Pasadena White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer
White-collar crimes are nonviolent offenses involving fraud, deceit, or abuse of trust, typically committed in business, financial, or government settings.
Although these crimes do not involve physical violence, they carry some of the harshest penalties under California and federal law, including prison sentences, massive fines, restitution, asset forfeiture, and permanent damage to professional reputations.
If you are under investigation or charged with a white-collar offense in Pasadena, you must act quickly.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles County aggressively pursue these cases, often using forensic accountants, digital evidence, and multi-agency task forces to seek maximum penalties.
Your best hope for a favorable outcome is with a highly experienced criminal defense attorney at Eisner Gorin LLP. To schedule a consultation, call (818) 781-1570 or contact us here.
Why White Collar Crime Charges Are So Dangerous
White collar cases are rarely “simple.” They often involve:
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Extensive financial records
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Email, text, and digital communications
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Expert witnesses and forensic analysis
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Parallel state and federal investigations
Convictions may result in:
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Years in state or federal prison
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Six- or seven-figure fines and restitution
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Professional license suspension or revocation
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Immigration consequences
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Permanent criminal records
Early legal intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
Common White Collar Crimes Prosecuted in Pasadena
White collar crimes encompass a wide range of financial and property offenses. The following are among the most frequently prosecuted in Pasadena and surrounding communities.
Embezzlement – California Penal Code 503
Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with money or property fraudulently appropriates it for personal use. Common cases involve employees, executives, financial advisors, or fiduciaries.
Penalties depend on the amount involved:
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Under $950: misdemeanor exposure
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Over $950: felony charges with up to 3 years in prison
Extortion & Blackmail – California Penal Code 518
Extortion involves using force or fear to compel someone to give money or property or to force a public official to act.
Extortion is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in state prison, and may overlap with federal charges depending on how threats are communicated.
Conspiracy – California Penal Code 182
Prosecutors often add conspiracy charges in white-collar cases. To convict, they must prove:
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An agreement to commit a crime
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The intent that the crime be committed
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At least one overt act toward the crime
Conspiracy charges dramatically increase exposure.
Securities Fraud – California Corporations Code 25541
Securities fraud includes:
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False statements to investors
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Insider trading
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Ponzi or pyramid schemes
A willful violation is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and potentially millions in fines, particularly common in affluent Pasadena neighborhoods.
Identity Theft – California Penal Code 530.5
Identity theft involves unlawfully using another person's personal identifying information for financial gain.
This offense is a wobbler, meaning it may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on scope and prior history.
Money Laundering – California Penal Code 186.10
Money laundering involves disguising the source of illegally obtained funds. These cases often accompany fraud or drug-related offenses.
Penalties include:
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Up to 4 years in state prison
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Substantial fines
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Asset forfeiture
Health Care Fraud – California Penal Code 550
Medical professionals may face allegations involving false billing of programs such as Medi-Cal or Denti-Cal. These cases often begin with search warrants served at medical offices.
Other White Collar Crimes Prosecuted in Pasadena
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Penal Code 532f – Mortgage fraud
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Penal Code 476 – Check fraud
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Penal Code 67 – Bribery
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18 U.S.C. § 1347 – Health care fraud
How White Collar Crimes Are Investigated in Pasadena
White collar investigations frequently involve cooperation between:
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Pasadena Police Department Economic Crimes Unit
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Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
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California Department of Justice
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Federal agencies such as the FBI or IRS
Cases may be prosecuted in Los Angeles County Superior Court or escalated to federal court, depending on jurisdiction and scope.
Defenses to White Collar Crime Charges
An experienced defense attorney can deploy targeted strategies, including:
Lack of Criminal Intent
Most white-collar offenses require intent. Mistakes, negligence, or poor business judgment are not crimes.
Insufficient Evidence
Financial cases often collapse when records are incomplete, unreliable, or misinterpreted.
Entrapment
If law enforcement induced conduct that otherwise would not have occurred, entrapment may apply.
Constitutional Violations
Illegal searches, improper warrants, or Miranda violations can result in suppression or dismissal.
Speak to a Pasadena White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer
White collar investigations often begin months or years before an arrest. Early representation may allow counsel to intervene before charges are filed, negotiate reductions, or position the case for dismissal.
Our law firm defends clients accused of white-collar crimes throughout Pasadena and greater Los Angeles County.
We represent clients in Pasadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Alhambra, Glendale, Arcadia, Monrovia, and surrounding communities.
Contact Eisner Gorin LLP for a confidential consultation and a clear plan to protect your freedom and future.
By appointment, the law firm may meet the client at 1055 E Colorado Blvd., 5th Floor, Pasadena, CA 91106 for case preparation, strategy, and review.
If you have one phone call from jail, call us! If you are facing criminal charges,