White-collar crime in Bryan, Texas, encompasses a range of deceptive financial activities that can lead to serious legal consequences. Due to the intricate nature of financial transactions and documentation involved, white-collar crime cases in Bryan can be highly complex and challenging to navigate. Seeking the assistance of a skilled Bryan white-collar crime lawyer is essential.
Common examples of white-collar crimes in Bryan include fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and money laundering. White-collar offenses typically involve deceitful practices for financial gain, often perpetrated in corporate or professional settings.
These cases often involve extensive document review, forensic analysis, and legal maneuvering to mount a strong defense. A Bryan white-collar crime lawyer can provide crucial guidance and representation throughout all stages of the legal process, from investigation and negotiation to trial, if necessary.
- Why Choose the Law Office of Shane Phelps?
- Our Law Office in Bryan, Texas
- What Are White Collar Crimes?
- Types of White-Collar Crimes Under State and Federal Law
- Specific White-Collar Crimes Under Texas Law
- Agencies Involved in a Financial Misconduct Charge
- Potential Penalties for White-Collar Crimes
- How a Bryan White-Collar Crime Attorney Can Help
- Contact Bryan, Texas, Lawyers at the Law Offices of Shane Phelps
Why Choose the Law Office of Shane Phelps?
Our founder, Shane Phelps, has more than 25 years of experience in prosecuting and defending criminal cases in Texas. As the Chief of the Texas Attorney General’s Prosecutor Assistance and Special Investigations Division, he was called upon by elected prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officials from all over the state of Texas to handle high-profile, complicated criminal prosecutions, often involving public officials.
As First Assistant District Attorney in the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office, Shane handled most of the major white-collar cases, often spending more than a year gathering and making sense out of thousands of documents, bank statements, loan documents, medical billing records, tax documents, and other financial records. Call us today at 979-773-7028 for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.
Our Law Office in Bryan, Texas
The Law Office of Shane Phelps, P.C., is located at 400 N. Washington Avenue, Bryan, TX 77803. We are in the heart of Bryan, at the corner of E. 23rd Street. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Are White Collar Crimes?
White-collar crimes refer to a category of non-violent offenses typically committed by individuals or organizations in professional or business settings. It is the generic term for all types of document-intensive financial crimes.
These crimes are characterized by deceit, manipulation, or breach of trust for financial gain rather than physical force or violence. Unlike traditional "street crimes," white-collar crimes often involve sophisticated schemes or methods aimed at defrauding individuals, businesses, or government entities.
Investigations into these offenses often require specific knowledge, forensic analysis, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions.
White-collar offenses can be among the most complicated criminal cases to defend. Usually involving financial transactions, a white-collar crime case is often won or lost based on the state of the document trail.
In defending a white-collar crime case, our skilled firm may spend hundreds of hours poring over piles of documents to make sense of the prosecution’s case against an accused.
Types of White-Collar Crimes Under State and Federal Law
White-collar crimes encompass a wide range of deceptive financial activities under state and federal laws. At the state level, theft, fraud, and perjury constitute common white-collar crimes. Federal statutes cover crimes like drug trafficking, wire fraud, and public corruption.
Understanding the distinctions between state and federal definitions helps understand the scope and complexity of these offenses. Here are some examples of each:
State Crimes
- Theft: Taking something that doesn't belong to you.
- Fraud: Deceiving someone for personal gain.
- Theft of service: Getting a service without paying for it.
- Misapplication of fiduciary property: Mishandling money or property entrusted to you.
- Computer crimes: Illegal activities involving computers or networks.
- Identity theft: Pretending to be someone else to steal their money or information.
- Perjury: Lying under oath.
- Securing execution of a document by deception: Getting someone to sign a document through dishonesty.
- Hindering a secured creditor: Intentionally preventing a creditor from getting what they're owed.
- False statement to obtain credit: Lying to get a loan or credit.
- Money laundering: Hiding the source of illegally obtained money.
Federal Crimes
- Drug possession and trafficking: Illegal possession or selling of drugs.
- Wire and mail fraud: Using electronic or postal communication to deceive for financial gain.
- Money laundering: Concealing the origins of illegally obtained money.
- Conspiracy offenses: Planning with others to commit a crime.
- Public corruption: Abusing power for personal gain.
- Grand jury misrepresentations: Presenting false or misleading evidence to the grand jury with the intent to deceive or manipulate the proceedings.
- Security clearance litigation: Legal disputes over security clearances.
