White Collar Crimes

WHAT IS FRAUD? (UNDERSTANDING AND FIGHTING A FRAUD CASE)

July 28, 2020 | by The Justice Firm

WHAT IS FRAUD? (UNDERSTANDING AND FIGHTING A FRAUD CASE)

Most of us are familiar with terms like “theft” and “forgery” given that they immediately bring to mind the taking of something that does not belong to someone or making a misrepresentation in writing. When we hear the term “fraud”, we are often left confused by the exact meaning.

Fraud, technically speaking, is defined as: “A knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment. Fraud includes any intentional or deliberate act to deprive another of property or money by guile, deception, or other unfair means.” In other words, fraud is wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

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No One is Above Being Indicted for a White Collar Crime

December 11, 2014 | by The Justice Firm

As experienced Los Angeles white collar crime defense attorneys, we know that regardless of career or social standing, anyone can be accused of or indicted for a white collar crime. These offenses are generally those that are financially motivated, and typically do not involve violence. Still, the criminal penalties if convicted are often extremely harsh, and even life changing.

Anyone who is familiar with the reality show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” is probably well aware of the fact that Joe and Teresa Giudice have been indicted in nearly 40 federal charges including wire and bankruptcy fraud, conspiracy to defraud lenders, and more. Charges like these can result in decades behind bars for those found guilty. Unfortunately, there are white collar crimes they may be unknowingly or at least not intentionally committed, such as failure to file a tax return. We are all humans, and mistakes can be made!

Various white collar crimes include:

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Could You Be Indicted for a White Collar Crime?

January 16, 2014 | by The Justice Firm

While certainly not as serious as being indicted for a violent crime, many white collar crimes lead to serious criminal penalties for those convicted. White collar crimes are generally related to financial matters, and involve no violence. Whether you are an accounting clerk in charge of the company petty cash box or in a management position with a bank or financial institution, you could be accused of a crime.

Falsifying a loan application, neglecting to report all of your assets when filing bankruptcy, even failing to file a tax return could leave you facing criminal charges. From highly visible celebrities to those working in a factory, literally anyone can find themselves being indicted for a crime.

Common White Collar Crimes in Los Angeles

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Civilian Employee with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Charged with Forgery and Grand Theft; Pleads Not Guilty

October 31, 2013 | by The Justice Firm

Roxana Sanchez, a 25-year-old Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department civilian employee, was recently charged with forgery and grand theft, both felony charges. Sanchez pleaded not guilty on Monday October 28.

Sanchez worked at the Century Regional Detention Facility as a civilian employee according to Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the sheriff’s department. Whitmore said that when she said she was called up for active duty as a reservist with the U.S. Marines, she lied and forged military activation documents. Prosecutors in the case claim that Sanchez forged signatures on documents indicating that she would be deployed from March through May. Ultimately, Sanchez was paid wages by the sheriff’s department while she was allegedly on active military duty. According to news reports, she was paid just over $1,000 which she should not have been paid due to what authorities call “fraudulent actions.”

Individuals may be charged with a felony offense when forging a document in order to commit fraud. Considered a white collar crime, fraudulent activity can lead to serious criminal penalties for those convicted. This case clearly indicates that an individual does not have to commit a violent offense in order to be charged with a crime.

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