Business owners, executives, healthcare providers, and other professionals often find themselves under investigation or charged with white-collar criminal offenses. Facing allegations of white-collar crime or fraud in Texas can be overwhelming, with severe consequences for your reputation, career, and freedom.
Common White-Collar Crimes in Texas
White-collar crimes involve the use of deception to obtain an unlawful financial gain. Sometimes referred to as corporate or financial crimes, white-collar crimes are non-violent and financially motivated. These cases are often complex, involving extensive investigations by state and federal authorities, including the FBI, SEC, or IRS.
Common white-collar crimes include:
- Antitrust crimes (when a company participates in bid rigging, monopolistic commercial activities, price fixing, etc.)
- Bank and check fraud
- Bribery
- Computer and intellectual property crimes
- Counterfeiting
- Embezzlement (when someone has obtained funds from a federally-insured financial institution through improper means)
- Environmental violations and compliance
- Export/Import violations
- Forgery
- Healthcare fraud and Medicare fraud
- Insider trading (when someone with inside knowledge of a company uses that knowledge to buy and sell stocks)
- Mail and wire fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Money laundering (when someone disguises or conceals unlawful sources of money)
- Securities fraud
- Tax evasion
These crimes are referred to as “white-collar” because it is most often professionals who have access to large amounts of money in the course of their work and who are charged with these offenses. These charges carry severe penalties, including hefty fines, restitution, and lengthy prison sentences. Early intervention by an experienced attorney can make all the difference in your case.
They are serious offenses, mostly prosecuted at a federal level.
White-Collar Crime Penalties
Possible penalties for a conviction of a white-collar crime include:
- Fines
- Probation
- Imprisonment
Some people view white-collar crimes as “victimless” and, therefore, less serious than violent or drug crimes. However white-collar crimes often involve a breach of trust by someone in a position of responsibility. For this reason, the penalties for white-collar crimes are harsh, and a conviction can often result in a lengthy prison sentence. For example, a conviction of mail and wire fraud can result in up to $250,000 per individual and 20 years of imprisonment.
Aside from fines, other financial penalties can be imposed, like:
- Paying the costs of the prosecution
- Paying restitution to the victims
- Forfeiting certain assets
Beyond the penalties imposed by a court, a conviction for a white-collar crime can have long-term social consequences, particularly in terms of finding work. An offender may lose their professional license or be barred from working by the relevant professional association.
What to Do If You're Facing White-Collar Charges
You should always contact an attorney immediately if you're being investigated or accused of a white-collar crime or fraud in Texas. Early legal consultation and intervention is critical. Having an attorney during the investigation phase could make a significant difference in the end. Do not speak with law enforcement without an attorney present or prior to consulting an attorney.
Contact a White-Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer in Harris County and Galveston County
Although white-collar crimes are not considered violent crimes, they are serious and could have long-term repercussions. If you have been accused of a white-collar crime, immediate action should be taken. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Harris County and Galveston County will discuss your case with you and examine all potential defenses. You should call 713-242-8917 or fill out an online submission form today to schedule a free consultation. Its important that your attorney knows how the feds operate and your attorney is prepared to strategically respond with a well-planned defense. Contact us at 713-242-8917 to schedule a free consultation today.
