Facing a fraud charge? It’s imperative to contact a Fort Worth fraud lawyer to start building a strong legal defense right away. Not only can fraud charges carry stiff penalties, but they can damage your professional and personal reputation.

Fraud charges can be complicated and paper-intensive. Our  experienced criminal defense attorneys will conduct a comprehensive investigation of the prosecution’s case against you and work to find legal issues that we can use to your advantage.  We will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

What are Common Examples of Fraud in Fort Worth?

A wide range of offenses could constitute fraud under Texas law. In fact, there is a whole chapter in the Penal Code – Chapter 32  – devoted to fraud. The act of fraud involves someone using trickery or deception to obtain something of value, such as money or property.

Below are some common examples of offenses which are classified as fraud:

1. Credit card/Debit Card Fraud or Abuse
2. Bank fraud
3. Wire fraud
4. Check fraud and check kiting
5. Forgery
6. Counterfeiting real estate deeds
7. Insurance Fraud
8. Medicaid Fraud
9. Medicare Fraud
10. Healthcare Fraud
11. Identity Fraud
12. Misappropriation
13. Tax Fraud
14. Counterfeiting
15. Criminal Simulation (for example, creating a fake antique)
16. Counterfeiting Trademarks
17. Stealing or receiving stolen checks
18. Fraudulent use or possession of credit card / debit card information
19. False statements to obtain credit
20. Hindering a Secured Creditor
21. Bankruptcy Fraud
22. Fraudulent Transfer of a Motor Vehicle
23. Commercial Bribery
24. Contest Rigging
25. Illegal Recruitment of an Athlete
26. Securing the Execution of a Document by Deception
27. Fraudulent Destruction, Removal, or Concealment of a Writing (Switching tags)
28. Falsifying Degrees
29. Falsifying a Military Record
30. Contractor Fraud

Our team of Fort Worth fraud lawyers are experienced at defending fraud accusations in north Texas.

What is the Penalty for a Fraud Conviction?

The  punishment for a fraud conviction depends on whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony. The nature of the fraud, value of the property, and age of the alleged victim dictate the severity of the charge. The punishment range often follows the Texas theft value ladder:

Fraud Enhancements in Texas

Enhancements also exist based on the characteristics of the victim. For example alleging a victim was elderly (even if the accused did not know it) can increase the offense level by one degree.

Aggregation in Texas Fraud Cases

If the state alleges that money was obtained in a “continuing course of conduct” or as part of a scheme, regardless of the number of victims, the amounts can be aggregated.

Subsequent Offenses for Repeat or Habitual Offenders

Individuals who have previously been convicted of felonies face much harsher punishments than first-time offenders. For example, someone who is charged with a state jail felony and has been convicted twice before of a state jail felony conviction face a third-degree felony punishable of two to 10 years in prison. Someone convicted of a felony (other than  a state jail felony) with two previous felony convictions could face a minimum of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of lifetime incarceration.

Discuss Your Case Today with a Fort Worth Fraud Attorney

Not only can a fraud conviction  leave you with a permanent criminal record, but it could impact your family, finances, and freedom. Leave nothing to chance. Contact an experienced Fort Worth fraud lawyer today.

Our team will give your case the full attention it deserves and work hard to mitigate the criminal accusations against you. To schedule your free consultation, call now.