San Diego, CA criminal defense attorney Sharon Appelbaum talks about the trends she sees in white-collar prosecutions. She states that she has observed a variety of trends in white-collar fraud prosecutions. In mortgage fraud cases, she has seen prosecutors pursue mortgage brokers, real estate agents, and, in some instances, buyers. In one notable trial in the District of New Jersey, her client was successfully acquitted on most charges and ultimately received only a minor misdemeanor related to an unrelated matter.

She has also handled significant healthcare fraud cases across the country, including in the Northern District of Texas and the Southern District of California. These cases involved allegations of violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and other healthcare regulations, often concerning intent to obtain funds from hospitals, vendors, or other parties—claims that, in her experience, were not always accurate.

Additionally, she has followed emerging trends in cryptocurrency, where the SEC has actively sought to address misuse of funds and alleged fraudulent schemes. She emphasizes that white-collar fraud is a constantly evolving field, requiring attorneys to stay current with both regulatory changes and prosecutorial priorities.