San Fernando Valley White Collar Crime Attorneys
Experienced San Fernando Valley White Collar Crime Attorneys for White Collar Crime Charges
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Team Lead
Allegations of white-collar crimes can put everything you’ve worked for at risk. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, staggering fines, and the destruction of your personal and professional reputation. If you’re under investigation or have been charged within the criminal justice system, you need an aggressive defense from a California federal criminal defense lawyer.
Don’t wait. Call the San Fernando Valley white collar crime attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. now for a confidential consultation to protect your future.
The Importance of Experienced Legal Counsel in White Collar Crime Cases
In the intricate and often high-stakes world of white-collar crime, the consequences of a federal-level investigation can be life-altering. Unlike some other legal matters, these cases are often prosecuted by federal agencies with vast resources and specific knowledge, making the guidance of an experienced and focused legal team not just beneficial, but absolutely essential.
A Team of Former Federal Prosecutors and Government Agents
Oberheiden P.C.’s San Fernando Valley white collar crime lawyers and consultants include former federal prosecutors and agents. This background gives us an understanding of the government’s approach, allowing us to anticipate agents’ and prosecutors’ strategies from the initial investigation to the potential for a trial.
Proactive and Meticulous Defense Strategies
Oberheiden P.C. uses proactive and meticulous defense strategies to develop a tailored defense for every case.
Our San Fernando Valley white collar criminal defense attorneys are skilled at navigating the complexities of federal regulations and a wide range of statutes, such as those related to healthcare and securities fraud. We meticulously review the evidence, including financial documents and digital communications, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
By understanding the nuances of white collar criminal laws in San Fernando Valley and possessing strong negotiation skills, our law office is frequently able to secure favorable outcomes for our clients, often with no charges being filed.
Types of White Collar Criminal Cases We Handle in the San Fernando Valley
The legal team at Oberheiden P.C. is dedicated to handling complex white-collar criminal cases throughout California. Our firm’s presence in the San Fernando Valley allows us to provide a robust defense for individuals and businesses facing a wide range of federal white collar charges.
Healthcare Fraud
This is one of our San Fernando Valley white collar crime lawyers’ primary areas of work. We provide legal representation for medical professionals, executives, and companies facing investigations by agencies like the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These cases often involve allegations of insurance fraud, such as billing for services not provided or upcoding, or other allegations like receiving illegal kickbacks.
Securities Fraud
We handle cases related to alleged financial schemes and deceptive practices in the investment world. This includes defending clients against accusations of insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and market manipulation brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Tax Fraud
Oberheiden P.C. defends individuals and businesses facing investigations from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and DOJ involving allegations of tax evasion and tax fraud. These cases can involve complex financial records and require a careful, tactical approach.
Bank Fraud & Financial Crimes
This category of crimes includes a broad range of fraudulent activities targeting financial institutions. We defend clients accused of offenses such as check fraud, identity theft, mortgage fraud, and credit card fraud.
False Claims Act & Whistleblower Defense
We represent companies and individuals in investigations brought under the False Claims Act. This often involves defending our clients against allegations of government contract fraud or government program fraud–many of which originate from whistleblower complaints.
Computer and Wire Fraud
Oberheiden P.C. represents clients facing charges of computer and wire fraud, which can include any fraudulent scheme that uses a computer, phone, or the internet.
By concentrating on these federal matters, Oberheiden P.C. provides a highly focused and knowledgeable defense for clients in the San Fernando Valley who are navigating a serious and complicated legal challenge.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Dr. Nick Oberheiden
Founder
Attorney-at-Law
Lynette S. Byrd
Former DOJ Trial Attorney
Partner
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Hon. Kevin McCarthy
55th Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives (ret.)
Government Consultant
Mike Pompeo
Of Counsel
Former U.S. Secretary of State
John W. Sellers
Former Senior DOJ Trial Attorney
Linda Julin McNamara
Federal Appeals Attorney
Nicholas B. Johnson
Former Prosecutor
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (DOJ)
Chris J. Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Michael S. Koslow
Former Supervisory Special Agent (DOD-OIG)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
White Collar Criminal Investigations in the San Fernando Valley
When federal white-collar criminal investigations begin in the San Fernando Valley, they often do so quietly, without the target’s immediate knowledge. These complex inquiries are frequently initiated by federal agencies such as the FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
White collar case investigations are typically triggered by a specific event, like a whistleblower’s report, a suspicious transaction flagged by a financial institution, or an audit that reveals financial irregularities. Unlike a street crime investigation that might begin with an arrest, a white-collar investigation begins with the methodical gathering of information to build a case.
