Even the rich and famous are susceptible to being indicted for a crime.  In fact, just last week, two stars of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey”, Teresa and Joe Giudice, were indicted in 39 federal charges of conspiracy to defraud lenders, bank, mail and wire fraud and bankruptcy fraud.  While these are all white collar crimes, the couple could face up to 30 years in prison-a case that would be a challenge for any white collar criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles or anywhere else.  Accused of failing to file tax returns, falsifying loan applications and failing to report assets in a bankruptcy petition, the couple has a lot of things to answer to.

Types of White Collar Crimes

While never as dramatic as a violent crime indictment, white collar indictments are just as serious with very serious consequences. That’s why it is equally important for those accused of a white collar crime in Los Angeles to immediately seek assistance from a qualified, experienced white collar criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles at the first sign of an indictment. Usually crimes of deception or theft committed by professionals, white collar crimes include some of the following types of offenses.

• Bribery. Payment or receipt of something of value in return for official action. Governed by California Penal Code (CPC) 92, bribery is punishable by up to four years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.
• Embezzlement. Fraudulent conversion of the property of someone else by a person who possesses the property. Governed by Title 18 Part 1 Chapter 31 Section 642 of the US Code, embezzlement is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines with the severity of punishment based upon the amount of money embezzled.

• Computer crime. Fraud that occurs through a computer or the Internet, including the introduction of viruses hacking, copyright violations, and use of a computer without authorization of its owner.
• Extortion. The forcing of someone to give up money or property by using fear, violence or pretense of authority.
• Fraud. When a person knowingly misrepresents a truth for their own gain. Fraud includes lying, falsification, and schemes to take money or other valuables from another.
• Tax evasion. When a person evades or fails to file his or her tax return.
• Perjury. When a person intentionally lies, either in writing or orally while under oath.
• Tax fraud. When a person intentionally falsifies Federal or state tax forms. Usually the person purposefully claims an inaccurate amount of deductions hides assets or reports an incorrect income.

White collar crime defense requires the skill of an experienced white collar defense lawyer. Trusting a white collar criminal defense strategy to a lawyer who has little experience in white collar law is a fatal mistake. You need a defense attorney representing you who has a solid record of positive outcomes for white collar crime clients. If you have been charged with a white collar crime, carefully vet any attorney you plan to hire to assure that he or she is well-versed in white collar law and is capable of crafting a workable defense for your case.

A highly experienced Los Angeles white collar criminal defense lawyer, R.J. Manuelian is a contributing writer to many legal blogs who enjoys educated others about criminal law topics. In addition to the defense of white collar criminal defendants, R.J. also represents those accused of violent crimes, sex crimes, DUI, theft crimes and more.