CRIMINAL FRAUD ATTORNEY IN DALLAS, TEXAS

Fraud is generally classified as a “white-collar crime.” The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has defined white-collar crime as “any violation of law committed through non-violent means, involving lies, omissions, deceit, misrepresentation, or violation of a position of trust, by an individual or organization for personal or organizational benefit.” Regardless of the name, the crime of fraud is taken very seriously and can carry very heavy penalties.

Tom Cox’s legal practice in Dallas, Texas is based on this core truth: life happens. Life can get in the way of our best plans, and sometimes we make decisions we wouldn’t otherwise make. Or perhaps we were in the wrong place and the wrong time. As an experienced criminal fraud attorney serving Dallas County, Tom Cox makes sure to hear your story, providing fearless and compassionate direction and support if you are facing a criminal charge of fraud. Make the informed choice by reaching out to Tom Cox today to schedule a consultation.

WHAT IS CRIMINAL FRAUD IN TEXAS? 

Fraud is a broad category that covers a wide variety of scenarios. In Texas, like other states, fraud can be thought of this way: it’s the act of making a deliberate, purposeful misrepresentation with the intent to harm someone who relies on the information you have misrepresented. Victims of criminal fraud suffer actual loss as a result of this deception. Fraud can involve small amounts of money or millions of dollars, but in each instance, the penalties for any kind of fraud conviction can greatly impact your future.  

TYPES OF FRAUD 

The criminal justice system takes fraud seriously. There are a number of scenarios that fall under the category of criminal fraud at the state level including:  

• Forgery

• Credit fraud

• Issuing a bad check

• Deceptive business practices

• Commercial bribery

• Rigging a public contest

• Misapplication of fiduciary property

Fraud can also be a federal offense such as in cases of: 

• Bank fraud

• Identity theft

• Healthcare fraud

• Mail fraud

• Tax fraud

• Securities fraud

POSSIBLE PENALTIES

The penalty for fraud depends on whether the crime was a federal or state offense and whether it’s classified as a felony or misdemeanor. In general, penalties may include:

• Incarceration 

• Probation

• Fines

• Compensation to victims

It also depends on how severely the alleged fraud impacted others. For example, fraud involving less than $100 may result in a Class C Misdemeanor and fines up to $500, while fraud involving more than $150,000 may result in a felony charge, a $10,000 fine, and 20 years of prison time. Federal offenses can carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. 

WHY YOU NEED A DEDICATED FRAUD ATTORNEY 

It’s not a good idea to approach your fraud case alone. The laws can be complicated and carry severe penalties that could impact the rest of your life.  As a former prosecutor himself, Tom Cox understands how the mind of a District Attorney works and will use that information to develop a comprehensive strategy. People deserve to have someone in their corner protecting their freedom during the scariest moments of their lives and with Tom Cox, you’ll get experienced dedicated representation.