Fraud Defense Attorney

No criminal charge is simple, but fraud laws in Texas are especially difficult for many of our clients to interpret. Some of the most common types of fraud committed in Texas include:

• ATM fraud
• Gas pump fraud
• Identity theft
• Credit card fraud
• Forgery
• Check fraud
• Tax fraud
• Welfare fraud
• Worker’s compensation fraud
• Mortgage fraud
• Medicaid fraud
• Unemployment fraud
• Embezzlement

Each one of these crimes comes with its own statutes and punishments. Most of them are outlined in Texas penal code chapter 32 about fraud. When the average person reads this penal code it seems confusing, overwhelming, and full of intricate details.

A Houston fraud defense lawyer specializes in interpreting these complex laws and using them for your benefit. At our practice, we have handled cases that fall under almost every part of Texas’s complex fraud laws. We will put that experience to work for you.

Penalties in Texas for fraud range from fines to prison sentences. Some cases even go to federal court. This will depend on the amount of property or money gained by fraudulent means and many other mitigating factors. Let us use examples to illustrate this complexity.

Consider a defendant that has been charged with identity theft in Texas. If they used another person’s identity to obtain less than five items, it carries a possible sentence of up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. If they obtained 50 or more items with another person’s identity, the charge turns into a first-degree felony carrying a sentence of up to 99 years in state prison.

Some fraud charges carry heftier punishments when they are committed against the elderly. For instance, credit card fraud in Texas carries a penalty of up to 2 years in State jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If that same crime is committed against an elderly person, it becomes a third-degree felony with a punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Understanding these factors is key to formulating a defense. A fraud defense attorney knows these intricacies and will help you understand all possible outcomes while fighting for you.

Determining those penalties is not always a straightforward process. Sometimes, a prosecutor will start proceedings by aggressively pushing for the harshest possible punishment.

By identifying certain factors that are unique to your case, a Houston fraud defense attorney may help get those initial charges reduced. Sometimes, a lack of intent or knowledge reduces a sentence of years to a sentence of months.

Having seen so many of these cases play out, a defense attorney knows which strategies to employ to possibly get charges reduced.

Fraud cases primarily use paper trails and financial records as evidence. Because of this, people can be framed for fraud through fraud crimes themselves such as:

• Forgery
• Identity theft
• Faking receipts, checks and records

Even if you know you did not commit fraud in Texas, you still need a fraud defense lawyer. Whether someone framed you on purpose or you are a hapless victim of identity theft, you need professional help.

It may seem (counter-intuitive), May not seem logical but hiring a fraud defense lawyer can save you money. As mentioned above, many fraud charges carry a fine of up to $10,000. An attorney can sway a judge or jury to lower this number like other punishments.

It is not all about hard cash, either. If a successful fraud defense attorney gets your jail or prison sentence reduced, that is more time to get your life back on track. When charges get reduced, you may have more job opportunities open to you in the future.

No matter the type of fraud you are being prosecuted for or whether you committed the crime or not, you still have rights. If courts or police violate those rights, your case may be dismissed.

Ultimately, it’s up to a judge to dismiss a fraud case, but a fraud defense lawyer may make a motion for dismissal on certain grounds:

• The state does not have sufficient evidence.
• There was no probable cause for your arrest.
• The police committed unlawful searches.
• Key evidence was lost or has a broken chain of custody.
• No credible witnesses could be found for trial.
• The police failed to read your Miranda Rights.

Defense lawyers have a keen eye for these details. If you think you are receiving an unfair trial or the victim of unlawful police practices, call a fraud defense attorney today to bring those injustices to light.

Despite being on opposing sides of the courtroom, defense lawyers and prosecutors often develop strong working relationships. They are likely to listen to and have respect for one another. A defense lawyer’s eye for detail may be instrumental in getting charges reduced.

By talking with prosecutors, a fraud defense attorney may be able to convince them to:

• Reduce your bond
• Agree to a plea deal
• Lessen the severity and lengths of punishment
• Reduce charges

A courtroom is a delicate environment. Hiring a fraud defense attorney who knows all the ins and outs of personalities and procedures may have a better outcome than you expected.

Call us today to find out how our team of fraud defense lawyers in Houston can help your case. From fighting injustice to helping you get a less harsh punishment, we are here to help. Remember — your future is on the line and you need a professional in your corner.

The FBI estimates that non-medical insurance fraud accounts for at least $40 billion a year. But fraud doesn’t just apply to insurance.

Texas law says fraud applies to forgery and counterfeiting, which involves checks, credit cards, vehicles, and identity fraud.

Fraud convictions have significant consequences in Texas. Depending on the amount stolen, fraud can be a felony charge. The minimum amount stolen for fraud to be a felony is $2,500.

