White collar crime allegations can derail your career, reputation, and future—often before you even set foot in a courtroom. These cases are challenging, high-stakes, and often prosecuted aggressively by state and federal authorities. If you are under investigation or facing charges, you need more than just legal knowledge—you need strategic defense backed by real-world results.
At RP Defense Law APC, our criminal defense attorneys in Encino, CA, offer over 18 years of experience, a 99% success rate in avoiding the maximum penalty, and a proven reputation for fighting relentlessly on behalf of our clients. Call (818) 646-3443 or contact us online today to speak confidentially with an attorney at RP Defense Law APC.
Unlike many criminal cases, white collar crimes often involve months or years of investigation before charges are filed. By the time investigators contact you, the prosecution may already have compiled extensive evidence—bank records, emails, wire transfers, contracts, witness statements, and more. Delaying action can limit your defense options and allow the state or federal government to strengthen its case.
Early intervention by an Encino criminal defense lawyer at RP Defense Law APC can:
When your freedom, finances, and professional standing are at stake, every day counts.
Understanding White Collar Crimes in California
White collar crimes are generally non-violent offenses involving deceit, fraud, or abuse of trust for personal or financial gain. While the term often brings to mind corporate executives, these charges can impact anyone, from small business owners to government employees to private citizens.
Common types of white collar crimes we defend include:
This category includes mail fraud, wire fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and healthcare fraud. Prosecutors must prove that you intentionally deceived another party to obtain money, property, or services.
Under California Penal Code § 503, embezzlement involves the unlawful appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. This can range from misusing company funds to diverting assets from a trust or estate.
California Penal Code § 470 makes it a crime to falsify a signature, seal, or written document with the intent to defraud. This can involve contracts, checks, or even identity documents.
This offense involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds by passing them through legitimate channels. California Penal Code §§ 186.10 and 186.11 govern these cases, which can include severe penalties if large amounts are involved.
Offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of a public official or employee is prohibited under California law.
Using another person’s personal identifying information without permission, often for financial gain, is criminalized under California Penal Code § 530.5.
Each of these offenses can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level, depending on the scope of the alleged conduct.
One of the first considerations in a white collar case is jurisdiction. While California state prosecutors handle many financial crime cases, federal agencies—including the FBI, IRS, and SEC—may investigate if the alleged crime crosses state lines, involves federal programs, or violates federal statutes.
Key differences include:
At RP Defense Law APC, our Encino criminal defense lawyers have experience in both California state courts and the federal system. This dual capability is critical for clients who may be facing parallel investigations or overlapping charges.
White collar crime convictions can result in:
Many white collar offenses are considered “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. The decision often depends on the amount involved, your prior history, and the alleged sophistication of the scheme. In addition to these penalties, white collar crime charges and convictions can come with far-reaching social and professional consequences, making it imperative to reach out to an Encino, CA criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Defending against a white collar charge requires a meticulous, evidence-driven approach. Our strategy often includes:
We analyze every document, communication, and transaction for inconsistencies or signs of investigative overreach. If law enforcement obtained evidence without a valid warrant or exceeded the scope of a subpoena, we move to suppress it.
Many white collar crimes require proof of intent. We work to show that your actions were the result of a misunderstanding, clerical error, or good-faith business judgment—not a deliberate effort to defraud.
Sometimes the best result comes from resolving a case outside of trial. We negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing when appropriate.
We treat every case as if it will go to trial. If your case goes to trial, we ensure your defense is strong, compelling, and fully prepared. We present supporting documents, witness testimony, and expert analysis to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
If you receive a call, letter, or in-person visit from law enforcement, a regulatory agency, or a federal investigator, the most important thing you can do is not speak to them without an Encino criminal defense attorney present. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, anything you say—no matter how innocent—can be misinterpreted or used against you.
Investigators are trained to ask questions in ways that elicit damaging responses. Politely but firmly decline to answer any questions and state that you wish to have your Encino criminal defense lawyer present before continuing. Then, contact RP Defense Law APC immediately. We can step in to handle all communication, ensuring your rights are protected and preventing you from inadvertently helping the prosecution.
