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Houston Fraud Defense Attorneys

What This Page Covers:

  • Definition: Fraud encompasses a variety of offenses, including forgery, credit card abuse, and insider trading, all falling under the umbrella of white-collar crimes. These crimes typically involve financial or monetary deceit.
  • Federal Fraud: Federal fraud includes crimes that violate federal statutes, occur on federal property, or cross state lines. These offenses are often subject to investigation by federal agencies and carry severe penalties.
  • Punishments: Federal charges generally lead to harsher penalties compared to state-level charges, including longer imprisonment terms served in federal prisons, and are dictated by federal sentencing guidelines.
  • Mary E. Conn & Associates: Our team provides experienced defense for state and federal fraud charges, ensuring personalized strategies and thorough representation to help achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
  • Contact us at our Houston office today on (713) 357-4190 for your initial free consultation.

The description of white collar crime has grown in the last few decades to include many fraud-related offenses.  With the evolution of technology and the growth of the internet, it has become easier than ever to use technology to commit fraud. White collar crime was actually recognized during the Great Depression when many “white collar” workers were laid off or were forced to take jobs which did not lead to enough money to provide for their families.  In retaliation, many workers took to financial crimes against their company or institution.  If you have been charged with any fraud offense, do not hesitate in contacting an experienced Houston fraud defense attonerys from Mary E. Conn & Associates.

What Is Federal Fraud?

Federal fraud is a conviction that comes with penalties and consequences determined by the federal government rather than on a state level. For a charge to qualify as a federal offense, it will generally meet one or more of the following factors:

  • Violating a federal statute
  • Took place on federal property
  • Crossed state lines or national borders to complete alleged actions
  • Investigated by at least one federal agency
  • Discovery through informant

A prosecutor often determines whether an offense has been committed in a way that requires or deserves federal legal attention. Generally, federal and state prosecutors communicate to determine how certain conduct should be charged.

Are Federal Punishments More Severe Than State-Level Penalties?

Often, federal charges come with more heavy punishment and penalties following a conviction. If your sentence involves serving time, imprisonment will occur in federal prison. Sentencing will be dictated based on federal sentencing guidelines.

Penalties for federal fraud may include the following:

  • Federal prison time for lengthy periods to life
  • Up to millions of dollars in fines for certain entities
  • Forfeiture of assets
  • Dismissal of fraudulent petitions without leave to refile
  • Death sentence
  • Punitive damages

Other consequences may also be necessary, though these are more severe or specific when crimes involve human trafficking, sex, or inappropriate interactions with minors.

Due to the increased severity of federal charges and potential conviction outcomes, you should work with an attorney with experience in federal criminal defense claims. With support from a qualified and experienced attorney, you can reduce potential penalties much more easily. 

Do You Need a Federal Defense Attorney for Federal Charges?

If you have been charged with a federal crime, you cannot only work with a state-level defense attorney. You must work with an attorney who is qualified and licensed to practice on the federal level. 

It is essential for your lawyer to understand the laws associated with the sentencing jurisdiction. This means your attorney must have a thorough understanding of federal laws to represent you in federal court. You should work with an attorney with more than the bare minimum qualifications, as retaining a lawyer with extensive experience can significantly improve your case and give you hope for a better outcome.

A lawyer from Mary E. Conn & Associates can help you during your criminal defense case. Some of our attorneys have been representing individuals from many walks of life since 1985, and our firm can use that experience to improve your legal results. Call us now at (713) 357-4190 to schedule an appointment with a talented and dedicated attorney.

Please work with us to find strong and effective defenses for your charges, establish a clear and personalized plan of action, and reduce the severity of any stressors related to your legal matters, knowing that you have a dedicated team supporting you.

What is Fraud?

The term “fraud” can refer to a number of different offenses, many falling within the general white collar crime definition.  Most fraud offenses will be classified as financial and monetary offenses, such as money laundering or securities offenses.  While many fraud crimes are federal offenses with are investigated by federal agencies, Texas also has a section of the Penal Code associated with fraud offenses.  In Houston, fraud includes the following:

  • Forgery
  • Credit card abuse
  • False statements to obtain credit
  • Fraudulent transfer of a motor vehicle
  • Issuance of bad check
  • Deceptive business practices
  • Commercial bribery

Fraud is also a major type of federal crime.  Common federal fraud offenses (often labeled as white collar crimes) include the following:

  • Insider trading
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Credit card fraud
  • Insurance fraud
  • Mail fraud
  • Wire fraud
  • Computer fraud
  • Forgery
  • Bank fraud

The experienced Houston fraud defense attorneys can assist you in understanding your rights. At Mary E. Conn & Associates, your case is as important us as it is to you.

Fraud Defense in Houston

Federal fraud charges can lead to steep penalties and severe confinement sentences.  However, prosecutors must prove you intended to defraud a person or a company or bank.  Without this proof, the government will fail.

Texas prosecutes fraud with a severe penalty range.  Insurance fraud and Medicaid fraud can become first degree felonies if the value of the false claim prosecuted is greater than $200,000.  A first degree felony is punishable by up to life in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000.

It is important to speak with an experienced fraud defense attorney in Houston as soon as possible after your arrest to begin to develop defenses.  The longer you wait to consult with a Houston, TX fraud defense attorney in Houston, the more at risk you put yourself and your future.

Ms. Conn rewrote and clarified an important federal bank fraud law, changing the outcome of the case for her attorney client.

Houston Fraud Defense Attorneys

If you have been arrested on allegations of fraud, do not hesitate to contact Mary E. Conn & Associates.  Mary E. Conn is a Houston fraud defense attorney experienced with various forms of white collar crime, including money laundering and fraud.  Fraud defense requires a thorough knowledge of white collar crime and criminal defense, both in the state and federal court systems.  Mary E. Conn is licensed to practice before federal courts and has a thorough understanding of the federal court system.  Contact us at our Houston office today on (713) 357-4190 for your initial free consultation.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Mary E. Conn & Associates

September 13, 2024

Mary E. Conn & Associates is a distinguished law firm with a commitment to providing exceptional legal defense in both state and federal courts. Led by Mary E. Conn, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience, the firm is dedicated to protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes in complex legal matters.

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