If you or somebody you care about has been accused of committing a white-collar crime in the San Francisco area, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Okabe & Haushalter, our San Francisco white-collar crime defense attorneys are ready to get to work on your behalf immediately. Our goal is to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed so you can get back to living your life.
White collar crimes describe a family of crimes carried out by individuals who seek to defraud or steal items of value from another entity. These are generally not violent, but often involve illegal financial transactions. Many white collar crimes are considered to be high-profile, which often leads to maximum sentencing. It can be difficult to determine the specific penalties a defendant may face without consulting a knowledgeable attorney who is familiar with sentencing in a variety of scenarios. In particular, the amount of money illegally transferred or stolen can play a significant role in length of the sentence, as well as financial sanctions.
Legal Ramifications of a White Collar Crime
Being accused of a white collar crime can have a devastating impact on your personal and professional life. Having your name associated with such a crime—regardless of your innocence—may be enough to lose your job and end your career. With your livelihood and reputation at stake, it is important to confront allegations of white collar crimes immediately to minimize the negative impact it can carry. If you have been accused of a white collar crime, it is absolutely essential that you speak to our legal team as soon as possible.
Types of White Collar Crimes
It is important to be aware of the wide variety of white collar crimes that an individual may be accused of committing. Depending on the circumstances and seriousness of your alleged crime, you could face stiff fines, the loss of your professional license, and even a prison sentence if your crime constitutes a federal offense.
Some of the most common white collar crimes include:
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Extortion
- Public Corruption
- Conspiracy
- Fraud
- Insider Trading
- Possession Of Child Pornography
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Racketeering
- Tax Evasion
A conviction for committing any one of these crimes can have a severely negative impact on your life. With the assistance of a professional, highly skilled attorney, you can fight any allegations that have been leveled against you or seek to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Penalties For A White-Collar Crime Conviction In San Francisco
The term white-collar crime is an umbrella phrase used to describe any number of offenses that a person could commit that involved dishonesty or fraud. In general, a person could face a misdemeanor or a felony charge that will depend on the type of crime that has allegedly been committed. Often, white-collar offenses are considered “wobblers” in California, meaning that prosecutors can charge them as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts related to the situation and the previous criminal history of the defendant.
A misdemeanor white-collar crime will be punishable by time in county jail. The length of time a person spends in jail will depend on the severity of the crime, but this will never be more than one year. Misdemeanor white-collar crimes could also result in a person paying up to $1,000 in fines.
A felony white-collar crime in San Francisco is considered a much more serious offense than a misdemeanor. White-collar crime felony convictions will typically result in time and state prison, often up to 16 months, two years, or three years. Convictions of white-collar crimes could lead to a fine of up to $10,000.
Restitution To Victims Of White-Collar Crimes
Restitution refers to a payment that a convicted person is ordered to pay the victim as part of their punishment. Judges often require a person convicted of white-collar crimes in San Francisco to pay restitution to victims for any financial setbacks they caused. Restitution and fines are not used interchangeably in a California white-collar crime case. These are separate punishments. Restitution is paid to the victim of the crime, while fines are paid to the court.
Possible Defenses For A San Francisco White-Collar Crime Charge
The San Francisco white-collar crime attorneys at Okabe & Haushalter have an extensive track record of success defending those charged with the crimes discussed here. We will work to build a solid defense on your behalf. Our attorneys recognize that no two white-collar crime cases are exactly alike, but some of the most common defenses that we use on behalf of our clients include the following:
- That You Did Not Intend To Commit A Crime In The First Place
- That You Were Set Up By Law Enforcement (Entrapment)
- That You Lacked The Capacity To Commit The Crime, Whether Due To A Mental Incapacity Or A Physical Incapacity
- That You Were Intoxicated At The Time That The Alleged Crime Took Place
- That The Prosecution Lacks Necessary Evidence To Prove That You Committed The Offense You Are Accused Of
Protect Your Reputation: Contact Our San Francisco Firm
At Okabe & Haushalter, our attorneys have the aggressive attitude and in-depth knowledge necessary to decisively handle any white collar crime case. Our firm has a proven record of success in many high profile cases. We are proud of our accomplishments and confident in our ability to represent your case with the professionalism these types of charges require. With your career and your livelihood at stake, you should not take a chance with a less experienced and less successful firm. We are here to help you get what you want. Contact our firm now!