If you’ve been arrested for fraud, a Texas attorney can help. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages of hiring a fraud attorney in Houston.

Fraud attorneys can specialize in many different areas of fraud. Houston fraud attorneys handle many telephone, charity, investment, and banking fraud cases.

Most fraud attorneys specialize in specific types of fraud, but overall their jobs revolve around interpreting and applying fraud laws.

There are three main types of fraud attorneys.

There are fraud attorneys who draft and enforce fraud laws.

Other fraud attorneys represent people and companies who are victims of fraud.

Finally, there are fraud attorneys who represent those who have been accused of fraud.

Hiring a fraud attorney in Houston has many significant advantages. One thing is sure: your chances of getting a desirable outcome increase significantly when you entrust your case to an experienced fraud attorney.Hiring a fraud attorney in Houston has many significant advantages. One thing is sure: your chances of getting a desirable outcome increase significantly when you entrust your case to an experienced fraud attorney.

Protect Your Interests

You may not know all your rights after getting accused of fraud. Still, your fraud attorney is intimately familiar with them. When hiring an attorney, it becomes their job to look out for your best interests and protect your rights.

Instead of fighting alone, hiring a Houston attorney means you have a solid legal team behind you. Having this kind of support will not only help you throughout the process but will also maximize your chances in court.

Explain the Process

The average person doesn’t have much experience navigating legal processes. When you team up with a fraud attorney, they will explain the process to you in layman’s terms, so you know exactly what’s happening.

You won’t have to wonder what you need to do next or where you need to be and when. Your lawyer will be there to guide you through the entire process.

Navigate Complex Fraud Laws

Unless you have personal experience navigating fraud claims, chances are you are not more knowledgeable about fraud laws than an experienced attorney.

Texas law regarding fraud is incredibly complex and requires legal expertise to navigate. Rather than crossing your fingers and hoping everything turns out well, allow an experienced fraud attorney to represent you.

Negotiate Better Outcomes

An attorney is a professional arguer, and it’s what they do day in and day out. With that kind of experience, they tend to be pretty good at it.

You might think your case is minor and doesn’t require negotiation. When you forgo representation, you could be leaving money on the table or risk taking a deal that isn’t as sweet as it sounds.

The only way to know you are getting the best possible outcome is to team up with a fraud attorney with an excellent reputation and success rate.

Save You Money

Hiring a lawyer will cost you some money; there’s no way around that.

However, considering the amount of money you could save in fines and the possibility of serving less time, you stand a much better chance of saving money in the long run by hiring a fraud attorney.

In addition, the likelihood of saving your reputation and business increases when you hire a lawyer. Without one, you could risk losing your business entirely.

Legal representation may not be essential in every instance of fraud. However, there are several circumstances when it is absolutely in your best interest to have the expertise and support of a fraud attorney.

Exaggerated Allegations or False Claims

We all make mistakes sometimes – it’s human nature. Sometimes, an innocent business error or a misunderstanding can result in a fraud accusation.

Exaggerated allegations and false claims can be widespread for businesses that provide professional services. A customer might make a bigger deal than necessary without an honest error.

When this happens, hiring a Houston attorney with fraud expertise is essential, especially if you’re dealing with a false claim. You will benefit from the attorney’s legal advice when you make your defense in court.

An attorney has the knowledge and skills to increase your chances of getting your charges dismissed or minimized in the event of an exaggerated allegation or a false claim.

Felony Charges

Forgery, check fraud, and credit card fraud often get categorized as felonies. That’s because, in Texas, you only need to commit $2,500 in fraud for it to be a felony.

Felonies are serious criminal offenses and come with significant fines and prison sentences. If you are accused of a state or federal fraud charge, it is essential to have a fraud attorney to represent you.

In this situation, you will need the help of an experienced fraud attorney to both protect your rights and create a solid defense for your case. Without a lawyer, you’re almost sure to pay higher fines and face more jail time.

Jeopardized Property, Reputation, or Business

Fines and prison sentences aren’t the only consequences of getting convicted of fraud. Even an accusation of fraud can significantly affect your business and reputation.

Suppose your reputation, your business, or your property are put at risk because of a fraud accusation. In that case, it’s essential to consult a fraud attorney. They can help protect your reputation and assets, so you don’t lose everything.

Charges of fraud are common in Texas, which is why the consequences of a fraud conviction can be intense.

If you’ve been arrested for fraud near Houston, hiring a Texas attorney specializing in fraud could be the decision that makes or breaks your chances of a favorable outcome.

Contact Tripodi Law Firm for a free consultation with a trusted Houston fraud attorney today.