White-collar criminal investigations can be very different from other criminal cases. Instead of beginning with an arrest, an investigation may develop over time through financial records, search warrants, interviews, audits, electronic communications, and information provided by employees or business associates.
By the time investigators contact a suspect, law enforcement may already possess a substantial amount of evidence.
Fresno criminal defense attorney Gregory W. Fox represents individuals facing serious California criminal allegations, including white-collar offenses.
Call (559) 222-5800 to request a consultation.
White-Collar Crimes We Defend
Our office can represent clients accused of offenses involving:
- Embezzlement
- Insurance fraud
- Identity theft
- Credit card fraud
- Financial fraud
- Money laundering allegations under California law
- Employee theft
- Forgery
- Business-related theft
- Fraud involving government programs
- Conspiracy allegations under California law
- Other California financial crimes
White-collar cases can involve individuals, employees, executives, professionals, business owners, and others accused of obtaining money or property through deception or abusing a position of trust.
White-Collar Investigations in California
One of the most important questions in a white-collar matter is what conduct investigators believe occurred and what evidence they are relying upon.
White-collar investigations may be conducted by local or state law enforcement and regulatory agencies depending on the allegations involved.
Early representation can be especially valuable when an investigation has not yet resulted in formal charges.
Financial Records Don’t Always Tell the Whole Story
White-collar prosecutions frequently rely on large volumes of records:
- Bank statements
- Accounting records
- Emails
- Text messages
- Contracts
- Invoices
- Tax documents
- Corporate records
- Computer files
- Transaction histories
Prosecutors may use these records to construct a narrative about what occurred.
But financial transactions do not exist in a vacuum.
The defense must examine the context of those records, who authorized transactions, who had access to accounts, what agreements existed, what the defendant understood, and whether prosecutors can actually prove criminal intent.
Intent Can Be Critical
Business mistakes, accounting errors, contractual disputes, poor recordkeeping, or unsuccessful investments do not automatically constitute fraud.
Many financial crimes require prosecutors to prove that the defendant acted with a particular fraudulent or criminal intent.
That distinction can become especially important when several people participated in a business or financial transaction.
Defending a White-Collar Case
Depending upon the allegations, a defense investigation may focus on:
- Whether prosecutors can prove fraudulent intent
- Accuracy of the alleged financial loss
- Whether the defendant personally participated in the alleged conduct
- Authorization for disputed transactions
- Reliability of cooperating witnesses
- Accounting or recordkeeping errors
- Search-warrant issues
- Statements made during investigative interviews
- Electronic and financial evidence
- Whether the evidence supports the specific crime charged
Because these cases can involve thousands of pages of documents and complex financial transactions, careful preparation is essential.
The Investigation Stage Matters
If investigators have contacted you, executed a search warrant, or contacted your employer or business associates, you may already be the subject of an investigation.
Do not assume that cooperating without legal advice will make the matter disappear.
An attorney may be able to communicate with investigators or prosecutors, determine the nature of the investigation, help protect your rights, and begin developing a defense before charges are filed.
Fresno White-Collar Criminal Defense Attorney
White-collar allegations can threaten your freedom as well as your career, professional license, business, finances, and reputation.
Gregory W. Fox represents clients facing California white-collar criminal matters and personally handles his clients’ cases from investigation and evidence review through negotiations and court proceedings.
If you are facing a white-collar criminal investigation or charge in Fresno or Central California, contact the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox to discuss your situation.
Call (559) 222-5800 to request a consultation.