White Collar Crime Defense Attorney in Manhattan Beach, CA
White collar crime covers financially motivated, typically non-violent offenses — embezzlement, wire and mail fraud, racketeering (RICO), and computer and internet crimes. These cases are usually investigated over an extended period and are built on financial records, emails, and digital forensics rather than witness testimony alone, which means the defense work is often equally document- and data-intensive. The firm’s team includes a forensic computer expert to review digital evidence in these matters.
Key Points
- Embezzlement charges can arise from employment, business partnership, or fiduciary relationships, and often turn on intent — whether funds were taken with the specific intent to permanently deprive the owner, not just mismanaged
- Federal RICO charges (18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1968) require proving a pattern of racketeering activity connected to an enterprise — a legally demanding standard that applies to a broader range of conduct than people often expect
- Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) are charged whenever a fraud scheme used interstate wires or the mail at any point — federal jurisdiction attaches easily even for conduct that might otherwise seem local
- Computer crime cases frequently hinge on exactly what access was authorized versus unauthorized, and on the integrity and chain of custody of digital forensic evidence
Considerations
- Financial and digital records in these cases are voluminous — a thorough review by both the defense and, where applicable, an independent forensic expert, is often necessary before any strategy can be set
- Restitution is a common component of white collar sentencing and plea negotiations, separate from any custodial sentence
- Because these cases often develop before an arrest, early representation during the investigation phase can meaningfully shape what, if anything, is ultimately charged
California & Federal Law Note
Federal mail and wire fraud statutes are unusually broad jurisdictional hooks: a single use of a wire transfer, phone call, or the postal service in furtherance of an alleged fraud scheme can be enough to bring the conduct within federal jurisdiction, even when most of the underlying activity occurred within one state.
Related Questions
What's the difference between a state and a federal criminal charge?
State charges are prosecuted by a county district attorney’s office under California law and heard in state court. Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under federal law, investigated by federal agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, and others), and heard in U.S. District Court. Federal cases generally involve more extensive pre-charge investigation, follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and in some categories of offense (including firearms and certain fraud and child exploitation charges) can carry mandatory minimum sentences that don’t exist at the state level for comparable conduct.
View this answer on its own page →See more detail on our main site: White Collar Crime →
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Discuss Your White Collar Crime Needs — Free
Free, confidential consultation. Case fees vary by matter type and are discussed directly — ask for the specifics in writing.