Take Action Against White Collar Crimes in Houston
Being investigated for white collar crimes is a very serious situation that can lead to massive financial penalties, confiscation of assets, and long prison sentences. The severity of this crime not only resides in its harsh penalties and collateral damage, but also in the possibility of the case being prosecuted at a federal level. All of this makes it essential to take immediate legal action. The legal team at John T. Floyd Law Firm is ready to provide the expert guidance that your case needs in Houston, Texas.
| The severity of white collar crime accusations in Houston requires the expertise and poise that a specialized lawyer can offer to be able to fight the feds. Here at John T. Floyd Law Firm, you can count on a reliable and prepared team that knows how to represent and defend your rights from federal charges in Houston. |
White Collar Crimes: A Texas Law Perspective
A white collar crime is, from the legal perspective in Houston, Texas, a crime that is typically non-violent, motivated by financial reasons, rooted in deception, breach of trust, or concealment. This description can cover a broad range of offenses, with some of the most prioritized being high-tech crimes like cyber-terrorism, espionage, and computer intrusions. However, these are not the only ones, with the FBI investigating white collar crimes such as:
- Mortgage fraud
- Corporate fraud
- Health care fraud
- Money laundering
- Financial institution fraud
- Securities and commodities fraud
- Intellectual property theft or piracy
White collar crimes and cyber cases often cross state lines, so they are typically prosecuted at a federal level. This distinction matters because federal cases often come with their own set of rules, procedures, sentencing structures, and prosecutorial resources.
Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Houston, Texas
Possible penalties for white collar crimes in Houston, Texas, include:
- Civil lawsuits
- Substantial fines
- Restitution to victims
- Incarceration, guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines
👨⚖️ Read more: White Collar Crime: Under the New Enforcement Plan
How the Team at John T. Floyd Law Firm Defends Against White Collar Crime Accusations
The Firm’s Defense Approach: Digital Evidence Scrutiny
Digital evidence plays an essential role in several modern white collar cases, and it’s often treated by federal agents as more definitive than it can actually be. One of our core practices at John T. Floyd Law Firm is to always consult independent computer forensic experts when digital evidence is involved. The reason behind this is that this kind of evidence can be highly prejudicial in front of a jury.
The Two Types of Experts We Rely On
At the firm, we rely on two types of experts to strengthen your defense:
Forensic computer experts
These experts examine hard drives and other digital devices to uncover alternative explanations and allow us to identify potential defenses the prosecution may have overlooked.
Skilled CPAs and financial investigators
These experts comb through financial records and paperwork that is often voluminous to test both the validity and accuracy of the government’s claims.
Countering the “Document Dump” Tactic
Federal prosecutors frequently bury the defense in massive volumes of discovery material, especially in corruption and fraud cases. This tactic can force costly and time-intensive reviews that many firms are not equipped to handle. John T. Floyd Law Firm faces this challenge head-on, deploying forensic and financial experts as a direct and necessary response, ensuring no detail buried in thousands of pages goes unchecked.
Common White Collar Crime Charges We Can Assist With
Embezzlement
Under Texas Penal Code (Chapter 31 and 32), embezzlement is typically prosecuted as theft or Fraudulent Securing of Document Execution. Common charges include altering financial ledgers, diverting clients’ assets for personal use, or siphoning company funds.
Mortgage fraud
Mortgage and real estate fraud are actively prosecuted by both state and federal task forces, driven by Houston’s expanding housing market. Common charges include straw-buyer schemes, inflating appraisal values, falsifying loan applications, and deed fraud.
Securities fraud
Houston is a major global hub for the energy sector and corporate headquarters, making it subject to significant federal enforcement related to corporate operations. Common charges include insider trading, foreign corrupt practices, and oil and gas investment scams.
Identity theft
Identity theft is one of the highest-volume offenses, prosecuted both at the state and federal level. Common charges include credit or debit card abuse (Tex. Penal Code § 32.31), fraudulent use or possession of identifying information (Tex. Penal Code § 32.51), and phishing or identity theft operations.
Money laundering
Money laundering is commonly charged in Houston due to its serving as an international trade, banking, and shipping gateway. Common charges include funneling proceeds from illegal activities through legitimate businesses or complex international wire transfers to disguise their origin.
Health care fraud
Due to the vast size of Houston’s Medical Center, health care fraud is among the most actively prosecuted offenses in the area. Common charges include submitting false claims for Medicare or private insurance, billing for services never performed, and over-prescribing medications.
Should I talk to federal agents without a lawyer?
No, being interviewed by federal agents without a lawyer can be a big mistake. While many try to submit to interviews in an effort to appear cooperative, this is a significant miscalculation that could affect your ability to defend yourself.
Why should I not talk to federal agents without a lawyer?
These enforcement agents are trained in interview tactics that are designed to get individuals to cooperate. But they can also be psychological ploys to get a suspect to talk, and anything you say becomes a permanent record that can be used against you.
Is a white collar crime a victimless crime?
No, white collar crimes are not victimless crimes. While these can be non-violent in nature and often use deception, they do cause real and substantial harm.
Your Defense Against Accusations of White Collar Crimes in Houston, Texas
With our legal advice and representation, you will have a powerful defense against accusations of white collar crimes. When allegations begin, your next step should be contacting us as soon as you can to start building a strong defense, prove your innocence, and defend your rights. John T. Floyd and all of our team are part of the Texas Board of Legal Specializations, and we are ready to bring you the support you need in court.
