Dallas Fraud Crime Lawyer

Helping You Fight Against Federal & State Fraud Charges in Texas

Were you arrested for fraud in Dallas? Fraud comes in many different forms and it is important to select a Dallas fraud lawyer who understands how to craft an effective defense in these complex situations.

With The Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, you get the tough, experienced criminal representation you need to take on well-funded prosecution for state and federal fraud offenses, including:

• Credit card fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Investment fraud
• Ponzi schemes
• Securities fraud
• Mail fraud
• Wire fraud
• Franchise fraud
• Internet fraud
• Money laundering
• Identity theft

Contact our award-winning team to schedule a consultation about your fraud defense in Dallas and throughout Texas.

Our Firm's History With Fraud Cases in Dallas

At Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we handled a case where our client was accused of healthcare fraud at the federal level. Our client worked with us over the course of several years, all while his partners were indicted in federal court. However, our client avoided indictment with guidance from our team. The key to success in this case, included the controlled flow of information to federal prosecutors and our client patience with our team's strategy.

Learn how we defend fraud crimes in Dallas:

What is a Fraud Offense in Texas?

Fraud is a broad term that encompasses a variety of different crimes generally defined as a false representation or omission of material fact, either through words or conduct, that is intended to result in personal or financial gain.

Under Texas’s fraud statute, it is a criminal offense to commit the following fraudulent activities:

• Forgery
• Trademark counterfeiting
• Credit card or debit card abuse
• False statement to obtain property or credit
• Fraudulent transfer of motor vehicle
• Credit card transaction record laundering
• Issuance of bad check
• Rigging public contest
• Securing execution of document by deception
• Fraudulent destruction, removal or concealment of writing
• Fraudulent use or possession of identifying information
• Simulating legal process
• Refusal to execute release of fraudulent claim

What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanor & Felony Fraud Charges in Texas?

In Texas, fraud can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense and the amount of money or property involved.

Here is a breakdown of the misdemeanor and felony fraud charges in Texas:

• Class C Misdemeanor: Fraud involving property or services valued at less than $100 is classified as a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. This offense carries a punishment of a fine up to $500, with no jail time.
• Class B Misdemeanor: If the value of the property or services is between $100 and $750, the fraud offense is a Class B misdemeanor. The penalty for this charge includes up to 180 days in county jail and a fine up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: Fraud involving property or services valued between $750 and $2,500 is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Offenders can face up to 1 year in county jail and a fine up to $4,000.
• State Jail Felony: When the value of the fraudulently obtained property or services is between $2,500 and $30,000, it is classified as a state jail felony. The punishment ranges from 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility, along with a fine up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: Fraud involving property or services valued between $30,000 and $150,000 is a third-degree felony. The penalty includes 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: For fraud involving amounts between $150,000 and $300,000, the offense is classified as a second-degree felony. This carries a punishment of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
• First-Degree Felony: Fraud involving property or services valued at more than $300,000 is a first-degree felony. Offenders can face 5 to 99 years or life in prison, along with a fine up to $10,000.

Fraud charges should not be taken lightly. It is important to contact an experienced fraud defense attorney in Dallas early in the criminal process.

When Does Fraud Become a Federal Crime?

In addition to state fraud laws, there are also various federal fraud laws. 

You can be arrested for a federal fraud offense under the following circumstances:

• The fraud involved a federal program or agency, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security.
• The fraud involved interstate communication or crossed state lines.
• The fraud resulted in significant financial loss, such as a ponzi-scheme.

For example, under the federal mail fraud statute, it is a crime to use the U.S. mail to engage in fraud. A similar type of fraud punishable under federal law is wire fraud. The wire fraud statute was enacted to cover new types of technologies. The federal wire fraud statute makes it a crime to engage in fraud by means of wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce. 

The federal mail and wire fraud statutes are often implicated when an individual tries to defraud someone out of money, such as through fraudulent mail or telemarketing schemes. Depending on the type of fraud, penalties can range from a monetary penalty to significant jail time.

Defending Against Fraud Charges in Dallas

Being accused of fraud can have serious legal consequences, including hefty fines and potential jail time. If you are facing fraud charges in Texas, it is crucial to have a skilled and experienced Dallas fraud crime lawyer on your side to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state laws.

At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we have a proven track record of successfully defending clients against fraud allegations. Our team will work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific case and fight for the best possible outcome.

Don't wait to seek legal representation if you are facing fraud charges. today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights and future.

Contact our Dallas fraud defense lawyers today to schedule a consultation. We answer our phones 24/7 for emergencies. Call (214) 238-9392 today. Se habla Español.