Yes, charges can sometimes be reduced or even dismissed, but it depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case and the facts of your situation. Our criminal defense attorneys in Encino, CA often challenge the credibility of witnesses, the authenticity of documents, or the legality of search warrants. If evidence was obtained unlawfully or if the prosecution cannot prove criminal intent, we may be able to have the charges dismissed entirely.
In other cases, we negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, such as lowering a felony to a misdemeanor, or for alternative sentencing options like diversion programs. Early intervention is key. If we are involved before charges are formally filed, we may even be able to prevent them altogether.
California law sets specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for bringing criminal charges. For most white collar felonies involving fraud, the statute of limitations is four years from the date the offense is discovered, not necessarily from when it occurred. Certain offenses, like major embezzlement or fraud involving public funds, may have extended limitations periods. Federal cases often have a five-year statute of limitations, but for some crimes—such as bank fraud—the window can be even longer.
These deadlines are critical because if the prosecution misses the statutory deadline, the case can be dismissed. However, calculating the statute of limitations is not always straightforward, which is why it’s essential to speak with an experienced Encino, CA criminal defense attorney as soon as you suspect you might be under investigation.
Not necessarily. While some white collar convictions carry mandatory prison time, others offer alternatives depending on the nature of the offense, the amount of money involved, and your prior criminal history. Sentencing options may include probation, home confinement (house arrest), community service, fines, restitution, or participation in a diversion program.
Our goal is always to avoid incarceration whenever possible, and in many cases, we succeed in negotiating penalties that allow clients to maintain their jobs and family responsibilities. Even in serious felony cases, we work tirelessly to present mitigating evidence, highlight your positive contributions, and argue for the most lenient sentence available under California law.
Facing white collar criminal allegations can be overwhelming, but at RP Defense Law APC, we make the process clear, strategic, and focused on your best interests from day one. Here is what you can expect when you choose our criminal defense attorneys in Encino, CA to represent you:
Your first step is a private, free discovery call where you can speak openly about your situation without fear of judgment or exposure. We will explain your legal rights, listen carefully to your version of events, and address your immediate concerns—such as how to respond to investigators, whether to speak to your employer, and what to do if you suspect charges are imminent.
This is also your opportunity to get to know us, ask questions, and see how we operate before making the critical decision to retain counsel.
Once we are retained, our team conducts a meticulous review of all available information. This may include charging documents, search warrants, financial records, digital evidence, and witness statements. We look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case—such as procedural errors, insufficient proof of intent, or unreliable witnesses—that can form the foundation of your defense.
We also identify opportunities to collect our own evidence, whether through expert analysis, forensic accounting, or interviewing favorable witnesses.
White collar cases are rarely won with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client’s circumstances, goals, and risks are different. We develop a customized defense strategy that may include filing pretrial motions to suppress evidence, negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges, or preparing for trial if necessary.
Our planning phase also involves mapping out contingencies so we can pivot quickly if new developments arise. You will be kept fully informed at each step, so you are never left wondering where your case stands.
From the moment we take your case, we work proactively—not reactively. If your case is still in the investigative stage, we engage with law enforcement to limit their access to damaging evidence and prevent charges from being filed. If charges are already pending, we move quickly to challenge the prosecution’s narrative, protect your professional reputation, and safeguard your freedom.
In court, we are known for being strategic, persuasive, and unafraid to take cases to trial when it serves our clients’ best interests. Outside the courtroom, we work to shield you from unnecessary public exposure and collateral consequences.
A criminal defense attorney in Encino, CA, handling white collar cases must be more than just a litigator. You need someone who understands finance, accounting, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. Our background allows us to break down complex transactions and explain them in plain language to judges and juries.
We also recognize that the consequences of these cases go beyond the legal system. We help clients manage media attention, protect professional licenses, and minimize the impact on family and business relationships.
Being accused of a white collar crime in Encino—or anywhere in California—is not something you can afford to take lightly. The earlier you involve a compassionate and experienced Encino criminal defense attorney, the more options you have to protect your freedom, your finances, and your reputation.
Call (818) 646-3443 or contact us online today to speak confidentially with an attorney at RP Defense Law APC. We are ready to fight for you.
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