Professionals in a variety of different industries could find themselves accused of white-collar criminal offenses. Fraud, embezzlement and money laundering are among the more common financial crimes prosecuted in California. There are many different kinds of fraud, ranging from investment fraud, like Ponzi schemes, to lying about personal assets on a mortgage application.
Some people accused of white-collar crimes face state charges, while others may face accusations in federal court. White-collar crimes come with many serious potential consequences including incarceration, professional licensing penalties and orders of restitution.
Those accused of white-collar crimes often feel overwhelmed and frightened. They may even plead guilty to avoid a trial, leaving themselves at the mercy of the courts for sentencing. Professionals who fight white-collar charges can potentially avoid a conviction. How can those facing accusations of financial misconduct prepare to defend against those allegations in criminal court?
With a thorough review of the state’s evidence
One of the reasons that white-collar crimes are so intimidating is that they often involve very complex financial evidence. The state may have hundreds of pages of documents that the prosecution intends to reference at trial to connect someone to financial misconduct. Thankfully, defendants and their legal support systems
The law technically extends the right of discovery to anyone facing criminal charges in California. The state should provide them with access to the evidence that the prosecutor intends to use at trial. A review of that evidence could provide the key to a successful defense strategy.
Defendants can bring in forensic accounting specialists to help them analyze the evidence. What that review uncovers could identify another potential suspect or weaken the connection between the defendant and the criminal activity. The nature of the crime influences the best defense strategy to utilize, but often the evidence itself provides the basis for fighting pending white-collar charges.
All too often, people who worry about a conviction make the mistake of pleading guilty. They may then face significant penalties and career setbacks, including ineligibility for professional licensing in the future. Having assistance when going over the evidence can help someone evaluate their options when responding to white-collar criminal charges in California. Defendants with the right support can potentially avoid convictions that could forever alter the course of their lives.