White collar crimes may not be the most violent of offenses, but their victims suffer considerable financial, emotional, psychological, and physical distress after being taken advantage of. If you have been accused of committing a white-collar criminal offense, you could be facing harsh penalties.
With help from a Costa Mesa white-collar crime lawyer, you could protect your future and reputation. Contact us for a confidential consultation to learn more about which defenses could be most valuable in your case.
Common Types of White Collar Crimes in Costa Mesa
White collar crimes can take many forms. Any type of crime that involves defrauding someone else for your own personal financial gain could be considered a white-collar crime. Some of the more common types of white-collar crimes our clients have faced include:
- Medicare fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement
- Trade secret theft
- Forgery
- Insurance fraud
- Bribery
- Internet fraud
- Ponzi schemes
These are only a few of the more common types of white-collar crimes you could be charged with in Costa Mesa. If you have been charged with another type of white-collar crime that was not listed above, you could still be in dire need of a criminal defense attorney to help you clear your name.
For a free legal consultation with a white collar crime lawyer serving Costa Mesa, call (310) 896-2723
How a Costa Mesa White Collar Crime Attorney Could Help You
Having an experienced Costa Mesa white-collar crime attorney on your side could make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Your attorney will be able to closely evaluate the circumstances of your charges to help you understand the severity of the charges against you, your potential defense options, and the consequences you could be facing if you are convicted.
If you retain a private Costa Mesa white-collar crime attorney, you can expect:
- Legal representation that fights to protect your constitutional rights
- An in-depth investigation into the charges against you
- Negotiations with the prosecuting attorney to obtain a plea agreement or enter into a pretrial diversion program
- Zealous legal advocacy at trial
Costa Mesa White Collar Crime Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Happens After You Have Been Arrested for a White Collar Crime in Costa Mesa?
In the aftermath of your arrest, you may be left feeling scared and worried about your future. Here is a general idea of what you can expect after your arrest for a white-collar crime in Costa Mesa:
The Initial Hearing
At your initial hearing, you will have the opportunity to enter your plea. The judge will also determine whether bail should be set and for how much. Your white-collar crime lawyer in Costa Mesa will be responsible for arguing for a reduced and reasonable bail amount so you can get home to your family.
The Indictment
The prosecuting attorney will then have the opportunity to review the evidence to determine whether formal charges should be filed against you. If so, you will be formally indicted, charges will be filed with the court, and a trial date will be set.
Discovery
Your attorney will then be able to access the state’s evidence against you. We will also need to turn over the evidence we have gathered to support your case to the state. This will give us a better idea of how they plan to approach your case and gives you an opportunity to tailor your defense strategy accordingly.
Pretrial Motions
Pretrial motions give us an opportunity to negotiate with the prosecutor. If we can work out a plea agreement or convince the prosecutor to allow you to enter a pretrial diversion program, you could avoid having to go to trial and face criminal penalties. If these options are not available for you, your case will proceed to trial.
Trial
In court, the state will present its evidence against you, and your attorney will be responsible for presenting evidence to support your case. Once the jury has heard all of the evidence in both parties’ arguments, they will review the evidence and review it. If the jury finds you guilty, the judge can then order a sentence in caring or sentence you on the spot.
If you are found not guilty, you will be released immediately.
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Can Costa Mesa White Collar Crimes Be Charged at the Federal Level?
White-collar crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Generally, the complexity of the case will determine whether it is charged at the state or federal level. The higher the value of the case, the more likely it is that the case will be heard in federal court.
If there are multiple victims across several states, it is more likely that the case will be charged at the federal level. Federal-level white-collar crime cases can come with far more severe penalties than those heard at the state level. If you hope to avoid having your case tried federally, you need an experienced Costa Mesa white-collar crime attorney to help you keep your charges at the state level.
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Consequences of a White Collar Crime Conviction in Costa Mesa
The types of penalties you will face if you are found guilty of a white-collar crime in Costa Mesa can vary depending on the type of white-collar crime you are convicted of. However, some of the more common types of penalties associated with criminal convictions include:
- Restitution to the alleged victims
- Forfeiture
- Fines
- Jail or prison time
- Community service
- Court-ordered drug or alcohol treatment
- Suspension or revocation of your professional license
Your personal and professional reputations could also be on the line. If you are found guilty, your entire life could be changed. You may find it difficult to find work, affordable housing, and otherwise move forward with your life due to your criminal record. If you hope to avoid these harsh consequences, it is critical that you take steps to build a powerful defense strategy.
Contact a White Collar Crime Attorney in Costa Mesa Today
You cannot afford to go into your trial without an experienced Costa Mesa white-collar crime lawyer advocating for you. Make sure you have a powerful defense strategy at the ready.
Contact our office to explore your options and start working on your case. Fill out our secure contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential case review today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form