Houston White Collar Crimes Lawyer

White Collar Crime Attorneys Serving Houston, TX

Houston White Collar Crime AttorneysA conviction for white collar crime in the State of Texas can ruin your entire life. Even an allegation of committing fraud or embezzlement may affect your career and your ability to obtain credit. You cannot afford to fight white collar crime charges without the help of an experienced Houston White Collar Crimes Lawyer.

Texas white collar crime defense attorney James Alston is a former state prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. During his time with the office, he was assigned to the Major Fraud Division, where he investigated and secured convictions against numerous people charged with white collar crimes. Now, he uses that experience to build strong defenses for his clients.

A non-violent crime that involves dishonesty or deception for financial gains is considered a white collar crime. Such criminal behavior includes various types of fraud, embezzlement, and computer crimes. The consequences of being convicted of a white collar crime could include an automatic jail sentence, hefty fines, criminal forfeiture, and restitution. If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white collar crime in Texas, you will need the help of an experienced Houston Federal White Collar Crimes Attorney who understands the criminal law system and can protect your rights.

Defending Federal White Collar Crimes

The Law Office of James Alston has successfully represented individuals accused and charged with white collar offenses throughout Texas. With the help of his legal team, Mr. Alston will investigate your case, examine the evidence, and formulate a strong and effective defense to help minimize the charges against you.

Bank Fraud

While Texas law does not explicitly define bank fraud, there are a number of related offenses such as forgery, credit or debit card abuse, and making a false statement to obtain property or credit. You could face a felony conviction if charged with any number of fraud offenses in Texas. A felony conviction can result in state jail or a prison sentence through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Bribery

Under Texas Penal Code Section 36.02, bribery is considered a 2nd-degree felony and could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000. Bribery is most often prosecuted when it involves a public servant, party official, voter, judge, or administrative officer.

Conspiracy

Texas Penal Code Section 15.02 defines conspiracy and the elements necessary to secure a conviction, including that the person had the requisite intent, that there was an agreement between two or more people to commit the offense, and that someone in the conspiracy performed an overt act in furtherance of the agreement.

Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the unlawful taking of property that a person had legal access to. The most common form of embezzlement occurs when an employee takes money from their employer. The penalties for embezzlement increase depending on the value of the property that is stolen. For instance, if the value of the property or amount stolen is $750 or more but less than $2,500, a person could be convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine not to exceed $4,000.

Forgery

Forgery is unlawful, according to Texas Penal Code Section 32.21. In some cases, forgery can result in a felony conviction, such as if the forgery involved a will, codicil, deed of trust, mortgage, or another security instrument. If the forgery was done to “obtain or attempt to obtain a property or service,” the penalties increase depending on the value of the property or service.

Fraud

Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code outlines the fraud offenses that can be prosecuted under Texas law. Fraud is a broad category of white-collar crimes that can be executed against an individual, a group, or an institution.

Identity Theft

The fraudulent use of identifying information is unlawful, according to Texas Penal Code Section 32.51. If you use a person’s identifying information without their consent and with the intent to harm or defraud, you can be convicted of a felony.

Insider Trading

Insider trading is a form of investment fraud that can be punished at the state and federal level. If you are being investigated for insider trading, you need an experienced attorney to represent you. A conviction for insider trading can result in state imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Insurance Fraud

Pursuant to Texas Penal Code 35.02, insurance fraud can be brought against a person for providing a statement that is known to contain false or misleading information and presenting false or misleading material information in an application for an insurance policy with the intent to defraud or deceive an insurer.

Mail Fraud

Both the state and the federal government can bring mail fraud charges against a person who uses the postal service or a private carrier to engage in fraud. Penalties can be severe at both the state and federal levels, including jail time, high fines, and restitution.

Money Laundering

Chapter 34 of the Texas Penal Code defines money laundering. Penalties for money laundering increase depending on the amount of the funds involved in the transaction. If the funds exceed $300,000 or more, then you could face a first-degree felony conviction and life in prison.

Mortgage Fraud

Mortgage fraud is investigated by the Texas Department of Banking as well as several other regulatory agencies, including the office of the attorney general and the Department of Public Safety. Section 32.32 of the Texas Penal Code makes it unlawful to use a “false statement to obtain property or credit in the provision of certain services.”

Ponzi Schemes

Ponzi schemes and pyramid promotional schemes are aggressively prosecuted in the State of Texas because of the financial impact they can have on unsuspecting investors. Even an allegation of being involved in a Ponzi-scheme can ruin a person’s reputation and career. If you are being investigated for investment fraud, you must contact a Houston White Collar Crimes Lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.

Securities Fraud

The Texas Securities Act codifies into law the legal requirements for the sale of securities and for firms or individuals who sell or who render investment advice. Securities fraud is a serious offense with significant penalties. If the Texas State Securities Board is investigating you, you need legal representation.

Wire Fraud

Wire fraud involves the use of wire communications in furtherance of a scheme to defraud. Wire communications can include transmissions over telephone lines, internet, email, television, or radio. If convicted of wire fraud, you could face jail time and a fine of up to $10,000.

Hiring a Houston White Collar Crimes Lawyer Today

Most white collar crimes can be prosecuted at the state and federal level. If you are being investigated for a white-collar crime in Texas, you need a leading white collar crimes attorney that can handle both sets of charges. Houston white collar crime lawyer James Alston is a state and federal prosecutor who fights hard to defend the rights of his clients. He is well-respected Houston criminal defense lawyer throughout the area for his tough but fair representation of his clients. Contact Alston Law today for a consultation and to determine what options are available in your case.