Houston Fraud Lawyer

Defending Your Freedom After an Accusation of Fraud

While all criminal charges are taken very seriously, fraud can carry very heavy and frightening consequences in Houston. The punishments range from a permanent criminal record, years of prison time, and excessive fines up to $10,000. Whether this is a first felony accusation or a repeated offense, a Houston fraud attorney will be crucial in determining the outcome of your case.

Even if you are still under investigation for fraud, and no official charge has been made, it is still imperative that you contact an experienced and compassionate Houston fraud defense attorney at Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C., as soon as possible.

Have you been accused of fraud in Houston? Call Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. today at (713) 364-9913 or contact us online to get started!

Extensive Experience Handling Complex Fraud Cases

As a former Military Judge and Infantry Officer, he has dealt with even the most serious fraud cases, including:

• White collar crimes
• Military fraud crimes
• Tax fraud
• Identity theft
• Marriage fraud
• Loan fraud

Penalties You Could Face for a Fraud Conviction

Texas law treats fraud crimes very seriously, and the penalties often depend on the amount of financial loss and the circumstances surrounding the offense. A conviction could mean not only prison time but also steep financial consequences and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

Depending on the case, penalties may include:

• Fines: Depending on the severity of the fraud, fines can range from hundreds of dollars to $10,000 or more.
• Jail or Prison Time: Sentences can range from a few months in county jail to several decades in state prison.
• Restitution Payments: Courts often require individuals convicted of fraud to repay any financial losses the victim suffers.
• Probation: Some cases may result in probation instead of prison, often including strict conditions like community service and regular check-ins.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: A fraud conviction can impact professional certifications or licenses, damaging your career.

Some fraud charges are misdemeanors, but many are classified as felonies in Texas, especially when significant financial losses or vulnerable victims are involved.

Common Defenses Against Fraud Charges

Mounting an effective defense against fraud charges requires a thorough understanding of the law and the specifics of the alleged offense. Several defenses may be applicable, depending on the circumstances:​

• Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that there was no intention to defraud can be a strong defense, as intent is critical in fraud cases.
• Mistake of Fact: If the accused genuinely misunderstood or believed about a fact, it might negate the fraudulent intent.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence can lead to dismissal if they cannot prove the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement officers pressured or encouraged the accused to commit an offense they would not have otherwise committed, this could be a valid defense.
• Coercion or Duress: If the accused was forced or threatened into committing the fraud, proving that they acted under duress could weaken the prosecution's case.

Each fraud case is unique, and the defenses available will vary depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the accusation.

Contact Our Houston Fraud Attorney Today

If you have been accused or charged with fraud, now is the time to contact a competent and aggressive fraud crimes defense lawyer at the firm. Do not waste another minute when a resourceful attorney could be building up your defense. With over two decades of experience in the courtroom, our fraud defense attorney, Guy Womack, is prepared to take on even the most intimidating fraud cases.

Fraud is generally seen as a nonviolent crime, but if your fraud charges include violent crimes, the punishment could be even more severe. The state of Texas takes fraud and violent crimes very seriously and places a severe penalty upon any offender of the law. To ensure that you will find an optimum outcome in your court hearing, have an experienced and knowledgeable fraud attorney for your fraud charges in Houston.

Don’t face fraud charges alone. Contact an experienced Houston fraud lawyer at Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. to start building your defense.