Austin Fraud & Forgery Lawyers

Facing Charges Of Financial Deception

Financial crimes involving fraud are especially serious, because the level of deception (and, often, the amount of money) is greater than simple theft crimes. Like a theft conviction, a conviction for fraud almost always involves a restitution fine, requiring the defendant to pay back the victim of the fraud. This fine may include interest, as well as additional sentencing fines associated with a felony conviction.

Texas has strict penalties for fraud-related offenses, typically tied to the amount of money the defendant wrongfully obtained as a result of the fraud offense. Business fraud cases are among the most common and serious offenses, since the finances involved are typically greater and there may be federal law implicated if the conduct involved interstate commerce. The same federal involvement can occur in securities fraud crimes, where the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) heavily regulates activity, along with a host of state regulations.

Another common fraud crime involves insurance or health care fraud, where an individual wrongfully obtains insurance based on misrepresentation. Even if you have not directly received money as a result of fraudulent conduct, the Texas Penal Code will penalize you according to the fair market value of the wrongfully obtained benefits. We have also represented clients accused of theft by a public servant and securing or executing a document by deception.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to work with prosecutors to avoid charges even being filed, and will ensure that your rights and interests are protected. In some situations, you may not yet be charged with any crime, but are facing investigation by law enforcement. It is imperative that you consult our experienced attorneys so that we can conduct an independent investigation and be prepared for any potential charges brought against you.

Austin Forgery Lawyers

In Texas, forgery has a minimum charge of a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry a $4,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Certain forgery offenses are classified as state jail and third degree felonies, which carry much more significant fines and jail time.

Forgery is defined as the altering, making, completing, executing, or authenticating of any writing so that it falsely purports to be authorized by another, executed per a certain time, place, or sequence, or to be a copy of a nonexistent original writing. Like theft and fraud crimes, forgery is a crime of moral turpitude that has a particularly damaging effect on an individual's criminal record. Crimes of moral turpitude reflect a deceitful nature that will be viewed extremely negatively by any party conducting a background check on the convicted person.

These charges should be taken very seriously. Seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney to give you an optimal chance to defeat them. In situations where a conviction cannot be avoided, an experienced attorney's value is never greater, as we can assist you in minimizing the sentence handed down. Granger and Mueller PC has the trial and sentencing expertise to seek the most favorable results possible in your case.

Seek Experienced Representation

If you have been charged with a theft, fraud, or forgery crime, you need an aggressive, knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to represent you. For experienced Austin criminal defense attorneys, contact Granger and Mueller PC, at 512-474-9999 today for a free consultation.