Vista DUI Lawyer and Criminal Attorney Peter M. Liss

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san diego white collar crime lawyer

San Diego White Collar Crime LAWYER

I am Vista white collar attorney Peter M. Liss, and I can help you if you have been accused of any non-violent crime. I have personally defended many individuals who have been arrested or charged with a white collar crime, including:

  • Fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Computer Crimes
  • Extortion
  • Money Laundering
  • Theft Offenses
  • False Impersonation
  • Perjury
  • Ponzi Schemes
  • Conspiracy

As a top white collar crime lawyer in San Diego, I offer top-quality representation at affordable rates. Please call my office today to schedule a free initial consultation. I accept all major credit cards.

What Are White Collar Crimes?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “white collar crime,” but the expression can be confusing if you don’t know the definition. 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.

white collar lawyer

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. These days, 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, the penalties are still grave, and the cases are often very complex.

Always Take White Collar Charges Seriously

While these crimes were not heavily enforced or punished in the past, police, prosecutors and lawmakers have been much more active in taking steps to stop these criminal activities in modern times. Police and prosecutors now have special units dedicated exclusively to white collar criminal activities and computer crimes. As a result, 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, mandatory restitution to the victims, and heavy fines.

On top of that, lawmakers 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, immediately contact a San Diego white collar crime defense attorney with experience handling these types of crimes.

Fraud Crimes in San Diego

fraud crimes in san diego

One of the most common types of white collar crimes is fraud. There are many different types of fraud, but some of the most common include:

  • Insurance Fraud
  • Credit Card Fraud
  • Welfare Fraud
  • Real Estate Fraud
  • Car Registration Fraud
  • Car Insurance Fraud
  • Workers’ Compensation Fraud
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Internet Fraud
  • Charity Fraud

Insurance Fraud Cases are Thoroughly Investigated

Fraud can be committed in many ways, with many forms formally charged as mail, wire or securities fraud. A large percentage of these prosecutions are for insurance fraud. Any material lie or misrepresentation on an insurance claim is a felony. The insurance companies have investigators who compile the evidence and then turn it over to the District Attorney. Unfortunately, even withdrawing a false insurance claim won’t prevent criminal prosecution as the D.A. gets funding from insurance companies to prosecute these cases.

Other Crimes Charged Along With Fraud

Fraud is often filed along with other charges, including forgery, theft, conspiracy, money laundering or embezzlement. Most of these charges can be either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the amount of money or property involved, the suspect’s criminal record, and other specifics of the crime.

Computer Crime Charges in California

computer crime defense

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. These activities are now performed by people of all backgrounds and classes and from any location.

Types of Computer Crimes

Computer crimes can include using someone else’s device without their permission, implementing a ransomware scheme, doxing, swatting, online stalking, and child molestation. Whether you have been accused of an internet sex crime or stalking someone online, working with a white collar crimes lawyer is essential to protecting your rights. If the police search your cell phone, computer or another device illegally, this evidence could be inadmissible, but you’ll need a skilled criminal defense attorney to ensure that happens.

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.

Financial and Theft Crimes

employee theft in san diego

A good portion of white collar crimes involves the theft of money or property through non-violent methods such as fraud, insider trading, blackmail or embezzlement, as well as other related crimes such as tax evasion, identity theft or forgery. When someone is deprived of property through fraud or other means, petty or grand theft charges will likely be filed as well, based on the property’s value.

Penalties for Theft Offenses

While petty theft is always a misdemeanor, grand theft can be a misdemeanor or a felony, and your choice of San Diego criminal defense attorney can often mean the difference between the two. Aside from prison or jail time, these crimes usually require you to pay restitution to the victim.

Consequences of White Collar Convictions

prison for white collar crimes

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 more minor financial crimes reduced to misdemeanors likely to result in probation, whereas felony charges are likely to end in lengthy prison terms lasting decades. 

