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White Collar Criminal Defense

Los Angeles White Collar Crime Attorney

White collar criminal charges can destroy careers and businesses. Federal prosecutors bring vast resources to these cases, and early action matters.

That’s why Mr. Handzlik founded Jan Lawrence Handzlik, APC, in 2014. He defends executives and companies in white collar cases. Based in Los Angeles, he represents clients nationwide and handles cross-border matters.

The Los Angeles White Collar Defense Process Explained

Mr. Handzlik at Jan Lawrence Handzlik, APC, handles white collar criminal defense from the first investigation through appeals. He defends clients across:

Investigation: This is the earliest stage, often before formal charges are filed. Federal agencies such as the FBI or SEC gather documents, interview witnesses and analyze financial records. At this point, individuals may not even realize they are under scrutiny. A strong defense focuses on controlling information flow, protecting client rights and preventing escalation.
Indictments: An indictment means prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to formally charge someone with a crime. This follows a grand jury review. Defense attorneys shift focus to examining the prosecution’s evidence, identifying weaknesses and filing motions to dismiss flawed charges. For instance, if financial records were misinterpreted, the defense may present alternative explanations that challenge intent, which is critical in white collar cases.
Trials: If the case proceeds to trial, both sides present evidence, question witnesses and argue before a judge or jury. White collar trials can involve complex financial data, making it essential for the defense to simplify and humanize the narrative. Mr. Handzlik may use expert witnesses, forensic accountants and strategic storytelling to counter the prosecution’s claims.
Sentencing: If a conviction occurs, sentencing determines penalties such as fines, restitution or imprisonment. Defense attorneys advocate for reduced penalties by highlighting mitigating factors like lack of prior offenses or cooperation during the investigation. For example, demonstrating that a client played a minor role in a larger scheme can impact the outcome.

Early intervention can shape charging decisions and outcomes before prosecutors file charges.

Jan built a trusted reputation on complex financial crime. His trial-tested accolades include more than 100 jury trials to verdict. This experience matters when white collar cases reach key stages. He works from Los Angeles, California, and defends clients nationwide. He also handles cross-border white collar matters that involve multiple countries.

Matters The White Collar Crime Attorney Handles

Jan Lawrence Handzlik, APC’s white collar practice covers financial and corporate crime across many areas. These include:

Securities fraud, investment fraud and bank fraud
Money laundering
Tax fraud and tax evasion
Commercial bribery
RICO violations
FCPA and UK Bribery Act cases
Cyber-enabled investment schemes
Currency and crypto trading investigations
Healthcare fraud
Identity theft

White collar cases involve many agencies. Jan works with matters from the DOJ, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, SEC, CFTC, IRS-CI, FinCEN, OFAC and state attorneys general. Many white collar cases include parallel civil and regulatory actions that require well-crafted defense strategies.

Common Penalties Associated With White Collar Crimes

State prosecutors charge white collar crimes aggressively in accordance with the California Penal Code. The exact punishment depends on whether the prosecutor files the offense as a misdemeanor or a felony. The total financial loss involved can also affect your sentence. Some common penalties for white collar crimes in California include:

Incarceration: Misdemeanors can lead to up to one year in county jail. Felony convictions can result in years in state prison, with additional prison enhancements for large financial losses. Federal crimes can have mandatory minimum sentences in federal prison.
Monetary fines: Courts often order heavy monetary fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Restitution payments: You may have to pay back the full amount of money or property allegedly taken from the victims.
Asset seizure and forfeiture: Law enforcement can freeze your bank accounts, seize certain pieces of your property, and confiscate assets tied to the alleged scheme.
Probation: Judges may impose strict supervised probation terms that restrict your personal and financial activities.

A conviction for a white collar crime can also ruin your professional reputation. This could cause you to lose professional licenses and harm your future career opportunities. Having an experienced white collar criminal defense lawyer helps to shield you from harsh criminal sentences and other consequences.

What Are The Time Limits For White Collar Cases?

Many white collar offenses have statutes of limitations. A statute of limitations is a formal deadline after which prosecutors can no longer pursue charges. Under California Penal Code § 801 PC, most felony white collar offenses carry a baseline three-year statute of limitations.

However, because financial schemes often remain hidden for months or years, California Penal Code § 801.5 PC contains a special discovery rule. Under this rule, the clock generally does not start ticking until law enforcement or the victim discovers the crime. Once discovered, prosecutors typically have up to four years to formally file charges. Certain severe cases, such as the embezzlement of public funds, have no time limit at all. Because calculating these deadlines is complicated, consulting a white collar defense attorney early is crucial to building a strong defense strategy.

