Los Angeles White-Collar Criminal Defense Attorneys

Why Choose Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP for White-Collar Criminal Defense

White-collar crimes encompass a range of non-violent offenses often involving financial deception, and facing such charges can jeopardize your career, reputation, and freedom. In the complex legal landscape of Los Angeles, having a dedicated defense team is crucial to navigating investigations, charges, and potential trials.

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our Los Angeles-based attorneys bring over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense, with a proven track record of handling cases aggressively to achieve dismissals, reductions, or acquittals. We understand the high stakes involved, from protecting your professional standing to minimizing long-term consequences, and we provide 24/7 support, thorough case analysis, and strategic litigation tailored to your situation. Whether you’re dealing with fraud allegations or complex federal probes, our firm is committed to safeguarding your rights and future.

If you’re under investigation or facing charges, don’t wait; contact Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP today for a confidential consultation. Our team is ready to build a robust defense and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Is a White-Collar Crime?

White-collar crimes refer to non-violent offenses typically committed for financial gain through deception or breach of trust, often in professional or business settings. These crimes differ from traditional street crimes by focusing on economic harm rather than physical violence, and they can involve sophisticated schemes that exploit positions of authority or access to sensitive information.

These types of crimes often involve a violation of trust, where perpetrators abuse their roles in organizations or institutions. They frequently target businesses or large entities rather than individuals, involve multiple participants, and follow patterned behaviors that can span years. White-collar crimes also encompass the use of technology or financial systems to conceal activities, such as money laundering or falsified records, making these cases highly complex and reliant on documentary evidence.

Common Types of White-Collar Offenses in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, a major center for finance, entertainment, technology, and real estate, white-collar crimes frequently arise from the opportunities and pressures unique to these industries. These non-violent financial offenses can trigger aggressive investigations by state authorities, the FBI, IRS, or SEC, often leading to severe consequences like prison time, hefty fines, restitution, and lasting damage to your professional reputation and career.

• Fraud is among the most common white-collar charges in California. This involves intentional deception to obtain money or property. Some examples prevalent in Los Angeles include:
  • Securities Fraud: Misrepresenting information to investors or manipulating markets, often in the city’s active venture capital and stock trading environments.
  • Insurance Fraud: Staging incidents, exaggerating claims, or submitting false documentation to insurers.
  • Mortgage Fraud: Falsifying income, appraisals, or loan documents in the competitive Southern California housing market.
• Embezzlement occurs when someone in a position of trust, such as an executive, employee, or fiduciary, unlawfully takes funds or assets entrusted to them. Common in LA’s corporate, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, this can involve diverting company money, inflating expenses, or siphoning client funds.
• Insider Trading entails using confidential, non-public information to buy or sell securities for personal gain. With proximity to Hollywood studios, tech firms, and public companies, Los Angeles sees cases tied to upcoming mergers, film releases, or earnings reports.
• Money Laundering involves concealing the source of illegally obtained funds by routing them through legitimate businesses, real estate transactions, or financial accounts. Often linked to other crimes, this is vigorously pursued in LA due to its role as a financial hub.
• Bribery means offering or accepting something of value to influence official actions or business decisions, such as kickbacks in government contracts, film productions, or corporate deals.
• Forgery includes creating, altering, or using fake documents, like counterfeit checks, contracts, or signatures, to deceive others, frequently supporting larger fraud schemes in document-intensive industries.
• Identity Theft happens when someone unlawfully obtains and uses another’s personal information (e.g., Social Security numbers, credit details) to commit fraud, open accounts, or make purchases, exploiting LA’s large, diverse population and digital landscape.
• Ponzi Schemes are fraudulent investments where returns to early participants are paid with capital from newer ones, rather than legitimate profits. These have victimized many in LA’s affluent communities through phony real estate or entertainment funds.
• Extortion (or blackmail) involves threats to reveal embarrassing or damaging information unless payment is made, appearing in high-stakes entertainment, business, or personal disputes.

If you’re facing accusations or charges for any of these offenses, early intervention by an experienced defense team is essential. The attorneys at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP have successfully defended clients against a wide range of white-collar allegations, working to challenge evidence, negotiate reductions, or achieve outright dismissals.

Sentencing Guidelines and Potential Penalties For a White-Collar Criminal Conviction in California

White-collar crime penalties in California depend on the specific offense, the amount of money or value involved, your criminal history, and whether it’s charged as a misdemeanor or felony (many are “wobblers”). Federal cases often carry harsher sentences than state ones.

A skilled defense attorney can often negotiate reductions, probation instead of jail, or alternatives to minimize consequences.