Even if you avoid incarceration altogether though, having a criminal conviction on your record can still hurt your future by making it much more challenging to get a worthwhile job. Many white collar offenses are considered crimes of moral turpitude, which means a conviction can result in the loss of any professional licenses you may possess.

Don’t Underestimate the Financial Penalties

The monetary consequences of white collar crimes can be devastating. Aside from the penalties associated with the crime, sentences often require repayment to any victims. Even corporations can face criminal charges, 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.

Fight White Collar Charges

Top San Diego Attorney

Vista white collar crimes attorney

As your white collar crime lawyer, I can help by advising you about what to do at every stage of the investigation and criminal process and updating you about the status of your case.

The Support You Need

 During the entire course of your criminal proceedings, I will advocate on your behalf, arguing for lower bail, seeking a reduction of charges, and making court motions that may benefit you. I will gather evidence on your behalf and interview police and witnesses to build your defense. If you are convicted, I will seek either alternative sentencing or the minimum sentence available.

The Right Defense for You

I will work with you to evaluate the best possible legal defenses for your case, which may include insufficient evidence, lack of intent, innocence, mistaken identity and more. I will then present this defense on your behalf when negotiating for a plea bargain or fighting the charges against you in court.

I’m available, let’s talk

More Reasons to Hire Me

white collar attorney san diego

Benefits I Offer My Clients

Because I know that the law doesn’t just work 9 to 5, even in cases involving white collar crimes, I offer 24-hour-a-day, live, in-person answering and prompt responses to all client questions. As a University of California, Berkeley Law School graduate, I have over 35 years of experience handling criminal cases and have tried over 100 cases in front of juries. I manage all cases personally from start to finish.

Affordable and Reliable

I have top ratings on Yelp, Google and Avvo, yet I refuse to inflate my rates based on my reputation and I continue to accept all major credit cards. I believe everyone deserves top-quality representation at affordable rates. You can schedule a free initial consultation at my office, located just across the street from the Vista courthouse and jail, by calling the number below.

The Experience You Need

I have defended many people charged with white collar offenses, including insurance fraud, workers’ compensation fraud, real estate fraud, embezzlement, grand theft, burglary, internet fraud, forgery, and numerous other fraud and theft – related charges in Vista and greater San Diego County. Many of these cases have involved large amounts of money or valuable items.

Other White Collar Crimes

Learn More About Your Charges

Because a white collar crime is essentially anything that does not involve violence, the term applies to many different charges. A few examples not previously mentioned here include:

  • Planting evidence
  • Making harassing phone calls
  • Illegal gambling
  • Possessing an illegal pet
  • Altering covid test results or vaccine records
  • Police impersonation
  • Election fraud
  • Bribery
  • Bigamy
  • Selling illegal items to minors
  • Eavesdropping
  • Destroying or hiding evidence
  • Lying to a police officer
  • Falsely accusing someone of a crime
  • Using a fake ID
  • Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
  • Providing a minor with alcohol

Call My Offices Today

If you or someone in your family has been arrested for a white collar charge, please call me to learn how I can help you. I consider all criminal matters urgent and will respond immediately.

How to Contact Attorney Peter Liss

For skilled, IMMEDIATE help with
non-violent crime defense, including fraud, embezzlement, forgery and related offenses, call White Collar Lawyer Peter M. Liss:

(760) 643-4050or(858) 486-3024

Call 24/7, any time, any day. I can help you.

  • DUI / Felony DUI
  • Driving Offenses
  • Domestic Violence
  • White Collar Crimes
  • Theft Defense
  • Drug Offenses
  • Violent Crimes
  • Sex Offenses
  • Juvenile Crime
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Attorney Peter M. Liss,
(760) 643-4050
380 S Melrose Drive #301
Vista, CA 92081

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Copyright 2003, 2021 Peter M. Liss, Esq.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


About the Legal Information on This Website

I rely on my experience as a top defense lawyer in my area to personally review all information on this site; however the information offered here should not substitute as legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Vista, please contact a qualified defense attorney.