California White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer

When facing white-collar criminal charges in California, your future, reputation, and freedom hang in the balance. At Candice Fields Law, PC, we understand the complex nature of white-collar crime cases and provide strategic defense representation to protect your interests. As a California white-collar crimes lawyer with substantial trial experience, Candice Fields brings deep knowledge of both federal and state prosecution methods to every case. Contact Candice Fields Law, PC today for a confidential consultation and let us start building your defense strategy.

How a California White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights

At Candice Fields Law, PC, we understand that facing white-collar criminal charges can be overwhelming. As your California white-collar crimes lawyer, we provide comprehensive defense strategies to protect your rights throughout every stage of your case. Here's how we can help:

• Early Intervention: Our California white collar crime defense lawyer team steps in during the investigation phase, before charges are filed, to protect your interests and potentially prevent formal accusations.
• Constitutional Rights Protection: We ensure law enforcement and prosecutors respect your rights during searches, seizures, and questioning, challenging any violations that could impact your case.
• Evidence Analysis: We meticulously review financial records, digital communications, and transaction histories to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build strong defense strategies.
• Strategic Communication: As your California white-collar crimes lawyer, we manage all communication with investigators, prosecutors, and other parties to prevent self-incrimination and protect your interests.
• Document Production Management: We oversee the collection, review, and production of requested documents to ensure compliance while protecting privileged information.
• Defense Strategy Development: Our team crafts targeted defense strategies based on thorough case analysis, considering both legal precedents and unique case circumstances.
• Professional License Protection: We work to minimize the impact of charges on your professional licenses and career, implementing strategies to preserve your ability to practice.
• Asset Protection: Your California white collar crime defense lawyer will defend against asset forfeiture attempts and work to preserve your financial interests throughout the proceedings.
• Alternative Resolution Exploration: We identify and pursue alternatives to trial when appropriate, including deferred prosecution agreements or civil resolutions that protect your interests.
• Trial Preparation: When necessary, we prepare comprehensive trial strategies, working with financial experts and creating clear presentations of complex evidence.
• Reputation Management: We implement strategies to minimize negative publicity and protect your professional reputation throughout the legal proceedings.
• Regulatory Compliance: Your California white-collar crimes lawyer helps ensure ongoing compliance with relevant regulations to prevent future legal issues.
• Sentencing Advocacy: If conviction occurs, we advocate for minimal penalties and alternative sentencing options that consider your specific circumstances.
• Appeals Process Navigation: We identify grounds for appeal and guide you through the appeals process when appropriate, continuing to fight for your rights.

California White Collar Criminal Cases We Defend Against

At Candice Fields Law, PC, our California white-collar crimes lawyer team handles a wide range of complex financial and business-related criminal cases. As your California white collar crime defense lawyer, we bring extensive trial experience and in-depth knowledge to each case type. Here are the primary categories of white-collar criminal cases we defend:

• Securities Fraud: Our defense team represents clients facing allegations of insider trading, market manipulation, and false financial statements that violate state and federal securities laws.
• Healthcare Fraud: We defend medical professionals and healthcare organizations against Medicare/Medicaid fraud accusations, including insurance fraud, billing fraud, kickbacks, and unnecessary service claims.
• Tax Crimes: Your California tax fraud lawyer will defend against charges of tax evasion, failure to file returns, false statements on returns, and international reporting violations.
• Bank and Wire Fraud: We handle cases involving allegations of deceptive banking practices, fraudulent wire transfers, and schemes to defraud financial institutions.
• Embezzlement: Our California embezzlement defense attorneys defend clients accused of misappropriating funds from employers, investors, or business partners, developing strategies based on thorough financial analysis.
• Money Laundering: Your California white-collar crime defense lawyer provides representation in cases involving allegations of concealing illegally obtained funds through legitimate businesses or transactions.
• Public Corruption: We defend government officials and contractors against charges of bribery, kickbacks, and misuse of public funds or positions.
• Corporate Fraud: Our defense strategies cover accounting fraud, false statements to shareholders, and other deceptive business practices affecting corporations.
• Identity Theft: We represent clients facing charges of stealing personal information for financial gain, including complex schemes involving multiple victims.
• Real Estate Fraud: Your California white-collar crimes lawyer handles cases involving mortgage fraud, property flipping schemes, and fraudulent real estate transactions.
• Investment Fraud: We defend against allegations of Ponzi schemes, investment scams, and fraudulent securities offerings that affect multiple investors.
• Environmental Crimes: Our California environmental defense lawyers represent businesses and individuals accused of environmental law violations, including fraudulent reporting and permit violations.
• Procurement Fraud: We handle cases involving government contract fraud, bid rigging, and false claims in procurement processes.
• Computer and Internet Fraud: Your California white-collar crime defense lawyer defends against cybercrime charges, including electronic theft and online financial schemes.
• Cybercrime Defense: Your California cybercrime defense attorney represents clients facing allegations of data breaches, ransomware attacks, unauthorized system access, and cyber extortion. We defend businesses and individuals against state and federal cybersecurity violations, including cases involving the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and federal regulations. Our team develops defense strategies based on detailed digital forensics analysis and works with cybersecurity expert