Here’s a high-level overview of common penalties:

• Petty Theft or Misdemeanor-Level Offenses (e.g., losses under $950):
  • Up to 6 months in county jail
  • Fines up to $1,000
  • Probation and community service possible
• Grand Theft or Felony-Level Offenses (e.g., losses over $950, common in fraud or embezzlement):
  • 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison (or county jail under realignment)
  • Fines up to $10,000
  • Restitution to victims (full repayment of losses)
• Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties:
  • Losses over $100,000 in multiple related felonies: Additional 1–5 years in prison (aggravated white-collar enhancement under PC 186.11)
  • Large-scale schemes or high victim impact: Enhanced fines, longer prison terms, and possible asset forfeiture
  • Prior convictions: Longer sentences under California’s three-strikes law or recidivist enhancements
• Other Common Consequences:
  • Full restitution ordered to repay victims
  • Probation (often 3–5 years) with strict conditions
  • Loss or suspension of professional licenses (e.g., real estate, finance, law)
  • Damage to reputation and future job opportunities

Many first-time offenders with strong mitigation can avoid prison through plea negotiations or alternatives like probation. Early involvement of an experienced attorney is key to fighting for reduced charges or favorable outcomes.

Federal vs. State Charges: Differences in Jurisdiction

White-collar crimes in California can fall under federal or state jurisdiction, depending on the crime’s scope and impact.

• Federal charges, handled by U.S. agencies like the FBI or SEC, apply when offenses cross state lines, involve national institutions, or violate federal laws, such as interstate wire fraud or securities violations. These cases are prosecuted in federal courts, often with harsher penalties and more resources dedicated to investigation.
• State charges, under California’s Penal Code, are pursued by local district attorneys for crimes confined within the state, like embezzlement from a local business. Jurisdiction here is geographical, with trials in state courts offering more judicial flexibility but still serious consequences.

Some key differences include sentencing, as Federal guidelines are more rigid and often longer, while state penalties may allow for probation or reduced terms. Overlaps can occur, leading to parallel proceedings, so understanding the distinction is vital for an effective defense.

Initial Steps After Being Accused: Critical Dos and Don’ts

Facing accusations of a white-collar crime, whether through a phone call from investigators, a subpoena, a search warrant, or formal charges, can be overwhelming and disorienting. The decisions you make in the first hours and days can profoundly impact the trajectory of your case, from the strength of the prosecution’s evidence to potential additional charges.

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we’ve guided countless clients through this critical early stage, and we cannot stress this enough: your silence and swift action in securing counsel are your most powerful tools.

What You Should Do Immediately

• Stay calm and composed. Panic can lead to mistakes. Take a deep breath; clear thinking now will serve you throughout the process.
• Invoke your right to remain silent. If contacted by law enforcement, the FBI, IRS, SEC, or any investigator, politely but firmly state: “I am invoking my right to remain silent and would like to speak with my attorney before answering any questions.” Do not elaborate, explain, or try to “clear things up”; anything you say can and will be used against you.
• Contact an experienced white-collar defense attorney right away. Time is critical. Call Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP 24/7 for immediate guidance. An attorney can intervene early, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and begin protecting your rights before the case escalates.
• Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. Secure financial records, emails, texts, contracts, and any materials related to the allegations, but do not alter, delete, or destroy anything. Preservation is key; tampering can result in separate obstruction charges.

What You Must Avoid

• Do not speak about the case with anyone except your attorney. This includes family, friends, colleagues, or coworkers. Casual conversations, phone calls, texts, or social media posts can be subpoenaed, recorded, or later used against you, even if you think you’re among trusted people.
• Do not consent to searches or interviews without counsel. Politely decline voluntary interviews or requests to search your home, office, or devices. You are not obligated to cooperate beyond what’s legally required (e.g., a valid warrant).
• Do not destroy, hide, or alter any evidence. Deleting emails, shredding documents, or wiping devices, even if you believe they are incriminating, can lead to severe obstruction of justice charges that are often easier for prosecutors to prove than the underlying offense.
• Do not attempt to contact witnesses or potential co-defendants. This can be interpreted as witness tampering or intimidation, adding new felony charges.

The early phase of a white-collar investigation is often when prosecutors gather the bulk of their evidence. By staying silent, avoiding self-incrimination, and bringing in skilled legal representation immediately, you give your defense team the best chance to challenge the investigation, negotiate effectively, or even prevent charges from being filed.

If you’re facing this situation right now, do not wait. Contact Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP today for a confidential consultation.

Your Rights During an Investigation: What to Expect from Law Enforcement

During a white-collar investigation, law enforcement may initiate contact through subpoenas for documents, interviews, or even search warrants. Expect thorough scrutiny, including forensic analysis of finances and witness statements, often spanning months.

You have fundamental rights:

• The right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination
• The right to an attorney during questioning.

