For professionals such as healthcare practitioners, business owners, CEOs, and more, being subjected to a government investigation can have devastating ramifications both professionally and personally. Allegations of white-collar crime could result in severe penalties and extended imprisonment if federal investigators and prosecutors find sufficient evidence for a prosecution. If you find yourself caught in such an ordeal, protecting your professional reputation can feel overwhelming.
To address these charges effectively, it is essential to have a seasoned federal defense attorney by your side. Chambers Law Firm is available for a consultation at 714-760-4088.
Understanding the Spectrum of White-Collar Crimes
At Chambers Law Firm, we are equipped to defend individuals and corporations against a broad spectrum of federal white-collar investigations and prosecutions. Our experienced attorneys can represent various professionals, including physicians, executives, company owners, board members, and corporate entities. Here’s an overview of some common white-collar crimes.
Bank and Check Fraud
Bank fraud is a federal crime, defined as executing or attempting to execute a scheme with the intent to defraud a financial institution or to obtain any assets under the custody of a financial institution through false pretenses, representations, or promises. Actions like forging signatures on financial documents, altering checks, check kiting, or committing identity theft to secure a loan or credit fall under this category. Bank fraud can result in fines up to $1 million and up to 30 years in federal prison.
Embezzlement
This white-collar crime involves unlawfully acquiring funds from a federally insured financial institution, often through misapplication of bank funds. The prosecution must prove that you, as an employee or officer of an FDIC-insured bank, knowingly and willingly embezzled or misapplied funds with the intent to defraud the bank.
Forgery
Forgery entails falsifying a document with the intent to deceive a person, financial institution, the federal government, or a private company. This includes fabricating or modifying signatures on checks and other financial instruments or manipulating any information on a legal document or financial instrument. Federal forgery can lead to significant fines and up to 20 years in federal prison.
Health Care Fraud
Healthcare fraud involves obtaining money unethically from commercial insurance companies or federal healthcare benefit programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. Federal authorities use various legislation to investigate and prosecute healthcare professionals accused of fraud.
Mail and Wire Fraud
These two federal felonies are often charged in conjunction with other white-collar crimes. Both violations are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and significant fines, with penalties applied to each act of fraud.
Money Laundering
Money laundering involves hiding the source or destination of illegally obtained funds through a series of financial transactions. Money laundering charges are often filed along with charges for other serious white-collar felonies.
Mortgage Fraud
This crime involves providing false information or fraudulent documents to secure a loan for real estate acquisition. Federal prosecutors have exposed various types of mortgage fraud, each carrying potentially severe consequences.
Investment Fraud
Securities fraud is a broad term that refers to a range of violations of SEC regulations and federal securities laws. Such cases often involve brokers, advisors, and financial institutions accused of deceiving investors.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion is a federal white-collar crime that can lead to hefty fines and up to five years in federal prison for each prosecutable offense. Federal prosecutors often pursue tax evasion charges against individuals and businesses alike.
Call Now for a Free Legal Consultation
If you find yourself facing charges related to any of these crimes or any other federal white-collar crime, you need an experienced attorney to guide you through this legal minefield. Chambers Law Firm is here to help you navigate this process and fight for your rights. Reach out at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation today.
