What to Do if Charged With Federal White Collar Crimes

If you have been charged with a federal white collar crime, or even if you are simply under investigation, the experience can be frightening and overwhelming.  Whether or not you have been indicted, and whether or not you have been advised that you are a target, the pressure can be enormous.  You are probably trying to figure out some way to get out from under the enormity of the situation.

At RJT Criminal Defense, we understand the pressure that you and those close to you are feeling.  But remember that being charged is not the same as being convicted.  It is our job to provide you with the best chance of a dismissal, a reduction in the charges against you, or, should the matter go to trial, a not guilty verdict.  Ryan J. Tegnelia is an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney who has the skills to fight successfully on your behalf.  He understands the way the government proceeds in white collar cases, and how best to counter the charges on your behalf.

How do federal and state criminal cases differ?

The differences between defending a criminal case in federal court, and one in California state court, are significant.  Those differences include, at the outset, the fact that criminal charges in the federal system are based on federal law.  Beyond that, the rules of criminal procedure, which govern all procedural aspects of criminal cases (complaints, warrants, arraignments, motions, depositions, subpoenas, etc.), are different in federal court.  Likewise, when a case goes to trial, the rules of evidence, which determine what information can be presented to a jury, are different when the case is in federal court.  Finally, each federal district, including the Southern District of California, has its own “local rules,” which set forth additional requirements for pleading, motions and other aspects of federal criminal cases.

When you choose your attorney, it is essential that he have the knowledge and experience of dealing with the federal system.  Without a lawyer who is familiar with these issues, you will be at a distinct disadvantage at all stages of your case.

What are some examples of federal white collar crimes?

As a general matter, “white collar” refers to crimes that do not involve violence or drugs. They typically consist of offenses that are designed for financial gain. The following are some of the more common white collar crimes prosecuted in federal court:

Financial Fraud

Fraud is a broad category that covers many different types of conduct, but which always contains some element of misrepresentation or deception. In the federal system, this category includes bank fraud and mortgage fraud, mail and wire fraud, credit card fraud, certain types of insurance fraud, and Ponzi schemes, among others.

Internet Crimes

This is another broad category including fraud, identity theft, telemarketing fraud, and other offenses involving the use of the internet.

Securities Fraud

This includes violations of any of the provisions of the various federal securities laws, among them violation of disclosure rules governing the issuance, offering and sale of stocks.

Embezzlement

This is a form of theft. When it involves banks, the mails, anti-trust laws, and other federal issues, it can be prosecuted in federal court.

Defending clients charged with federal white collar crimes

This is clearly a very broad area of the criminal law, and the category of white collar crimes covers alleged violations of many different laws. On the other hand, most of these cases are based, at least in part, upon a financial analysis, often involving banking and other financial records. This is where the experience of your attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case. He must know, for example, how to follow, and interpret, a paper trail, and to be able to utilize and to challenge the testimony and other evidence presented through accountants and other financial professionals.

If you have been arrested, or if you are under investigation, for a federal white collar crime, contact RJT Criminal Defense today. Let us put our experience to work for you.