East Texas Fraud and Theft Lawyers
One out of every ten federal criminal cases involves an allegation of fraud. The charges are common in state courts too. Indeed, fraud and theft charges are favorites among prosecutors, and they often unfairly ensnare good, hardworking people.
State and federal investigators take fraud extremely seriously, and we’ve seen a concerted crackdown in recent years. Countless business owners, financial professionals, medical professionals, and other highly skilled members of the community have found themselves swept up in aggressive fraud and theft investigations, often at the expense of their reputations, even if charges are never filed.
Oberheiden, P.C. is a national criminal defense law firm providing legal protection and aggressive defense to people and businesses facing fraud and theft charges throughout the United States. We offer years of experience and invaluable perspective, with former prosecutors, FBI special agents, forensic accountants, and a cadre of other relevant resources here in our office.
If you are facing fraud and theft charges in Texas — or anywhere in the United States — our Tyler criminal defense lawyers can help.
If You Have Already Been Charged with a Fraud or Theft Crime
Fraud charges carry extremely serious penalties. If convicted, you could spend many years in prison, lose certain civil liberties, and face lifelong challenges in procuring employment with a criminal record.
The stakes are incredibly high, and you need to approach these charges with seriousness, urgency, and a plan. Do not delay in seeking professional legal counsel.
There is still hope. The government often loses these cases, though your chances of success are significantly higher if you have an experienced and aggressive criminal defense firm on your side.
Our Tyler criminal defense lawyers have successfully achieved dismissals in numerous fraud and theft cases, both at the state and federal levels. Our paramount goal is always an outright dismissal of every charge against you. That means you go home with the charges dropped and your record clean.
If You Are Currently Under Investigation
The government typically investigates suspected fraud for some time before formally filing charges. These investigations may involve local or state police, federal agents, forensic accountants, and undercover agents. You may or may not be aware of the investigation.
If, for any reason, you suspect that you may be under state or federal investigation for a crime, the time to act is now. You should contact our office immediately. We can take swift and strategic action to protect your rights and insist that the government tow the line.
If you are under audit or investigation but haven’t yet been charged with a crime, our goal is to bring the investigation to an end without any charges having been filed.
Common Fraud and Theft Charges
When prosecutors go after theft or fraud, they have a wide range of criminal charges to choose from. Typically, they will pursue the most serious charges available under the circumstances — a tendency that leads to overcharging and, in many cases, dismissal.
Some of the most common fraud and theft charges include:
- Bank fraud
- Bribery
- Check fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Credit card fraud
- Embezzlement
- False Claims Act violations
- Government contract fraud
- Health care fraud
- Identity theft
- Insurance fraud
- Mail fraud
- Medicaid fraud
- Medicare fraud
- Money laundering
- Mortgage fraud
- Securities fraud
- Tax code violations (including tax evasion and other forms of tax fraud)
- Theft from federal institutions
- Wire fraud
The Role of RICO in Fraud and Theft Charges
In addition to the criminal charges listed above, prosecutors frequently employ the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act — better known simply as RICO — to more aggressively pursue suspected fraud.
Originally created to combat racketeering and organized crime, RICO allows the government to pursue charges against people who contribute to a “corrupt organization,” even if they were not directly responsible for the underlying criminal acts.
As a practical matter, prosecutors use RICO to intimidate suspects and witnesses they wouldn’t otherwise be able to charge, often with the aim of procuring plea deals or inducing damaging testimony.
RICO is one of the most commonly abused prosecutorial powers, and our office is prepared to challenge prosecutors who employ overly aggressive tactics.
Free Case Review: Talk to Tyler Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
In criminal defense, timing is everything. If you are under investigation or facing charges, it is in your best interest to pick up the phone right now and get our Tyler criminal defense lawyers involved. It might be the most important thing you ever do.
We are happy to provide a free case review to help you decide where to go from here. There is no cost or obligation. Please contact us right away.