Specific White-Collar Crimes Under Texas Law
Texas has several laws that specifically address white-collar crimes within the state. Some key laws include:
- Texas Penal Code: The Texas Penal Code contains provisions that define and penalize various white-collar crimes, such as theft, fraud, embezzlement, and forgery. These statutes outline the elements of each offense and establish the corresponding penalties.
- Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA): The DTPA is a comprehensive statute in Texas that prohibits deceptive trade practices, including false advertising, pyramid schemes, and other forms of consumer fraud.
- Texas Securities Act: This law regulates the offer and sale of securities in Texas. It establishes registration requirements for securities offerings, disclosure obligations for issuers, and enforcement tools to address violations of the law.
- Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act: Enacted to combat identity theft, this law criminalizes the unauthorized use or possession of another person's identifying information with the intent to defraud. It also requires businesses to implement safeguards to protect consumers' personal information from theft or misuse.
- Texas Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (TCFIN): TCFIN is a state agency responsible for coordinating efforts to combat financial crimes in Texas, including money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities. It collaborates with law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions to investigate and prosecute financial crimes effectively.
These are just a few examples of the laws specific to Texas that govern white-collar crimes. Based in Bryan, Texas, the white-collar crime lawyers at Shane Phelps Law are familiar with state laws that govern these types of cases.
Agencies Involved in a Financial Misconduct Charge
White-collar crimes are typically investigated and prosecuted through a collaborative effort involving various law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and specialized units. The process often begins with the detection of suspicious activity, which can be identified through internal audits, regulatory filings, tips from whistleblowers, or data analysis techniques.
Once potential misconduct is identified, law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may initiate investigations into the matter. These agencies have units equipped with forensic accountants, financial analysts, and investigators.
Regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or the Texas State Securities Board, also play a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting white-collar crimes within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies have the authority to conduct examinations, issue subpoenas, and impose civil penalties for violations of securities laws or regulations.
Potential Penalties for White-Collar Crimes
Individuals convicted of white-collar crimes may face a range of penalties that can have significant personal and professional consequences. These may include:
- Fines: Convicted individuals may be required to pay fines as part of their sentence. These fines can be substantial, potentially amounting to thousands or even millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the offense and the financial harm caused to victims.
- Restitution: Courts may order convicted individuals to repay victims for any financial losses incurred as a result of the crime. Failure to pay restitution can result in additional penalties, including extended probation or imprisonment.
- Probation: Instead of or in addition to imprisonment, individuals may be placed on probation, during which they must comply with certain conditions set by the court. These conditions may include regular meetings with a probation officer, financial reporting, community service, or other requirements designed to monitor and rehabilitate the offender.
- Imprisonment: White-collar crime sentences can range from months to years in prison, with longer sentences imposed for more serious offenses such as large-scale fraud or embezzlement. Imprisonment not only separates individuals from their families and loved ones but also carries long-term consequences for their personal and professional reputations.
The consequences of a white-collar crime conviction extend beyond the courtroom and can have lasting effects on an individual's personal and professional life. In addition to the direct penalties imposed by the court, individuals may experience reputational damage, loss of employment or professional licenses, and strained personal relationships.
The stigma associated with a criminal conviction can make it difficult to secure future employment, obtain loans or housing, and rebuild trust within the community.
Protect your future and reputation. Contact an experienced white-collar crime defense attorney from Shane Phelps Law to help you navigate these complicated charges and clear your name.
How a Bryan White-Collar Crime Attorney Can Help
White-collar crime cases in Bryan require a meticulous approach and a deep understanding of complex financial regulations and legal precedents. A seasoned white-collar crime lawyer in Bryan can conduct thorough investigations, challenge evidence presented by the prosecution, and advocate vigorously for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Overall, effective defense strategies in white-collar crime cases require careful analysis of the facts and law, strategic planning, and skillful advocacy both in and out of the courtroom.
Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, whether through negotiated settlements, dismissal of charges, or favorable verdicts at trial. By enlisting the services of a Bryan white-collar crime lawyer, individuals facing allegations of financial misconduct can protect their interests and work toward resolving their legal challenges with confidence.
Contact Bryan, Texas, Lawyers at the Law Offices of Shane Phelps
Organization, dedication, and an eye for detail are the hallmarks of a successful white-collar defense. At Shane Phelps Law, our Bryan criminal defense lawyers can handle cases at both the state and federal levels and can also help clients throughout Brazos County. Call us today at 979-773-7028 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