Trial-Tough Strategy That Drives Outcomes

Trial readiness gives clients an edge in white collar cases. From the first proffer to plea talks to verdict, prosecutors respect defense lawyers who will fight. Jan has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict in complex federal cases. He is willing and able to try white collar cases even if a settlement is uncertain.

High-stakes white collar matters require a credible trial posture. Prosecutors make better offers when they know a case might go to trial. Jan uses his trial-ready approach to fight for fair outcomes at every stage of white collar criminal cases. This approach works for clients who face serious charges and need strong support.

Common White Collar Criminal Case Triggers

Mr. Handzlik at Jan Lawrence Handzlik, APC, will stand up for corporations, boards, executives and high-asset clients in white collar matters. As a federal white collar crime lawyer, he is no stranger to cases that put businesses and careers at risk. Clients should call when they face these white collar triggers:

Whistleblower claims: These arise when an employee or insider reports suspected wrongdoing, often to regulators.
Subpoena or target letters: A subpoena demands documents or testimony, while a target letter indicates that prosecutors consider someone a potential defendant. Receiving either is a serious warning sign that legal representation is needed immediately.
Dawn raids: These are unannounced searches conducted by authorities, usually early in the morning. Agents may seize computers, documents and other evidence. For instance, a company suspected of fraud may face a sudden office search.
Internal investigations: Companies often conduct their own reviews after discovering potential misconduct. While internal, these investigations can lead to external legal consequences if findings are shared with regulators.
Parallel SEC or CFTC inquiries: In financial cases, multiple agencies may investigate simultaneously. For example, the SEC may pursue civil penalties while another agency explores criminal charges for the same conduct.
Cross-border exposure: When business activities involve multiple countries, legal risks increase. A transaction that violates U.S. law may also trigger enforcement abroad, complicating defense strategies and increasing potential penalties.

Jan provides high-touch, straight-talk counsel. Clients receive senior attention, discretion, clear communication and diligence throughout white collar cases. He has nationwide and cross-border capability, and coordinates with local counsel and foreign proceedings when needed.

White collar criminal law needs lawyers who understand the realities of business and legal risks. Jan focuses on white collar defense and brings deep knowledge to every case.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crime In Los Angeles

What Is A White Collar Crime?

A white collar crime is a nonviolent offense committed for financial gain. These cases typically involve allegations of using deception to misappropriate funds or assets. They may also involve breaches of trust in commercial or government settings. Although white collar crimes may involve the theft of assets, they may also involve actions such as:

Manipulating data
Concealing information
Disguising the origin illicit assets
Offering bribes
Misrepresenting tax information

Prosecutors investigate white collar accusations very thoroughly, compiling extensive paper trails, electronic data and financial records.

What Is The Difference Between White Collar Crime And Other Types Of Crime?

The primary distinction lies in the nature of the act and the evidence involved. Unlike street crimes or violent crimes, white collar crimes usually do not involve physical force. Instead, they rely on financial transactions. Additionally, white collar criminal investigations are often conducted by federal agencies such as the FBI or state fraud bureaus. The process of building a case against a white collar offense may take several months before any arrest occurs.

What Should You Do If The FBI Contacts You?

If federal agents approach you, remain calm, polite and firm. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. You also have the right to criminal defense counsel. Do not answer questions without a lawyer present. Do not even attempt to explain your side. The authorities may misinterpret or deliberately manipulate your words to use against you later. Instead, ask politely for the agents’ business cards and tell them that your defense attorney will follow up with them.

Can You Be Investigated Without Knowing It?

Yes, federal and state law enforcement agencies have every right to conduct undercover or secret investigations for months – or years – before filing charges. Investigators may secretly interview witnesses, gather evidence from your workplace, and monitor your emails or phone records behind the scenes. Many individuals do not realize that they are under scrutiny until they receive a grand jury subpoena, a target letter or a search warrant.

Should You Cooperate With Federal Investigators?

You should never attempt to cooperate with federal investigators without a defense lawyer negotiating the terms first. Working with the state can sometimes lead to reduced charges or favorable plea agreements. However, doing so without an attorney to protect your rights exposes you to immense risk. Lying to a federal agent is a separate felony under federal law. Unrepresented statements can ruin potential defense strategies. Always consult a fraud lawyer to evaluate whether cooperation is actually in your best interest.

The Attorney You Need When Serious Charges Are Made

If you face a white collar criminal investigation or charge, contact Jan Lawrence Handzlik, APC, at 213-349-4606. You can also reach out online.