A white-collar investigation typically moves through several distinct stages before charges are filed:
1. Initial Inquiry
This is the quiet phase. Federal agents may begin by looking at public records, analyzing financial data, or conducting surveillance without making direct contact with the target.
The purpose is to determine if there is enough evidence of a crime to justify a formal investigation. At this point, the individual or company under scrutiny is often unaware of the inquiry.
2. Subpoenas and Warrants
If the initial inquiry reveals suspicious activity, the government will move to compel the production of evidence. This is often done by issuing subpoenas. A subpoena duces tecum demands the production of documents, while a subpoena ad testificandum requires an individual to give testimony. In some cases, federal agents may execute a search warrant to seize computers, phones, or other physical evidence from a home or office.
3. Grand Jury Proceedings
If federal prosecutors believe they have sufficient evidence, they will present their case to a grand jury. This is a group of citizens who meet in secret to hear evidence and decide whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation of a crime.
A grand jury proceeding is not a trial. The target of the investigation is not present, and the process is controlled by the prosecutor.
How Oberheiden P.C. Can Help During White Collar Criminal Investigations
Navigating a white-collar criminal investigation alone can be a daunting and dangerous prospect. Federal agencies have immense resources and their own specific procedures. From the moment you suspect you are under investigation or receive a subpoena, a legal team with extensive experience is essential.
Oberheiden P.C. can help with early intervention to protect your rights. Our attorneys can act as a buffer between you and the investigators. By communicating with the government on your behalf, we can often the narrative, assess your potential exposure, and work to persuade prosecutors to close the investigation before an indictment is handed down. This proactive and aggressive approach can be the key to a successful resolution without criminal charges.
FAQs: White Collar Criminal Defense in the San Fernando Valley
Q: What should I do if I’m contacted by a white collar crimes government investigator?
If a government investigator, such as an FBI or IRS agent, contacts you regarding a white-collar crime matter, the most important thing to do is to remain silent and not answer any questions. You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and anything you say can and will be used against you.
Politely but firmly state that you will not speak with them until you have consulted with an attorney. Do not agree to an interview, and do not attempt to explain the situation. Even if you believe you are innocent or are only a witness, you may inadvertently provide information that could be misinterpreted or used to build a case against you.
The investigator may try to downplay the situation, but their goal is to gather information. Take their card and immediately contact an experienced white-collar crime defense attorney. Your lawyer can communicate with the investigators on your behalf, assess your exposure within the legal system, and help protect your rights and future.
Q: What is the difference between a state and federal white-collar crime case?
The key difference lies in the prosecuting authority and the severity of the penalties. State-level cases are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in Superior Courts throughout the San Fernando Valley. Federal court cases are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and heard in U.S. District Court.
Federal prosecutors have more resources and often target cases involving high dollar amounts or that cross state lines. Federal sentencing guidelines are also generally stricter, with convicted defendants often serving a much higher percentage of their sentence.
Q: What are the potential penalties for a white-collar crime conviction?
Penalties for a white-collar crime conviction in the San Fernando Valley can be severe and multifaceted. They often include a combination of prison time, substantial fines, and restitution to the victims. Judges may also order asset forfeiture, where property believed to be the proceeds of the crime is seized by the government.
A conviction can also lead to a loss of professional licensing, a damaged reputation, and other serious collateral consequences that can affect your career and personal life for years to come.
Your Defense Starts Now with Oberheiden P.C. San Fernando Valley White Collar Crime Attorneys
In the face of a federal white-collar crime investigation or criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your freedom, your livelihood, and your reputation are on the line.
At Oberheiden P.C., we understand the immense pressure you’re under. We have a proven track record of helping clients in the San Fernando Valley and throughout the nation navigate these complex legal challenges with a strategic, proactive, and aggressive defense.
Our team of former federal prosecutors and government can help you anticipate the government’s moves and work to get you a positive outcome. Don’t face this fight alone. Your future is too important.
Contact Oberheiden P.C. and our San Fernando Valley white collar crime defense lawyers immediately for a confidential and free consultation.
