Los Angeles Federal White Collar Crimes Attorney

Are you under federal investigation or facing federal white collar charges in Los Angeles, California? A conviction can mean years in federal prison, six-figure fines, and a record that follows you for the rest of your career. A Los Angeles federal white collar crimes lawyer at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers can protect your rights. Contact us today at (747) 373-0477 for a free consultation.

We have more than two decades of experience handling complex financial crimes cases in California. We can help you protect your rights and develop a defense strategy that prioritizes your freedom and reputation. Reach out today to learn more.

Why Choose Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers for Your White Collar Case

Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office with the full resources of federal law enforcement behind them. You don’t want to face off with the government without representation from a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney. Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers is a leading white collar criminal defense firm in Los Angeles, CA.

Clients trust us because: 

• Our attorneys have 25+ years of experience defending clients against charges brought in the Central District of California.
• We understand the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and pathways for mitigation
• We've handled cases involving federal task forces, multi-agency investigations, and complex, multi-defendant financial fraud indictments.
• We've been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers, Justia, and other top organizations.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential case review with a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney. We'll walk you through the federal process and help you understand what's at stake in your case.

Federal White Collar Offenses We Defend in Los Angeles

Federal white collar prosecutions in the Central District of California cover a wide range of alleged financial misconduct. It is not a singular category but rather a group of crimes that have to do with fraud or self-dealing.

At Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, we defend clients accused of:

• Wire and mail fraud
• Securities fraud and insider trading
• Healthcare and Medicare fraud
• Bank fraud
• Tax evasion and tax fraud
• Money laundering
• Public corruption and bribery
• Embezzlement
• Racketeering under RICO
• PPP loan and pandemic relief fraud
• Cryptocurrency and investment fraud

Our Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience handling the following matters. 

Wire and Mail Fraud

In California, wire fraud and mail fraud are among the most commonly charged federal offenses, largely because they apply to nearly any scheme that uses electronic communications, banking systems, or the U.S. mail to carry out fraud. Prosecutors often add these charges to any financial crime case; almost every transaction today touches a wire or electronic system somewhere along the way.

To convict you, the government must prove you knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and used interstate wires or the mail in furtherance of that scheme. A conviction can carry up to 20 years in federal prison, or up to 30 years if the alleged fraud affected a financial institution.

Healthcare and Medicare Fraud

Los Angeles has one of the largest healthcare markets in the country, and federal prosecutors devote significant resources to investigating fraud involving Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. These cases often target physicians, clinic owners, billing companies, and pharmacy operators.

Common allegations include billing for services never provided, upcoding procedures, and kickback arrangements between providers. These cases frequently rely on statistical sampling and data analytics to build a loss estimate, which can produce inflated or inaccurate figures if not independently reviewed. Healthcare fraud convictions can carry up to 10 years in federal prison, rising to 20 years if a patient suffered serious bodily injury.

Securities Fraud and Insider Trading

Given the concentration of investment firms and public companies across Los Angeles, our office also handles securities fraud and insider trading allegations investigated by the SEC and prosecuted federally. These cases often involve allegations of misleading investors, manipulating stock prices, or trading on material nonpublic information.

Securities fraud convictions can carry penalties of up to 25 years in federal prison, in addition to substantial fines and mandatory disgorgement of any alleged gains.

Money Laundering and PPP Loan Fraud

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have also aggressively pursued money laundering charges tied to underlying fraud schemes, as well as cases involving the Paycheck Protection Program and other pandemic relief fraud. Money laundering charges are frequently added on top of an underlying fraud charge whenever the government believes proceeds were moved, deposited, or transferred to conceal their source.

A conviction for money laundering can carry up to 20 years in federal prison, separate from any sentence tied to the underlying offense. PPP and relief fraud cases often combine wire fraud and bank fraud, which can significantly increase the total sentencing exposure a defendant faces.

Federal Sentencing and Penalties for White Collar Convictions

Federal white collar sentences are shaped by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which weigh factors far beyond the underlying statute's maximum penalty. 

Judges typically consider:

• The total financial loss attributed to the offense
• The number of victims involved
• Whether the offense involved sophisticated means
• Your role in the offense, including whether you were a leader or organizer
• Your criminal history, or lack of one
• Whether you accepted responsibility or cooperated with the investigation

Beyond prison time, a federal white collar conviction often brings substantial fines and mandatory restitution to victims. It can also mean forfeiture of assets tied to the offense and supervised release conditions that can last for years after any prison sentence ends. 

Because the Sentencing Guidelines are calculated using a point-based system, small differences in how the offense is characterized can positively change your sentencing range. An attorney experienced in federal sentencing can challenge unfavorable guideline calculations and present mitigating evidence that a judge is required to consider before imposing a sentence.

Collateral Consequences of a Federal White Collar Crimes Conviction

Licensed professionals — including doctors, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and real estate agents — may face suspension or permanent revocation of their license through separate state licensing board proceedings. Business owners can lose the ability to hold ownership interests, serve as officers or directors, or contract with government agencies, particularly in industries subject to federal oversight. 

For non-citizens, a federal conviction can trigger removal proceedings, denial of naturalization, or other severe immigration consequences, regardless of how long someone has lived in the United States. These collateral consequences often carry long-term financial and personal costs that rival, or even exceed, the direct penalties imposed by the court.

Defenses We Raise in Federal White Collar Cases

Federal prosecutors must prove every element of a white collar charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and these cases often turn on complex financial evidence that can be challenged in multiple ways. 

Depending on the facts of your case, potential defenses may include:

• Lack of criminal intent, since most federal white collar statutes require the government to prove you knowingly and willfully participated in the scheme
• Insufficient evidence connecting you personally to the alleged conduct
• Good faith reliance on accountants, attorneys, or other professional advice
• Constitutional violations in how evidence was obtained
• Challenges to the credibility of cooperating witnesses
• Errors in the government's financial loss calculations

Building an effective defense in federal court requires understanding not just the law, but how federal prosecutors and agents build their cases from the ground up.

What Should You Do if Federal Agents Contact You or You Receive a Subpoena?

How you respond in the earliest stages of a federal investigation can significantly affect the rest of your case.

If FBI agents show up at your home or office, or if you receive a grand jury subpoena or target letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office, you should consider the following: 

• You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise it until you've spoken with an attorney
• Agents are permitted to use pressure tactics and misleading statements during questioning, so declining to answer questions isn't an admission of guilt
• Never destroy, alter, or delete documents or communications once you're aware of an investigation, as doing so can result in separate obstruction charges
• A subpoena for records or testimony should be reviewed by an attorney before you respond, since the scope and deadlines are often negotiable
• Cooperating too early, without legal advice, can limit your options and lock you into statements that are difficult to walk back later

Speaking with a federal criminal defense attorney before you speak with investigators is one of the most important decisions you can make in a white collar investigation. It can help you protect your defense options and prevent federal agents from running roughshod over your rights. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Federal White Collar Crimes Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a federal white collar crime in Los Angeles, California, you should contact an experienced attorney right away. Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers is ready to start building your defense. 

We have over 25 years of combined experience handling white collar crimes cases. We can position you for a favorable outcome with a strong defense that reveals your innocence or mitigates the severity of the charge. 

Contact us to schedule a confidential, free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles federal white collar crimes attorney.