Prosper White Collar Crimes Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Financial Crimes and Other White Collar Offenses in Prosper, Texas

A person who is accused of using deception or taking other actions to obtain money or property illegally may be charged with a white collar crime. These financial crimes generally do not involve violence, and they may cover a pattern of behavior that has allegedly affected multiple people. Prosecutors may build cases against defendants by reviewing financial records, business documents, and communications through email, text messages, and other methods. The penalties that may apply in these cases can be serious, and they will often depend on the number of people who have allegedly been affected or the amount of money that was allegedly obtained.

At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys know how to address accusations of white collar crimes and help clients defend against criminal convictions. These cases will often involve felony charges due to claims of the misappropriation of large amounts of money. We will work to limit the penalties our clients may face by defending against convictions, reducing the charges that may apply, or advocating for the dismissal of specific charges.

What Makes White Collar Crimes Different From Other Types of Crimes?

Some criminal offenses may involve direct physical evidence, such as a weapon that was allegedly used, property that was allegedly stolen, or injuries suffered by alleged victims. Charges may be based on statements from witnesses who observed an alleged crime. However, many of these factors may not play a role in cases involving white collar crimes. Evidence in these cases may include paperwork, data related to financial transactions, or electronic communications. Because of this, cases may take longer to investigate, and law enforcement officials may review bank records, business filings, and other information as they build a case.

Another feature of white collar crime cases is that charges will often depend on proving a person's intent to commit an offense. Financial mistakes, disorganized recordkeeping, or failure to manage a business correctly may be similar to fraudulent conduct on paper, but a person may have had no intent to commit a crime. The circumstances surrounding a transaction or business relationship may play a role in determining whether a person can be convicted of a white collar crime.

Identity Theft, Money Laundering, and Other Offenses

Certain types of deceptive conduct could lead to criminal charges, including:

• Identity Theft: When a person has been accused of obtaining someone's identifying information, selling or transferring that information to someone else, or using information to steal money or cause other forms of harm, they could be charged with identity theft. The penalties a person may face in these situations will typically depend on the number of items of identifying information they allegedly possessed or the number of people who were allegedly affected.
• Money Laundering: When money has allegedly been earned through criminal activity such as drug crimes, a person who has handled that money could be charged with a crime, even if they did not directly participate in a crime. In many cases, money laundering charges will address actions taken to hide the source of money, including by making it appear as if money was earned through a legitimate business.
• Other White Collar Crimes: People who are accused of financial crimes may face charges of forgery, embezzlement, or other offenses involving deception or misappropriating money belonging to someone else.

Types of Fraud in White Collar Crime Cases

Many white collar prosecutions involve allegations of fraud. In general, fraud may include any forms of deception used to obtain property or services, including:

• Insurance Fraud: A person may be accused of submitting false or misleading claims to insurance companies to obtain payments.
• Mortgage Fraud: A person who allegedly provided false information on loan applications or related documents may face criminal charges related to actions they took to obtain money or credit.
• Bank Fraud: Charges of deceptive conduct used to obtain funds or property from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution are often treated seriously by law enforcement, and harsh penalties may apply.
• Credit Card Fraud: Charges may involve claims that a person used a credit card belonging to someone else without authorization, used someone else's information to obtain a credit card, or accessed someone's online accounts to make illegal transfers using credit or debit card information.

Helping Clients Address Accusations of White Collar Crimes

When defending against financial crimes and other offenses involving deception, our lawyers can conduct a complete review of relevant financial records, contracts, and communications. We will take steps to ensure that we fully understand the context surrounding an alleged offense. We can take steps to challenge accusations that a person intentionally committed fraud or used deception for financial gain. We may show that there were other explanations for a person's actions as we defend against a conviction.

We can work with forensic accountants and other financial professionals to analyze evidence, challenge the methods used to calculate the alleged losses that occurred because of fraud or another offense, or show that a person did not commit fraud or another offense. We may take steps to negotiate favorable agreements with prosecutors when appropriate, which may help to resolve cases while minimizing the penalties clients may face. We will take steps to prepare for trials, and we will advocate for our clients' best interests in the courtroom.

Contact Our Prosper White Collar Crimes Lawyers

When a person is convicted of a white collar crime, they may face substantial fines, restitution obligations, and the possibility of a prison sentence lasting for several years or more. These allegations can also damage a person's professional standing and limit their opportunities as they engage in business activities or seek employment in the future. At Texas Defense Firm, we can help clients avoid or minimize these penalties by defending against criminal charges. To learn more about how we can assist with these matters, contact our Prosper, TX white collar crime defense attorneys at 972-369-0577 and arrange a free consultation.