Compassionate Defense When Everything’s on the Line
Getting arrested or even investigated for a white collar crime can turn your entire world upside down. Whether you're a business professional, executive, or someone simply caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, you may be feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, and scared about what comes next. These are not just legal battles—they threaten your career, your reputation, your relationships, and even your freedom.
White collar crimes carry serious consequences—felony convictions, federal prison sentences, heavy fines, and professional license suspension or revocation. These cases are complex and often move quickly. That’s why you must act fast. Your future could depend on it.
If you or someone you love has been accused of a financial crime, you need a Santa Rosa white collar defense lawyer who knows how to fight smart and protect what matters most.
At the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C., we understand how terrifying this moment can be. Serving clients in Santa Rosa and throughout Sonoma County, we’ve spent years helping individuals navigate the high-stakes world of white collar criminal defense.
Don’t wait. Contact our office today for a free and confidential consultation.
What Are White Collar Crimes?
White collar crimes are non-violent offenses that typically involve deceit, manipulation, or abuse of trust to gain financial or professional advantage. These crimes are usually committed in business, corporate, or government settings and often involve complex financial transactions, falsified records, or misrepresentation. Unlike violent crimes, white collar offenses don't involve physical harm, but the damage—both financial and reputational—can be just as severe. The main difference between violent and non-violent crimes lies in the use or threat of force. Violent crimes typically involve physical aggression, such as assault or robbery, while non-violent offenses like white collar crimes rely on deception, fraud, or manipulation to achieve financial gain.
Individuals accused of white collar crimes are often professionals: business owners, corporate executives, accountants, healthcare providers, or public officials. The consequences of a conviction can be devastating—long prison sentences, hefty fines, loss of professional licenses, and permanent damage to one’s personal and professional reputation.
In California, and particularly in Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas, white collar crime investigations are taken very seriously and may involve both state and federal law enforcement agencies. Many of these cases start long before an arrest occurs, through audits, financial reviews, or whistleblower complaints. That’s why you need to recognize the early signs and secure legal representation immediately.
Below are some of the most common types of white collar crimes charged in California.
Fraud
Fraud involves intentionally deceiving another party to gain money, services, or another benefit. In California, fraud can take many forms, and it is often charged at both the state and federal level. Fraud offenses range from submitting false insurance claims to elaborate investment schemes, and penalties depend on the amount of loss, number of victims, and whether the fraud was part of a larger pattern of misconduct.
- Securities Fraud: Misleading investors, falsifying stock reports, or insider activity that manipulates stock prices.
- Mail and Wire Fraud: Using postal services or electronic communications—emails, texts, calls—to carry out fraudulent schemes.
- Insurance Fraud: Submitting false claims to insurance companies for financial gain, such as staged car accidents or inflated property damage.
- Healthcare Fraud: Overbilling Medicare or Medi-Cal, prescribing unnecessary procedures, or falsifying medical records for profit.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with managing or overseeing someone else’s money or property misappropriates those assets for personal use. This can happen in any setting—from corporate accounting offices to nonprofit organizations.
Example: A bookkeeper quietly transfers company funds into a personal account over several months, disguising the transactions as routine expenses.
Money Laundering
Money laundering is the act of disguising the origins of illegally obtained money to make it appear legitimate. This often involves moving money through shell companies, international accounts, or multiple layers of transactions to “clean” the funds.
Law enforcement agencies take an aggressive stance on money laundering, especially when it’s linked to drug trafficking, organized crime, or large-scale fraud.
Tax Evasion
Tax evasion involves deliberately underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding assets to avoid paying taxes. The IRS and California Franchise Tax Board actively pursue suspected evaders, and cases can escalate quickly to criminal charges.
Example: A self-employed individual fails to report cash income over several years and is later audited, triggering a federal criminal investigation.
Identity Theft
This crime involves obtaining and using someone else’s personal information—like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card data—without permission, typically to commit fraud or theft.
Identity theft charges are common in credit card fraud, tax refund schemes, and cybercrime. You could get charged with identity theft even if you didn’t personally steal someone’s information—possessing or using data obtained by someone else can still lead to criminal liability. Penalties can be steep, especially if the theft involves multiple victims or large sums of money.
Insider Trading
Insider trading occurs when someone uses non-public, material information to buy or sell stocks or securities for financial gain. This type of conduct undermines market fairness and is heavily scrutinized by the SEC and other federal agencies.
For example, a corporate executive who sells stock after learning about an upcoming company bankruptcy—but before that information is made public—could face insider trading charges.
White collar crimes are complex by nature, often involving multiple people, detailed financial schemes, and months (if not years) of investigative work by government agencies. Because of this, defending against these allegations requires a deep understanding of financial regulations, prosecutorial tactics, and courtroom procedure.
If you’re facing one of these charges—or even suspect you’re under investigation—don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your reputation, career, and freedom. The Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C. is here to help you navigate every step.
What Makes White Collar Cases Different?
White collar criminal cases aren’t like your typical courtroom dramas. They often involve years of financial records, complex regulatory issues, and multiple government agencies.
- Document-Intensive: Mountains of spreadsheets, emails, bank records, and contracts may be used as evidence.
- Complex Financial Evidence: Prosecutors work with forensic accountants to trace money trails and transactions.
- Technical Legal Requirements: These cases often involve intricate financial laws, requiring meticulous legal scrutiny.
- Jurisdiction Challenges: Many white collar crimes can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Each comes with different procedures and penalties.
Why Do You Need a White Collar Defense Attorney?
Being charged with a white collar crime is like entering a chess match blindfolded. The government has the resources, time, and experts to build its case. You need someone in your corner who understands the terrain and can fight strategically. That’s why it’s critical to find the right criminal defense attorney—someone who not only understands financial laws but also has experience navigating complex investigations and negotiating with prosecutors.