Signs You're Being Investigated for a White-Collar Crime in California

As your California white-collar crimes lawyer, we want you to recognize potential warning signs that you're under investigation. If you notice any of these indicators, contact a California white-collar crime defense lawyer immediately:

• Document Requests: You receive formal or informal requests for financial records, business documents, or electronic communications from regulatory agencies or law enforcement.
• Unexpected Audits: Government agencies or regulatory bodies initiate surprise audits or inspections that seem more extensive than routine reviews.
• Witness Interviews: Current or former colleagues, employees, or business associates mention being contacted by investigators or receiving subpoenas.
• Electronic Device Seizures: Law enforcement attempts to seize or obtain warrants for computers, phones, or other electronic devices related to your business activities.
• Grand Jury Subpoenas: You receive a grand jury subpoena for documents or testimony, which often indicates an active criminal investigation.
• Site Visits: Investigators or federal agents make unannounced visits to your workplace or home seeking information or interviews.
• Bank Account Scrutiny: Your financial institution requests unusual documentation or places holds on transactions without clear explanation.
• Regulatory Inquiries: You receive detailed inquiries from regulatory bodies about specific transactions or business practices.
• Whistleblower Activity: You become aware of current or former employees providing information about your business practices to authorities.
• Surveillance Signs: You notice unusual surveillance activities, such as unfamiliar vehicles near your business or home, or signs of electronic monitoring.
• Business Partner Changes: Partners or associates suddenly become evasive, uncooperative, or begin documenting all interactions with unusual detail.
• Mail Monitoring: You notice signs that your business or personal mail is being monitored or intercepted before delivery.
• Insurance Inquiries: Your professional liability insurers start asking detailed questions about specific business practices or transactions.
• Media Interest: Journalists begin making inquiries about your business practices or specific transactions without obvious news triggers.

What To Do If Charged With a White-Collar Crime in California

We understand that receiving white-collar criminal charges can be overwhelming. As your California white-collar crimes lawyer, we recommend taking these crucial steps to protect your rights and strengthen your defense position. Here's what you should do immediately:

• Remain Silent: Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid discussing your case with anyone except your California white-collar crime defense lawyer, as statements to colleagues, friends, or family could be used against you.
• Preserve Documents: Maintain all relevant documents, emails, financial records, and digital communications in their original form, but do not attempt to alter, delete, or create new documents.
• Seek Legal Representation: Contact a California white-collar crimes lawyer immediately, even if you've only been informed of an investigation, as early intervention can significantly impact your case outcome.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed notes about any interactions with investigators or law enforcement, including dates, times, and content of conversations or document requests.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting anything on social media platforms about your case, business dealings, or financial status, as these posts can be used as evidence.
• Secure Electronic Devices: Protect all electronic devices containing business or financial information, and do not allow anyone to access them without consulting your California white collar crime defense lawyer.
• Notify Key Parties: Inform your employer or board of directors about the situation through proper channels, following your California white-collar crimes lawyer's guidance on timing and content.
• Maintain Professional Operations: Continue normal business operations while avoiding any actions that could be interpreted as obstruction of justice or evidence tampering.
• Gather Information: Create a timeline of events and compile a list of potential witnesses, but do not contact witnesses without your lawyer's approval.
• Review Insurance Coverage: Check whether you have directors and officers (D&O) insurance or other coverage that might help with legal expenses.
• Protect Privileged Communications: Ensure all communications with your California white-collar crime defense lawyer remain confidential by avoiding discussions in public places or through potentially monitored channels.
• Plan for Duration: Prepare financially and professionally for a potentially lengthy legal process, including making arrangements for business continuity if necessary.
• Address Media Inquiries: Direct all media inquiries to your California white-collar crimes lawyer to maintain a consistent message and protect your interests.
• Consider Compliance Review: Work with your legal team to review and strengthen compliance programs to demonstrate proactive responsibility.

