push back.
Our firm approaches every case with trial-level preparation from day one. This allows us to negotiate from a position of strength — because prosecutors know we’re ready to go the distance if needed. Whether your case is headed toward resolution or trial, our goal is the same: protect your reputation, your freedom, and your future.
We fight aggressively to:
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Challenge the government’s evidence
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Suppress unlawfully obtained materials
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Expose investigative errors or overreach
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Present a clear, compelling defense narrative
If you’re unsure whether to settle or stand your ground, our office can review your case and help you make an informed decision — based on facts, strategy, and your long-term goals.
Under Investigation or Facing Charges? Speak with a Los Angeles White Collar Crime Attorney Today
If you’re being investigated for a white collar offense — or have already been charged — what you do next can shape the entire outcome of your case. Whether you’re aiming to settle quietly or need to prepare for a courtroom fight, early legal intervention can make all the difference.
Attorney Hashemi brings over 20 years of experience defending clients in high-stakes financial crime cases throughout Los Angeles. He will sit down with you, analyze your situation, and discuss a strategy tailored to your goals — whether that’s avoiding charges, negotiating a resolution, or taking your case to trial.
Let us help you protect your future, your career, and your reputation — starting today.
Schedule a Free Consultation
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