Ron Freitas
District Attorney

District Attorney
White Collar Crimes Unit

Embezzlement is a white collar crime

White-collar crime refers to non-violent criminal offenses typically committed by individuals or organizations in business or professional settings. Such crimes often involve deceit, breach of trust, or concealment, and are usually committed for financial gain. Examples include fraud (such as securities fraud, healthcare fraud, and tax fraud), embezzlement, insider trading, bribery, and money laundering. White-collar crimes, though non-violent, can have devastating effects on victims and undermine trust in financial and business institutions. As a result, they are taken very seriously by the legal system.

The District Attorney's Role in Combating White Collar Crimes

Investigation: In collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the DA's office investigates suspected white-collar crimes, often involving complex financial analyses to understand the extent and nature of the crime.

Prosecution: The DA's office prosecutes individuals or entities accused of white-collar crimes. They present evidence, argue cases in court, and work to secure convictions.

Victim Assistance: The DA's office, through the Victim-Witness Services Unit, has resources to assist victims of white-collar crime, helping them navigate the legal process and recover losses where possible.

Prevention: The DA's office also works on prevention initiatives, such as public education about common scams and frauds, and advising businesses on best practices to prevent white-collar crime. Check out our Consumer Alert pages for more information on current scams.