Anticipate agents from agencies like the FBI seeking cooperation or using tactics to elicit information. You’re entitled to due process, meaning evidence must be obtained legally, and you can challenge improper searches. If targeted, you might receive a formal letter outlining your status.

Knowing these rights helps prevent violations and strengthens your position.

The Role of a Defense Attorney in White-Collar Cases

When you’re facing white-collar crime allegations, a skilled defense attorney becomes your most critical ally. White-collar cases are document-intensive, technically complex, and often involve multiple agencies (FBI, IRS, SEC, or state prosecutors), making them far different from other criminal matters. The right attorney doesn’t just react; they proactively shape the outcome of your case from the very beginning.

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, our attorneys take an aggressive, strategic approach that includes:

• Conducting parallel independent investigations: We can retain forensic accountants, financial experts, and private investigators to re-examine the evidence, identify gaps or inconsistencies in the government’s case, and uncover exculpatory information that prosecutors may have overlooked or ignored.
• Protecting you during the investigation phase: We handle all communications with law enforcement and regulators, advising you on subpoenas, search warrants, and interviews to prevent self-incriminating statements or missteps.
• Challenging evidence early and often: From filing motions to suppress improperly obtained records to contesting the admissibility of financial data, we work to weaken the prosecution’s foundation before trial.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: Many white-collar cases resolve favorably through pre-charge advocacy, deferred prosecution agreements, reduced charges, or favorable plea terms; outcomes that require deep relationships with prosecutors and a reputation for taking strong cases to trial if needed.
• Trial advocacy when necessary: If your case proceeds to court, we present a compelling defense through meticulous cross-examination of government witnesses (often forensic experts), clear explanations of complex transactions to juries, and powerful closing arguments aimed at reasonable doubt.
• Mitigating consequences: Even in difficult situations, we fight for alternatives to incarceration, such as probation, home confinement, or minimal restitution, while protecting your professional licenses and future employment prospects.

Our goal is simple: to minimize the impact on your life, reputation, and freedom.

With decades of combined experience defending clients in Los Angeles-area state and federal courts, the team at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP knows how to dismantle complex allegations and secure the best possible result.

How to Choose the Right White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles

Facing white-collar charges can be terrifying; your career, finances, and liberty are on the line. Choosing the wrong attorney can make a difficult situation catastrophic. The right lawyer can mean the difference between years in prison and a dismissed case or minimal consequences.

Here’s what you should prioritize when selecting counsel in Los Angeles:

• Specific experience in white-collar defense: Look for attorneys who regularly handle fraud, embezzlement, securities violations, money laundering, and other financial crimes; not general lawyers who occasionally take these cases.
• Proven results in similar cases: Ask for examples of past outcomes; charge dismissals, acquittals at trial, non-prosecution agreements, or significant sentence reductions. Track records speak louder than promises.
• Comfort with both state and federal courts: Many white-collar matters end up in federal court with stricter guidelines and higher stakes. Your attorney must be admitted to and experienced in the Central District of California federal courts.
• Resources to fight complex cases: White-collar defense often requires forensic accountants, e-discovery specialists, and expert witnesses. Confirm the firm has access to these tools and uses them routinely.
• Personal attention and availability: You need an attorney who returns calls promptly, explains developments clearly, and involves you in strategy decisions.
• Reputation and relationships: Respected attorneys often secure better plea offers and more favorable treatment because prosecutors know they will vigorously defend their clients if negotiations fail.
• Clear fee structure and communication: Understand exactly how billing works from the start to avoid surprises during an already stressful time.

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we check every one of these boxes. Our team handles your case, drawing on decades of successful defenses throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP today for a confidential consultation. Let our experience work for you; we’re ready to fight aggressively to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

Building an Effective Defense in Los Angeles

At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we have helped numerous clients fight their white-collar crime charges. We understand the severity of being charged with a white-collar crime, regardless of whether it is an accusation of wire fraud, securities fraud, or a Ponzi scheme. Your business, reputation, and relationships with family and friends are all on the line. With over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense, we may be able to help you have your charges reduced or dropped, and we can competently and aggressively fight for you in courtroom litigation. Wherever you are located, we can find a way to help you. Time is of the essence when you are facing white-collar crimes charges, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Facing White-Collar Crime Charges?

If you find yourself facing white-collar criminal charges, you need an experienced and aggressive white-collar crime attorney. Someone convicted on charges of this sort can find their business reputation ruined and may find themselves in financial straits after paying off the fines and restitution that are part of the punishments for white-collar crimes.

Contact a Los Angeles white-collar crime attorney from our firm today if you are facing white-collar criminal charges so we can discuss your case and get started on your defense.