San Diego White collar LAWYER

What Are White Collar Crimes?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “white collar crime,” but if you don’t know the definition, the expression can seem a little confusing. White collar crime offenses include stealing or wrongfully taking the property of another, fraudulently taking entrusted property, and defrauding someone of property, real estate, or labor by a false representation or pretense.

The phrase “white collar crime” refers to the fact that people were traditionally more likely to perform financial or computer crimes while working in an office job where they had access to sensitive data and computers. That being said, anyone of any background or class can commit a non-violent crime of this nature. While these crimes generally do not involve violence or weapons, they are still very serious, and often very complex.

Always Take White Collar Charges Seriously

While these crimes were not heavily enforced or punished in the past, police, prosecutors and law makers have been much more active in taking steps to stop these criminal activities in modern times. In fact, police and prosecutors now have special units dedicated exclusively to white collar criminal activities and computer crimes. This means when prosecutors bring up charges against someone for a white collar crime, they usually have ample evidence to support their case.

White Collar Crimes Carry Significant Penalties

The penalties for these crimes have become increasingly severe in the last few decades and those convicted of white collar crimes will often face significant jail or prison sentences as well as mandatory restitution to the victims and heavy fines.

On top of that, law makers continue to pass new legislation outlawing questionable activities conducted online or through other modern technologies. In many cases, additional prison time can be given for fraud or theft for higher amounts, depending on the exact offenses charged. If you are facing any charges of this type, it is critical you contact a San Diego white collar crime defense attorney with experience handling these types of crimes.

Computer Crime Charges in California

Thanks to the computerization of our modern society and easy access to sensitive data via the internet, white collar crimes no longer have to be performed in the office and these activities are now performed by people of all backgrounds and classes and from any location.

Types of Computer Crimes

Computer crimes can range from simply using someone else’s device without their permission all the way to child molestation. Whether you have been accused of an internet sex crime or stalking someone online though, it is important to work with a white collar lawyer in order to ensure your rights are protected. If the police perform an illegal search of your cell phone, computer or other device, it is possible this evidence could be inadmissible against you, but you’ll need an attorney to ensure that happens.

It’s worth mentioning that the San Diego District Attorney has an entire unit dedicated to investigating computer crimes, identity theft and financial crimes, meaning that if you are charged with one of these offenses, there is likely already quite a bit of evidence against you.

Consequences of White Collar Convictions

The penalties you can face for white collar charges will depend on the specific offense you have been accused of. In some circumstances, a lawyer can get smaller financial crimes reduced to misdemeanors, which are more likely to result in probation, while other offenses are likely to end in lengthy prison terms lasting decades. Even if you avoid incarceration altogether though, it is important to recognize that having a criminal conviction on your record can still hurt your future by making it much more difficult to get a job.

Don’t Underestimate the Financial Penalties

The monetary consequences of white collar crimes can be devastating. Aside from the penalties associated with the crime itself, sentences often require repayment to any victims. Even corporations can be charged with crimes and the financial penalties are sometimes enough to bankrupt the whole business.

Call A Lawyer Immediately to Fight the Charges

If you have been accused of a crime of this nature, it is imperative that you contact a skilled Vista white collar defense attorney as soon as possible. Peter M. Liss can help protect your rights during the investigation and prosecution of the offense.