A Sophisticated Sacramento White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney
At the Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson, our Sacramento criminal defense attorney has dedicated his legal career to defending clients in California who have been accused of federal crimes and serious state-level offenses. He regularly defends those who are under investigation for white collar crimes.
Attorney Thomas A. Johnson has more than 40 years of experience practicing criminal defense law. He has handled more than 140 jury trials. Attorney Johnson regularly defends executives, high-profile individuals and business entities across Sacramento County. Are you facing serious criminal accusations? Do you believe that you are under investigation for a white collar crime? Attorney Johnson has the knowledge and experience to prepare a sophisticated and comprehensive defense.
Understanding White Collar Crimes
White collar crime refers to nonviolent offenses committed for financial gain. These crimes typically involve deceit, breach of trust or concealment. Common examples of white collar crimes can include:
- Fraud charges
- Embezzlement
- Money laundering
- Corruption
- Bribery
- Internet crimes
- Ponzi schemes
- Identity theft
- Health care fraud
- Tax crimes
Additionally, white collar crimes are often charged in federal court, and convictions come with significant penalties such as substantial fines and prison time.
State And Federal Prosecution Of White Collar Crimes
In California, authorities from both state and federal agencies can prosecute white collar crimes. The decision often depends on the nature and scope of the offense. Federal agencies, such as the SEC or the FBI, typically handle cases involving large-scale fraud or violations of federal laws.
State prosecutors focus on offenses that breach California laws. If you believe that you might be under investigation for a white collar crime, it is important to know that you might deal with multiple layers of prosecution. The intricacies of these prosecutions require a sophisticated and comprehensive defense strategy. Our Sacramento-based white collar crimes attorney has an intricate understanding of white collar crimes and the nuances involved. He is fully equipped to represent you effectively in both state and federal courts.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crimes
We understand that if you have been accused of a white collar crime, you probably have a lot of questions. In the many years that attorney Johnson has been defending clients accused of sophisticated crimes, he has compiled answers to some of the questions he is most commonly asked. For answers to questions about your specific case, he is available by appointment for confidential initial consultations.
What are white collar crimes?
White collar crimes are nonviolent offenses typically committed in business or professional settings for financial gain. Unlike crimes such as drunk driving (DUI), which involve direct physical actions and immediate consequences, white collar crimes often involve alleged deceit and manipulation carried out over months or even years. They create a “paper trail” of evidence such as fraudulent financial statements or unauthorized transactions.
Additionally, many white collar crimes are prosecuted at the federal level. This means that law enforcement agencies have greater investigative and prosecutorial resources, and the stakes for a conviction are higher.
Who are the people most likely to be accused of white collar crimes?
Individuals working in professional environments, such as accountants, office workers and executives, are often those most likely to face accusations of white collar crimes. These individuals typically have access to money, financial records and sensitive information, all of which can be exploited for illegal gain.
For example, crimes such as embezzlement are treated very differently from other kinds of theft, in part because the person committing the crime is someone in a position of trust.
What makes white collar crimes so complex?
The complexity of white collar crimes stems from the nature of the evidence involved. There is usually a vast amount of documentation, financial records and digital data that must be thoroughly examined. This requires a detailed and methodical approach to identify viable defense strategies. Having someone with experience in handling such cases is crucial to effectively analyzing the evidence and building a strong defense.
In many cases, there is also a fine line between criminal activity and business practices that may simply be unwise or unethical. Jurors cannot readily tell the difference, so it is important to have a defense attorney who can simplify complex concepts and build a compelling narrative on behalf of their clients.
Should I hire a defense attorney if I know or suspect that I’m under investigation for a white collar crime?
Yes, even if you have not been charged with a crime, it is important to consult with a defense attorney as soon as possible. Investigations may last months or years before charges are brought, so there is no sense in waiting. An experienced defense attorney can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process and work on developing a defense strategy early on. This can actually help prevent charges from being filed, thereby mitigating potential consequences as soon as possible.
Professional Consequences Of White Collar Crime Accusations
Being accused of a white collar crime can severely impact your professional career, putting your future and livelihood on the line, even if you are never actually charged or convicted of a crime. The stigma of an accusation alone can damage your reputation, leading to job loss or difficulty securing future employment. Many employers view such accusations as a breach of trust, which can result in suspension or termination. Additionally, professional licenses might be at risk, affecting your ability to work in your field.
A conviction for a white collar crime can have even more serious professional consequences. Loss of employment, difficulty finding future job opportunities and damage to your professional reputation are common repercussions. Additionally, certain licenses or certifications required for your profession may be revoked or suspended with a criminal record.
A Dedicated White Collar Crimes Defense Attorney And Sophisticated Defense Strategies
White collar charges are among the most serious criminal charges in California and the United States. These cases often involve extensive investigations drawn from months of observation. Successful defense requires a white collar crime lawyer with a keen understanding of both the law and the investigative process. It takes years of practical experience to accumulate knowledge of the federal criminal court system.
With Thomas A. Johnson’s background as both a federal prosecutor and defense attorney, he knows how to build a sound defense. He presents strategic defenses in an understandable way in pretrial negotiations or at trial, resulting in numerous dismissed and reduced charges, mitigated sentences and acquittals.
Consult A White Collar Crime Lawyer Immediately For Protection
When your career and reputation are at stake, you need a white collar criminal defense attorney who can handle the complexities of severe charges. Call the Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson for sophisticated criminal defense representation. You can schedule a confidential initial consultation by calling 916-248-8598 or sending us a message through our website.