Los Angeles Business Crime Defense Attorneys
Accused of a Business Crime in Los Angeles?
Being accused of a business crime can involve a variety of different criminal charges. On top of that, they can frequently be very confusing and require you to navigate through a complex legal landscape of financial records, business reports, and other documentation. A business crime can be loosely defined as criminal activity that is carried out against another person or property connected with a business.
The complexity of these cases begins with the issue of whether an alleged business crime will be prosecuted in federal court or state court. The answer to that question lies in the specific charges that are brought forward by the prosecution. Generally, a business crime is addressed by state court if the criminal activity involved a state agency or was conducted solely within state lines.
If you’ve been accused of a business crime, you don’t have to keep wondering about your options. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn, LLP, we understand that these complicated legal matters require the most focused, aggressive, and strategic representation you can find. Our team has years of experience working in the state legal system and winning cases for our clients. Contact us at (213) 688-0460 to start protecting your future.
Types of Business Crimes
A business crime can take on many different forms. The majority of business crimes, however, involve some type of fraud, or monetary loss. Common examples of business crimes at the state level include:
- Insurance Fraud: when an individual knowingly lies or misleads an insurance provider in order to obtain a benefit they wouldn’t otherwise be able to receive, this is insurance fraud. Insurance fraud can only be prosecuted if it is proven that the defendant had an intent to defraud the insurance provider, and if the misrepresentation to the insurance provider was completed. This means that you don’t actually have to receive any benefit from the insurance company in order to be charged with insurance fraud.
- Embezzlement: when a person misuses company assets for their own personal gain, this constitutes as embezzlement. Under California law, the severity of an embezzlement charge will be based on the value of the stolen property.
- Extortion: According to California law, extortion is defined as the act of obtaining any property through the wrongful use of force or fear. It often involves someone threatening bodily harm or professional damage unless money is given.
- Money Laundering: money laundering is defined by California Penal Code 186.10 PC as the transference of money gained from criminal activity into bank accounts or other legitimate uses. Money laundering can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony crime depending on the defendant’s criminal record and the circumstances of the case.
Differences Between State Crime and Federal Crime
Whether a crime is tried in state court or federal court comes down to a number of factors. If the criminal activity took place on federal land, involved federal agents, or went across state lines, then the case will be tried in federal court.
When it comes to business crimes, most people assume that these are prosecuted only at the federal level. While it’s common to see federal agencies such as the FBI, IRS, or the United Postal Service investigating charges such as fraud or money laundering, these are frequently prosecuted at the state level as well. Every state, including California, has many regulatory agencies that possess enforcement powers. The California Department of Justice is responsible for prosecuting business crimes at the state level.
Case Results
At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our team of experienced Los Angeles business crime defense attorneys have helped many people over the years fight business crime charges. Thanks to our team’s expertise in aggressively representing our clients at the state level, we have helped various business owners and working professionals get their un-just charges dismissed at preliminary hearings, or receive a verdict of no jail time for cases in which the defendant faced several years in prison.
Recently, Mark Werksman represented a business owner who was facing charges of committing a $9 million workers’ compensation fraud. The defendant was looking at more than ten years in state prison, but Mark was able to reach a successful verdict of “not guilty” and his client was sentenced to just nine months of house arrest plus probation.
Additionally, Alan Jackson successfully advocated for a registered nurse who facing up to 14 years in state prison for allegedly practicing medicine without a license and other serious charges. Jackson was able to get several charges thrown out at the preliminary hearing, and the charges that remained where reduced to misdemeanors.
Legal Defense From Seasoned Los Angeles Business Crime Defense Attorneys
Being charged with a business crime can result in not only jail time and steep fines, but your professional reputation could be sullied beyond repair. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we understand that these cases can easily become complex, frustrating, and often confusing. That’s why it’s necessary that you work with a team that has the experience and talent to aggressively represent your case. Contact our office at (213) 688-0460 to learn more about your options.
Additional Information
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
