Texas Federal Fraud Lawyers

You might be accused of fraud if you knowingly deceive someone to unlawfully obtain their property or money. Various types of conduct can be charged under federal fraud laws, and a conviction carries severe penalties, including imprisonment and/or fines. Although fraud crimes do not typically involve physical injury to the victim, the federal government will still harshly prosecute because of the damage such offenses cause to a person’s emotional and financial well-being as well as to society.

If you have been accused of fraud, fight to protect your good name by reaching out to Deandra Grant Law. We recognize that charges can arise because of misunderstandings or false accusations. Our federal fraud attorneys will examine every relevant document and communication to identify holes in the government’s case against you and build a strong defense on your behalf. We will explore all legal options to seek a favorable result in your case.

What Constitutes Fraud?

Generally, fraud is defined as using deception to deprive another person of their assets. Typically, the alleged offender promises to provide the victim something of greater value in return, such as goods, services, or money. However, they do not intend to follow through on their promise.

Most fraud crimes are carried out by misrepresentation of some material fact. A material fact is something someone relies on for decision-making purposes. Misrepresenting a material fact can include willfully falsifying or omitting information.

When Is Fraud A Federal Crime?

Both Texas and the federal government have laws prohibiting fraud.

Whether an offense falls under federal or state jurisdiction depends on several factors such as:

• The type of conduct involved
• Whether the offense or alleged offender crossed state or federal borders
• Whether the offense was committed using means that affected interstate or foreign commerce

What Are Examples Of Federal Fraud Crimes?

As mentioned before, fraud crimes involve similar underlying conduct – using deceit to defraud a person. However, there are various ways in which fraud can be committed. As such, the federal government has several statutes covering a broad range of offenses.

A few examples of federal fraud crimes include:

• Mail and wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341& 1343): These are two separate crimes involving the same type of conduct, only the means for completing the offenses differ. Both are committed when someone furthers a scheme through specific methods of delivery. With mail fraud, the alleged offender uses the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial carrier; with wire fraud, they use electronic communications.
• Bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344): A person commits this offense when they defraud a financial institution or use false pretenses or misrepresentation to obtain any assets under the institution’s control or custody.
• Bankruptcy fraud (18 U.S.C. § 157): Charges for this offense arise when someone falsely files a petition or makes fraudulent statements on a document used for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• Health care fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347): Under this statute, it is unlawful for a person to make a false claim to a health care benefit program to obtain compensation or property under the program’s custody or control.
• Identity and aggravated identity theft (18 U.S.C. §§ 1028& 1028A): A person can be charged with identity fraud if they possess or use another’s personal information to commit or attempt to commit a crime. Aggravated identity charges are levied when the individual uses someone else’s personal information to further a specified felony or act of terrorism.
• Securities fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1348): This offense is committed when someone defrauds an individual connected with futures or securities uses deception to obtain money by buying or selling a future or security.
• Tax fraud (26 U.S.C. § 7201): A person commits tax fraud by knowingly using deception to willfully evade the assessment or payment of taxes.

At Deandra Grant Law, our Texas federal fraud crimes attorneys handle all manner of offenses. Because these cases are very complex, we are extremely detailed in our review. We will leave no stone unturned as we challenge the government’s case against you.

What Are The Penalties For Federal Fraud Crimes?

The punishments for a federal fraud offense include imprisonment and/or fines. The exact sentence imposed varies based on the statute violated and the nature of the offense.

Possible conviction penalties for specific crimes include:

• Mail or wire fraud:
  • Up to 20 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Bank fraud:
  • Up to 30 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $1,000,000 in fines
• Bankruptcy fraud:
  • Up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Health care fraud:
  • Up to 10 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Identity theft:
  • Up to 15 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Aggravated identity theft:
  • Generally: 2 years added on to the prison sentence
  • Terrorism: 5 years added on to the prison sentence
• Securities fraud:
  • Up to 25 years of imprisonment and/or
  • A fine
• Tax fraud:
  • Up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or
  • Up to $100,000 in fines

If you have been charged with a federal fraud crime, your future and freedom are at stake. Allow our federal fraud lawyers in Texas to aggressively defend you and work toward an optimal outcome.

Discuss Your Federal Fraud Case Today

During this difficult and stressful time, you might have several questions and concerns about your case. Deandra Grant Law is here to deliver clear and straightforward answers. Your case is not hopeless. Defenses may be raised to fight your charge, and we will go over all your available options.