How Can the Right Attorney Help?
- Interpreting Financial Data: Not all attorneys are comfortable parsing complex audits or bank statements. We are.
- Experience With Federal Investigations: We’ve gone toe-to-toe with federal prosecutors and understand their playbook.
- Sentencing Knowledge: White collar offenses often carry harsh mandatory minimums and sentencing enhancements. We work to mitigate those.
- Access to Key Experts: We collaborate with forensic accountants, IT specialists, and investigators to dissect the government’s case.
What Happens Without Proper Representation?
- Maximum Penalties: Prosecutors are more likely to seek the harshest possible sentence if they believe you’re unprepared.
- Procedural Missteps: White collar defense involves nuanced pretrial motions and evidence rules. A missed filing could ruin your chances.
- Lost Opportunities: Early intervention could mean dismissal, diversion, or reduced charges—but only if someone knows how to make it happen.
How Can Our Santa Rosa White Collar Defense Team Help You?
Our approach starts with listening. You deserve a defense team that understands what’s at stake and will fight for you with integrity, tenacity, and empathy. Selecting a criminal defense attorney isn’t just about credentials—it’s about finding someone who makes you feel heard, takes your concerns seriously, and has the experience to guide you through high-stakes decisions with confidence.
- Case Evaluation and Planning: We start by reviewing your case from every angle and mapping out a step-by-step defense strategy.
- Evidence Review: We comb through financial records, correspondence, and witness statements to identify flaws and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
- Prosecutor Negotiation: Sometimes, the best defense is a smart negotiation. We pursue reduced charges or alternative outcomes when appropriate.
- Professional License Protection: We help defend your right to continue working in your field—whether you’re a doctor, accountant, or government employee.
- Courtroom Representation: Whether your case lands in state or federal court, we’re ready to stand by your side at every hearing, motion, and trial.
What Should You Do If You're Under Investigation?
If you think you’re being investigated for a white collar offense, don’t wait for charges to be filed. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
When Should You Contact a Defense Attorney?
- At the First Sign: If agents show up at your door, your workplace, or you receive a subpoena—call us immediately.
- After Arrest or Indictment: Don’t go into your arraignment without knowing your rights and your options.
- Before Talking to Investigators: Anything you say can—and will—be used against you.
- Before Complying With Document Requests: Even well-meaning cooperation can backfire if not carefully managed.
How Can Early Legal Help Protect You?
- Avoid Charges: In some cases, proactive legal counsel can convince prosecutors not to file charges.
- Preserve Evidence: We act quickly to secure emails, files, and other digital evidence before it disappears. The importance of evidence in white collar cases can’t be overstated—every document, transaction, or message could help establish your intent, refute allegations, or expose flaws in the prosecution’s case.
- Build Your Defense Early: Time is a powerful weapon. The sooner we begin, the stronger your defense becomes.
What Are the Penalties for White Collar Crimes in California?
Even though white collar crimes don’t involve physical violence, their punishments can be devastating.
State vs. Federal Penalties
- California Sentencing: Many offenses carry up to 3–5 years per count. Sentences can add up quickly when multiple charges are involved.
- Federal Penalties: Federal convictions often come with longer prison terms and steeper financial penalties. Sentencing guidelines consider the financial loss and number of victims.
- Restitution: Courts often order you to repay victims, which can result in wage garnishment or asset seizure.
- License Consequences: Professionals may face disbarment, revocation of certifications, or blacklisting from their industries.
Can Penalties Be Reduced?
Yes, but it takes an experienced hand. We explore every opportunity for leniency:
- Plea Agreements: Negotiating a favorable plea can reduce charges or avoid prison time.
- First-Time Offender Programs: Some non-violent white collar offenders may qualify for diversion.
- Alternatives to Prison: Probation, home confinement, or community service may be options.
- Mitigating Factors: Your background, intent, and cooperation can all influence sentencing.
What Is Our Defense Approach for White Collar Cases?
Every case is different, and cookie-cutter defenses won’t cut it. We tailor our strategies to fit your unique situation.
How Do We Build Your Defense?
- Document Review: We go through every email, spreadsheet, and contract with a fine-tooth comb.
- Spotting Legal Errors: If investigators overstepped their bounds or gathered evidence improperly, we’ll find it.
- Prosecutorial Weaknesses: We identify gaps in the government’s story and leverage them in negotiations and court.
- Constitutional Safeguards: Unlawful searches, coerced confessions, or due process violations could lead to suppression or dismissal.
Common Defense Strategies
- Lack of Intent: Many white collar crimes require proof that you meant to defraud. We challenge that.
- Good Faith: If you genuinely believed your actions were legal, you may have a valid defense.
- Procedural Mistakes: Chain of custody issues, faulty warrants, or improper subpoenas can weaken the prosecution.
- Insufficient Evidence: Just because they accuse you doesn’t mean they can prove it.
- Alternative Explanations: Business losses and accounting errors aren’t always crimes. We help tell your side of the story.
Contact Our White Collar Attorneys in Santa Rosa Today
At the Law Offices of Evan E. Zelig, P.C., we’re not just here to defend you—we’re here to support you, advocate for you, and help you move forward.
Whether you're facing charges or just suspect you're under investigation, don’t wait. Let us step in and protect your rights from the start. We respond quickly to urgent situations and provide a free, confidential consultation so you can understand your options with no pressure or obligation.
Every white collar case we take on gets a personalized defense plan tailored to your specific circumstances. You’re not just another case number—you’re someone with a future worth fighting for.
Call us today at (707) 636-3204 to request your no-cost case review. Your freedom and your professional future are too important to leave to chance.
Serving Santa Rosa and the greater Sonoma County region, we’re here to help when you need it most.