Fort Bend County White Collar Crime Attorney

Types of White Collar Crimes in Texas

Some of the most common forms of white collar offenses in Texas include:

• Embezzlement - This crime involves the holding of money, assets or property from an individual with the purpose of obtaining personal gain. Embezzlement of funds usually involves corporations or people in high positions of power, but it can also occur as embezzlement of funds from a spouse or family member and in small business settings.
• Fraud - The intentional deception of one person to another is called fraud. To make fraud a crime, the alleged perpetrator must have the intention of acting in a fraudulent manner in order to gain something from the victim, such as money, assets or property.
• Racketeering - This form of white collar crime is usually referred to as an illegal, crime-based business. Bribery or fear is often a major part of racketeering, with the alleged racketeer playing into fears of the victim in order to gain financial or personal profit.
• Money Laundering - Money laundering is the process of concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds, typically by means of transfers or transactions that make the money appear legitimate. This crime is often linked to drug trafficking, organized crime, or fraud schemes. 
• Bribery and Corruption - These charges involve offering or accepting bribes to influence decisions, such as government contracts or business deals.

Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Texas

White collar crime penalties in Texas can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the offense. The potential consequences include:

• Prison Sentences: White collar crimes can carry long prison sentences, especially for federal offenses. The length of the sentence will depend on the specific crime and the amount of money involved.
• Fines: Convictions can result in large fines, often in addition to restitution to victims. In some cases, fines can exceed $1 million.
• Restitution: Individuals convicted of white collar crimes may be ordered to repay the victims for the money or property they stole or defrauded.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Many individuals convicted of white collar crimes may lose their professional licenses or be barred from practicing in their industry.

Our Fort Bend County white collar crime attorney can provide the legal representation necessary to navigate the complexities of white collar criminal cases. Whether you are facing federal or state charges, working with an attorney who understands the nuances of white collar crime law can help ensure that your case is handled effectively and strategically.

Defending White Collar Crime Charges

Defending against white collar crime charges often involves challenging complex financial evidence and demonstrating flaws in the prosecution’s case. Common defenses include:

• Lack of Intent: Many white collar crimes require proof of criminal intent. If the defendant can show the actions were accidental or lacked fraudulent intent, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.
• Mistaken Identity or False Accusations: Given the complexity of these crimes, defendants may argue that they were misidentified or not involved in the alleged scheme.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed, an entrapment defense may be used.
• Insufficient Evidence: The defense may argue that the prosecution lacks enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, highlighting weaknesses or gaps in the case.
• Lack of Knowledge or Involvement: Defendants may argue they were unaware of the full scope of the crime or were unknowingly involved in a larger scheme.