Federal white collar prosecution typically becomes visible long before an indictment. A grand jury subpoena to a business, an inquiry from a regulatory agency, a request for documents from the FBI — these are often the first signs of an investigation that has been proceeding for months or years. How those contacts are handled, and whether experienced defense counsel is retained before charges are filed, can significantly shape what follows.
Common Federal White Collar Charges
The Central District of California prosecutes a wide range of federal economic offenses. Common charges include:
- Wire fraud and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343)
- Health care fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
- Bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344)
- Securities fraud (15 U.S.C. § 78j; 18 U.S.C. § 1348)
- Tax fraud and evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201)
- Bribery and public corruption (18 U.S.C. §§ 201, 666)
- Money laundering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956, 1957)
- RICO conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 1962)
- Obstruction of justice and false statements (18 U.S.C. §§ 1001, 1512)
The Sentencing Guidelines treat loss amount as the primary driver of offense level in fraud cases. Government loss calculations are routinely contested, and the difference between the government’s initial figure and the number the court actually applies at sentencing can translate directly into years.
Pre-Indictment Representation
When a federal investigation becomes visible but charges have not yet been filed, there is genuine opportunity to influence the outcome. Mark represents clients during the investigative phase — engaging with prosecutors where appropriate, managing the client’s exposure, and positioning the defense before the government finalizes its theory of the case.
Forensic and Financial Complexity
White collar defense often requires working with forensic accountants and financial experts capable of interrogating the government’s loss calculations and its characterization of the financial conduct at issue. Mark works with expert resources appropriate to the complexity of the matter.
Confidential Representation
White collar matters frequently involve executives, physicians, accountants, attorneys, and elected officials for whom discretion is a practical necessity. These matters are handled with complete confidentiality.
Call (310) 880-7120 for a direct, confidential consultation.