Protect Your Presumption of Innocence – Every Moment Counts

When facing white-collar criminal allegations, your actions today shape your defense tomorrow. As your California white-collar crimes lawyer, we stand ready to protect your rights and reputation. Contact Candice Fields Law, PC, today for a confidential consultation, and let us start building your defense strategy.

California White-Collar Crimes Lawyer FAQs

What is the statute of limitations for white-collar crimes in California?

The statute of limitations varies depending on the specific offense. Generally, most white-collar crimes have a three to four-year statute of limitations. However, some complex fraud cases may have longer periods, and certain federal white-collar crimes can have statutes of limitations up to ten years. As your California white-collar crime defense lawyer, we can determine the specific timeframes that apply to your case.

Can white-collar criminal charges be reduced to misdemeanors?

In some cases, yes. California law allows certain white-collar offenses to be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors, known as "wobblers." Your California white-collar crimes lawyer can negotiate for reduced charges based on factors such as the amount of money involved, your criminal history, and willingness to make restitution.

How are monetary penalties determined in white-collar cases?

Fines are typically calculated based on the amount of financial loss caused by the alleged crime, with penalties potentially reaching millions of dollars. Courts may also order restitution to victims and asset forfeiture. Your California white-collar crime defense lawyer can work to minimize financial penalties and develop manageable payment arrangements.

Will I lose my professional license if convicted of a white-collar crime?

Professional licensing consequences depend on your specific profession and the nature of the conviction. Some convictions trigger automatic license suspension or revocation, while others require review by licensing boards. We work to protect your professional credentials throughout the legal process.

Can internal corporate investigations be used against me?

Yes, evidence gathered during internal investigations can be shared with law enforcement and used in criminal prosecutions. As your California white-collar crimes lawyer, we recommend securing legal representation before participating in any internal investigation interviews or providing documents.

How does cooperation with authorities affect sentencing?

Cooperation can significantly impact sentencing outcomes. However, the decision to cooperate requires careful consideration of numerous factors. Your California white-collar crime defense lawyer can help evaluate whether cooperation serves your best interests and negotiate favorable terms if appropriate.

What role do electronic records play in white-collar crime cases?

Electronic evidence, including emails, financial records, and digital communications, often forms the backbone of white-collar crime prosecutions. We employ digital forensics professionals to analyze electronic evidence and challenge its authenticity or admissibility when appropriate.

Can I travel internationally while under investigation?

International travel during a white-collar crime investigation requires careful consideration. While not always prohibited, it may raise red flags with prosecutors or require court approval. We can help navigate travel restrictions and necessary permissions.

How does sentencing differ between state and federal white-collar crimes?

Federal white-collar crimes typically carry harsher sentences due to federal sentencing guidelines. State cases often offer more flexibility in sentencing alternatives. Your California white-collar crimes lawyer can explain the specific sentencing exposure you face and develop strategies to minimize potential penalties.

What happens to my business if I'm convicted?

The impact on your business depends on various factors, including the nature of the conviction and your role in the company. We help clients develop business continuity plans and explore options for preserving business operations through legal challenges.

Areas We Serve

Our firm provides white-collar criminal defense representation in Sacramento and the surrounding areas, including:

• Elk Grove
• Folsom
• Roseville
• Rocklin
• Rancho Cordova
• Citrus Heights
• Carmichael
• Davis
• Woodland
• West Sacramento