Los Angeles White Collar Crimes Attorney
The term "White Collar Crimes" generally refers to financial crimes that do not involve violence per se. They are often committed by persons that steal by using their position as a white collar employee in a company or business where they rob without a gun. These are often, but not necessarily, complicated crimes that may involve voluminous documents and paperwork. It takes an attorney experienced in these types of crimes to properly and successfully defend a client.
Examples of White Collar Crimes
- Embezzlement
- Money Laundering
- Forgery
- Computer Crimes
- Identity Theft
- Bribery
- Extortion
- Fraud
- Tax Evasion
- Theft
- Insurance Fraud
- Medicare/MediCal Fraud
- RICO
- Credit Card Fraud
Who Prosecutes White Collar Cases?
White Collar Crimes can be prosecuted in the state courts, or the federal courts or both, depending upon the actual crimes charged. If the crime, for example, involves defrauding a federal agency, such as Medicare, the U.S. government will prosecute through the United States Attorney's Office, in federal court.
If it involves a state crime, such as bribing a local office, the state will prosecute through the District Attorney in the state court. Sometimes the actions in question will violate both state and federal laws and both government jurisdictions will file charges. Needless to say, no one should go without experienced counsel when facing a white collar prosecution.
What Are Some of the Penalties?
Depending on the specific crimes that are charged, jail or prison sentences are possible, as well as restitution, i.e. a court order to pay back any money taken from the victim. Additionally, there may be probation, fines, community service or labor, and various fees and charges imposed by the court or probation department.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
White Collar Crimes are inherently complicated crimes. They need an attorney like Ken Lewis that has experience in handling these type of cases and who can handle the complex legal and logistical issues that these types of cases almost invariably present.
What If I am Arrested?
Do not speak to the police without an experienced attorney present. The police are not your friends in these situations and statements that you think are "exculpatory", i.e. that show your innocence, can actually be made to appear incriminating by the police.
After hiring an attorney, be frank with him or her; gather up all documentary evidence that you may have so that they can thoroughly evaluate your case. Any statements you make to your attorney are protected by the attorney-client privilege. An item that you may think is insignificant can have great legal consequence and can sometimes determine the entire outcome of your case.
Why Should I Hire Kenneth H. Lewis For My Case?
Because Ken Lewis has been successfully handling White Collar Cases for years. He understands the terrible impact these cases can have upon defendants and their family and friends, and he will fight to the end to see that you get the very best defense possible. All potential defenses will be explored in depth. No stone will go unturned in representing you to the fullest extent possible.
Kenneth H. Lewis is one of the relatively few lawyers to have actually argued a case before the California Supreme Court, People v. Leon. He is not only admitted before all the courts in California, but also the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, the United States District Court for the Central District of California, the United States 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, the United States Tax Court and the United States Supreme Court, where he appeared at counsel's table in the case of California vs. Rooney.
