Salinas White Collar Crimes Attorney

Defending Against White Collar Criminal Charges in Monterey County

White collar crimes include a broad range of criminal offenses, from fraud and embezzlement to tax evasion, bribery, and money laundering. Prosecutors take these crimes extremely seriously, and the penalties for a conviction are very harsh. If you are under investigation for a white collar crime, or if you have already been arrested, it is absolutely crucial that you secure experienced legal counsel right away. At Law Office of John Klopfenstein, we understand the complexities and serious nature of white collar crimes. Our experienced white collar crimes attorney in Salinas provides powerful defense strategies for individuals accused of these offenses.

Contact us now to schedule a confidential consultation; call (831) 610-5921 or submit a secure contact form. 

What Are White Collar Crimes? 

Generally speaking, the term “white collar crimes” refers to a variety of non-violent offenses that are committed for financial gain. These crimes often involve deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, primarily in business or professional settings. 

Types of White Collar Crimes

Many different criminal offenses fall under the umbrella of “white collar crimes.” These include:

• Fraud: The crime of fraud encompasses various forms of deceit carried out for financial gain, including but not limited to:
  • Securities Fraud: Misleading investors about the value of stocks or bonds
  • Insurance Fraud: Submitting false claims to insurance companies
  • Tax Fraud: Underreporting income or claiming false deductions or credits
  • Healthcare Fraud: Misrepresenting services or diagnoses, overbilling, etc.
  • Phishing/Online Fraud: Deceptive emails or websites made to steal information
• Embezzlement: Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust, often by employees or officials.
• Money Laundering: This refers to the act of concealing the origins of illegally obtained money, typically through a complex sequence of transactions.
• Tax Evasion: Illegally avoiding paying taxes owed to the government by underreporting income or inflating deductions is known as tax evasion.
• Bribery and Corruption: Bribery and corruption include offering or receiving something of value to influence the actions of an official in their capacity.

While some white collar crimes are prosecuted at the state level, most are characterized as federal offenses. This means that you need a defense attorney who understands the federal criminal justice system and who is prepared to represent you in federal court. 

What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes?

While the penalties for white collar crimes depend on the specific offense and the amount of money involved, they are almost always severe. Being convicted of a white collar crime has many impacts on various aspects of your life, from your finances to your reputation to your freedom.

Some potential penalties for a white collar criminal conviction include: 

• Imprisonment: Depending on the crime, individuals can face substantial prison sentences, often ranging from a few months to several years or even life imprisonment. 
• Fines: Offenders may face significant monetary penalties, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
• Restitution: Courts may order defendants to repay victims for their losses. Depending on the specifics of the case, this can amount to thousands or millions of dollars.
• Probation: Instead of or in addition to prison time, offenders may be placed on probation, requiring regular check-ins with a probation officer.

Many white collar crimes are charged as felonies, which can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s life, including a permanent criminal record.