White Collar Crimes Attorney in San Rafael
Advocating for the Accused in Marin County, Novato, Petaluma & Richmond
Attorney Peter James Chambers is passionate in his belief that everyone deserves strong legal defense if they are confronting potential or existing charges of criminal activity. Without a skilled attorney, defendants risk years behind bars and significant financial and other penalties.
At Chambers Defense, clients receive personalized representation that prioritizes solid strategies designed to reduce the possibility of losing their freedom. As a former prosecutor, our San Rafael white collar crime lawyer can spot holes in the case against his client and devise a plan of action to lessen possible consequences.
To learn more about your options, schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or calling (415) 423-2828.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
White collar crimes are typically nonviolent offenses with a financial motive. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged behavior, charges may be filed on a state or federal level.
Some of these crimes are misdemeanors while others are felonies. The length of any possible incarceration is determined in large part by the amount of money the alleged victim(s) lost. A California judge has the authority to add up to five more years to the sentence if the convicted has two prior white-collar convictions for fraud or embezzlement and if the alleged victim lost at least $100,000 from the crime.
Examples of white collar crime include the following:
State & Federal Agencies Investigate White Collar Crimes
California’s Division of Law Enforcement’s White Collar Investigation Team investigates these crimes. On the federal side, the Department of Justice announced in the fall of 2021 that a team of FBI agents would be embedded in the department’s Criminal Fraud Section.
In her keynote address at the American Bar Association’s 36th National Institute on White-Collar Crime, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said she has noticed three distinct changes since she left her position as Homeland Security Adviser in 2017.
- Corporate crime increasingly has a national security dimension.
- Data analytics play a more significant role in investigations.
- Criminals are taking advantage of emerging technological and financial industries to take advantage of the investing public.
Why Is It Called White-Collar Crime?
The term “white collar” was coined in the 1930s by Edwin Sutherland, a sociologist, and criminologist who found the Bloomington School of Criminology at the State University of Indiana. The name came from the fact that most perpetrators of the crime were professionals who typically wore a white dress shirt and tie to work. While clothing norms in offices coast to coast have changed, the name has stuck.
Statute of Limitations Defines When Charges Can Be Filed
California, like all states, has specific limitations on how long charges can be filed after an alleged crime has occurred or been discovered. This time period is called a statute of limitations. In most cases, misdemeanors have a statute of limitations of one year and felonies have a time limit of three years. Some crimes (murder is an example) have no limitations and charges can be brought at any time.
Defending Those Charged with White Collar Crimes
If you believe you are being investigated or possibly facing charges, contact us right away. The sooner we can begin diving into the details of your case, the better the defense strategy we can build. Attorney Chambers is a white collar crime lawyer in San Rafael who doggedly defends his clients through every step of the criminal justice process.
Schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you. Call (415) 423-2828 or use our online form to get started.