Depending on the circumstances, fraud can result in misdemeanor or felony charges in Texas. However, it is important to understand that those who face fraud charges are not necessarily guilty. Even simple misunderstandings can lead to serious criminal charges. Moreover, some people commit fraud in the name of innocent people, leading to false accusations of fraud. If you are wrongly accused of fraud in Dallas, you could face severe penalties like steep fines, prison sentences, immigration consequences, and the loss of certain privileges. Without legal help, these penalties could have serious, long-lasting consequences for your career, finances, reputation, and freedom.
What Is Fraud?
Under Texas law, fraud is the crime of misrepresenting oneself with the intent to acquire money or property the person has no right to. Some fraud cases involve relatively small amounts of money, such as fraudulent credit card purchases, while others involve substantial sums, such as those involved with widespread insurance fraud.
Fraud in Texas can take many different forms, including:
- Identity theft
- Forgery
- Counterfeiting
- Check fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Medicaid fraud
- Welfare fraud
- Unemployment fraud
- Workers’ comp fraud
- Tax fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Securities fraud
- Computer fraud
How a Dallas Fraud Attorney Can Help
The good news is that you don’t have to deal with false accusations of fraud alone. Instead, you can work with a knowledgeable fraud lawyer who handles cases involving white-collar crimes and can develop effective, personalized defenses for various charges and circumstances.
A Dallas fraud attorney can help you defend your rights by:
- Investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged fraud
- Developing a customized defense strategy tailored to your situation
- Challenging the prosecution’s arguments with facts and evidence
- Moving to dismiss prosecutorial evidence obtained in violation of your rights
- Negotiating with the prosecutor to reach a plea deal, if appropriate
- Representing you in court, including at trial and in pretrial hearings
- Appealing your case on conviction, if possible
- Providing legal advice and guidance throughout the process
- Working to clear your name of false charges and restore your reputation
Understanding the Process If You Are Charged with Fraud
The legal system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for those who have been falsely accused of a crime they did not commit. Here’s what you can expect from the process:
- You might be arrested and taken into police custody.
- You should speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
- You’ll need to appear for pretrial hearings.
- Give your attorney any evidence and information you have, even if it’s unflattering. Your lawyer needs to know all the facts, and your discussions with them are protected.
- Your attorney might negotiate with the prosecutor to resolve your case without a trial. They may also try to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
- If the issues cannot be resolved, the case will go to trial, where a judge or jury will render a decision.
- There are pros and cons to accepting a plea agreement, so be sure you understand them all before accepting any offer from the prosecution.
Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP for Help Today
Are you facing false accusations of fraud in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Reach out to Broden & Mickelsen, LLP for help. Our Dallas fraud attorneys can support you during this stressful time and work tirelessly to clear your name. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.
