Los Angeles Federal Crime Defense Attorney

Defense Strategies for Federal Fraud Charges

This is the deceiving of another person with the intent to cause damage, often financial in nature.

Federal fraud allegations can arise from many different settings, including business dealings, healthcare billing, financial services, or the use of government programs. In these cases, investigators often rely on complex financial records, electronic communications, and witness interviews to try to prove intent. As federal criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, we review the government’s evidence, challenge how it was obtained, and work with financial professionals when needed to explain legitimate transactions and highlight weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.

Legal Support for Internet Crime Accusations

If you are being accused of using the Internet to commit a crime, we can help.

Internet-related federal charges may involve allegations such as online fraud, unauthorized access to computer systems, or the use of social media and messaging platforms in furtherance of a crime. These cases often involve agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security and can include evidence gathered from servers and devices located in multiple states. When we defend these matters, we focus on the accuracy of digital evidence, the methods used to seize and search devices, and whether the government can actually connect online activity to a specific person beyond a reasonable doubt.

Representation for Tax Evasion and Related Offenses

If you failed to pay taxes or hid assets to avoid taxation, you may face charges of tax evasion, structuring, or other tax-related crimes.

Federal tax investigations frequently begin with audits or inquiries from the IRS and may expand into criminal probes if agents believe there was intentional wrongdoing. These cases can involve questions about unreported income, offshore accounts, or the way a business has classified its expenses. Our role is to help you understand your exposure, communicate with federal authorities on your behalf, and explore options such as resolving issues before formal charges are filed or negotiating outcomes that limit the long-term impact on your finances and professional life.

Embezzlement Defense in Los Angeles

This involves taking money with which you were entrusted, usually over a long period of time.

Embezzlement allegations in federal court can arise in workplaces, nonprofit organizations, or any situation where a person is trusted with handling funds or property. These cases often turn on detailed accounting records and internal company procedures. When we defend an embezzlement case, we look closely at who had access to the accounts, how responsibilities were divided, and whether poor record-keeping or internal disputes are being unfairly characterized as intentional theft.

Money Laundering and Structuring: Legal Guidance

Passing money through a variety of entities or bank accounts to conceal the illegal source is called money laundering. Failing to report cash transactions is called structuring.

Federal money laundering and structuring cases are often brought alongside other charges, such as drug offenses or fraud. Prosecutors may try to use bank records, wire transfers, or cash deposits to argue that funds were handled in a way designed to hide their origin. In responding to these accusations, we focus on documenting legitimate sources of income, examining whether transactions were reported properly, and challenging any attempt to stretch ordinary business practices into criminal conduct under broad federal statutes.

Federal Drug Crime Defense Services

Manufacturing, distributing, and trafficking illegal drugs are often considered federal crimes, particularly when they involve large quantities or interstate or international operations.

In the Los Angeles area, federal drug prosecutions may involve agencies such as the DEA and can include investigations tied to activity at ports, airports, or along major highways. These cases may feature wiretaps, confidential informants, or surveillance that has gone on for months. When we handle a serious federal drug case, we examine every search, seizure, and stop for possible constitutional violations, evaluate whether the alleged quantity and role are accurate, and work to limit exposure under the federal sentencing guidelines when appropriate.

We focus on doing everything we can to protect our clients. We take a personal interest in your case and want nothing more than the best possible outcome for you, your life, your family, and your future.

What To Do If You Are Under Federal Investigation

Learning that you are under federal investigation can be unsettling, especially when you are unsure what steps to take next. The choices you make in the early stages can affect whether charges are filed and how strong the government’s case may become. In the Los Angeles area, investigations may involve agents from multiple federal agencies working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California, so having a clear plan is essential.

Before speaking with agents or responding to document requests, it is important to understand your rights and the scope of the investigation. We help clients review any subpoenas, letters, or warrants they have received and explain what information the government is actually entitled to obtain. By serving as the point of contact with investigators, we can often limit unnecessary disclosures, reduce the risk of misunderstandings, and ensure that you do not accidentally waive important protections.

People under investigation may also need to make decisions about preserving records, communicating with employers or business partners, and preparing for the possibility of formal charges. We work with each client to assess their exposure, discuss the potential outcomes, and identify proactive steps that may improve their position, such as addressing compliance issues or correcting past business practices. Throughout the process, our goal is to provide steady guidance so you can make informed decisions rather than reacting in fear or uncertainty.

Understanding White Collar Crimes

Punishment for white collar crimes can be severe. Some activities are prohibited by specific laws, while others are prohibited by a series of laws more generally addressing dishonest behavior. Knowledge of white collar criminal activity can be inferred through unusual business practices that support criminal activity, such as accepting large amounts of cash and failing to report receipt of cash proceeds in excess of $10,000.00.
​
One defense strategy is entrapment. Another, used by bigger businesses, is to claim that one individual committed the crime without the knowledge or authority of the company. If a corporation or company manager becomes aware of a concealed danger within the company, that person is required to immediately report the danger. Failing to do so may result in criminal consequences for the manager and the company.

Make no mistake about it — criminal laws in the federal system are complex. If you’ve been accused of a federal crime, it is vital to consult with a skilled lawyer who gives you options and provides a robust defense strategy.

At Shevin Law Group, we have provided comprehensive criminal representation for people throughout Southern California since 1992. Clients turn to us because they know we personally fight for the best outcome, working hard and exploring every legal avenue. We care deeply about you and your future. 

Experienced Representation for Federal Criminal Cases in Los Angeles

When facing federal criminal charges, it's crucial to have a skilled and experienced legal team on your side. At Shevin Law Group, our attorneys have a proven track record of successfully defending clients in a wide range of federal criminal cases. From fraud and internet crimes to drug offenses and white collar crimes, we have the knowledge and resources to provide aggressive representation and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Our federal criminal defense services include:

• Thorough case evaluation and strategy development
• Negotiating with federal prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
• Building a strong defense for trial, if necessary
• Guidance and support through every step of the legal proceedings

For many people, a federal investigation begins long before any arrest, with a letter, subpoena, or visit from agents of the FBI, DEA, IRS, or another agency. If you are contacted by federal authorities in the Central District of California or asked to appear before a grand jury in downtown Los Angeles, getting legal advice early can affect the options available to you. We help clients understand what the government is really seeking, advise on how to respond to interviews or document requests, and work to address issues before they turn into formal charges whenever possible.

Call us at (818) 918-5838 to discuss your situation.