Bank fraud is a serious white-collar crime encompassing many types of criminal activity. Examples of bank fraud include, but are not limited to, embezzlement, identity theft, credit card fraud, check fraud, and loan application fraud. Bank fraud charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, and the severity of the charge will depend on the facts surrounding the fraud. The investigations and legal proceedings surrounding bank fraud are very complex; therefore, a defendant should obtain legal representation as early in the legal process as possible.
If you are under investigation for bank fraud or have been charged with bank fraud, you should reach out to a criminal defense lawyer familiar with the financial rules and regulations in Texas. An experienced bank fraud attorney can defend your rights during the investigation, help you navigate legal proceedings, and raise relevant defenses against the prosecution in court. The team of lawyers with Mary E. Conn & Associates are familiar with the intricacies of bank fraud cases, and they are only a phone call away.
What Is Bank Fraud?
A person commits bank fraud any time they use false statements to defraud a financial institution or obtain money from a financial institution illegally. Even though bank fraud is a white-collar crime, it is taken very seriously and can yield fines and imprisonment. Bank fraud can take many different forms, some of which include the following:
- Embezzlement
- Identity Theft
- Credit Card Fraud
- Check Fraud
- Loan Application Fraud
- Wire Transfer Fraud
- Counterfeit Documents
Because bank fraud has many different forms, the punishments can vary greatly. Some instances of bank fraud yield misdemeanor charges, while other more severe cases of bank fraud yield felony charges. Often, the factors that determine the severity of the charge are the amount of money that has been illegally obtained and the method by which the defendant obtained it. While a misdemeanor bank fraud conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and a jail sentence of up to one year, a third-degree felony conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to ten years. Additionally, more severe crimes like mail fraud and securities fraud can lead to federal prison sentences of twenty years or more. With such harsh penalties on the line, a defendant charged with bank fraud needs a strong legal defense.
How a Bank Fraud Lawyer Can Help You
As a defendant in a bank fraud case, you need the guidance of a strong criminal defense lawyer. The complex legal proceedings within a bank fraud case can be intimidating and overwhelming, but an experienced attorney should be able to help you navigate the legal process. You might be investigated by a federal agency, such as the FBI or the IRS. This is why you need legal representation as early in the legal process as possible. Your attorney will be able to protect your rights during the investigation, and they should also analyze any of the evidence obtained. In addition to the investigation stage of the case, your criminal defense attorney will fight for you through any plea negotiations and at your trial.
As your bank fraud case progresses, a skilled bank fraud lawyer can help you by raising any possible legal defenses against the prosecution. Your lawyer will be able to study the evidence that the prosecution has against you and challenge it. The prosecution may have made a procedural error that renders some of the evidence inadmissible. Another possible defense your lawyer could raise is that you lacked the requisite intent to defraud a financial institution. You may be able to prove that you were coerced into doing the defrauding act. The best way to defend yourself in a bank fraud case is to ensure you are represented by an experienced criminal defense lawyer who understands the nuances of bank fraud cases.
Let The Bank Fraud Lawyers With Mary E. Conn & Associates Represent You Today
The legal proceedings within a bank fraud case are quite complex, and defendants need the representation of a skilled bank fraud lawyer who is familiar with these kinds of cases. Bank fraud is a white-collar crime that can take many forms, and the penalties for bank fraud vary in severity. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team of criminal defense attorneys who have experience with bank fraud cases like yours.
Mary E. Conn & Associates has a team of highly experienced criminal defense lawyers who want to help you defend yourself against bank fraud charges. Let our skilled attorneys represent you. You can contact us by filling out our contact form or calling (713) 357-4190 today.