Houston Bank Fraud Attorney
FEDERAL BANK FRAUD LAWYER IN HOUSTON, TX
Criminal Defense Attorney James Alston knows and understands the laws prosecutors and law enforcement agents use to investigate and prosecute bank fraud crimes. Criminal Defense Lawyer James Alston has represented many clients charged with bank fraud and wire fraud. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 a person may be charged with federal bank fraud who “knowingly executes, or attempts to execute, a scheme or artifice –
- To defraud a financial institution; or
- To obtain any of the moneys, funds, credits, assets, securities, or other property owned by, or under the custody or control of, a financial institution, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises;”
Hiring The Right Federal Defense Attorney
A conviction for federal bank fraud or any related offense can result in decades in prison or a crippling fine, or both. If you are under investigation for a federal white-collar crime, including bank fraud or wire fraud, in Houston, Texas, you need to retain legal representation immediately. A knowledgeable federal bank fraud defense lawyer can help fight the charges against you. Federal bank fraud is a serious offense that can directly affect your career, your financial security, your family, and your freedom. Attorney James Alston understands the severity of federal bank fraud and wire fraud charges. As a Harris County Assistant District Attorney, James Alston prosecuted white-collar crimes, including fraud cases in Houston. Attorney James Alston knows the means and methods that prosecutors use to seek convictions. If you are charged with a crime involving bank fraud or wire fraud, contact Attorney James Alston today for a case evaluation. Call (713) 228-1400 to protect your future and your rights.
Examples Of Federal Bank Fraud
Federal bank fraud encompasses a broad range of criminal activity. Some of the most common examples of bank fraud include::
- Check kiting
- Check forging
- The use of stolen checks
- Credit card fraud
- The diversion of bank funds by bank employees
- Making false statements on loan applications
Depending on the facts of the case, a federal prosecutor may also seek an indictment for embezzlement, identity theft, bribery, mail or wire fraud, as well as a number of other criminal statutes.
Penalties For Federal Bank Fraud
A person convicted of federal bank fraud could serve up to thirty (30) years in prison, be required to pay a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both.
UNDERSTANDING BANK FRAUD IN HOUSTON
Bank fraud is a unique area of Texas White Collar Crime since there is no specific bank fraud provision in the Texas Penal Code. Instead, a person could be charged with several different fraud-related crimes such as forgery, false statement to obtain property or credit, hindering secured creditors, money laundering, or issuing a bad check. Many white-collar crimes can be prosecuted under state and federal law. If you are arrested for bank fraud in Houston, Texas, you need an experienced Houston Bank Fraud Attorney.
Criminal Statutes Related to Bank Fraud
Under the Texas Penal Code, there is not a specific offense of “bank fraud,” however, there a number of related crimes that a person can be prosecuted for. A few of the most common forms of bank fraud are:
Forgery – Section 32.21 makes it unlawful for a person to forge a writing with the intent to defraud or harm another. The penalties for forgery depend on the value of the property or service gained or attempted to be obtained. If the value of the property or service is over $300,000, then the state may charge it as a first-degree felony.
Credit or Debit Card Abuse – Section 32.31 makes it unlawful for a person to use a credit or debit card that has not been issued to them, is fictitious, is revoked, canceled, or expired, in an attempt to fraudulently obtain a benefit.
False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit – Section 32.32 states that “a person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly makes a materially false or misleading written statement to obtain property or credit.”
Hiring a Houston Bank Fraud Attorney in Texas
If you are arrested or being investigated for bank fraud in Houston, TX, you need to act fast to protect your rights and your freedom. Attorney James Alston can defend you against both state and federal bank fraud charges. A conviction for bank fraud or a related charge can result in years of imprisonment. You cannot afford to go with an inexperienced lawyer; you need a Board-Certified Houston Criminal Defense Attorney that will aggressively defend the charges against you. Contact the Law Office of James Alston today at 713-228-1400.
