There is a popular misconception that white collar crimes are treated less harshly by the criminal justice system in Texas than violent felonies. The reality is that prosecutors–and judges–are often more keen to “throw the book” at white collar defendants because fraudulent acts can harm hundreds or thousands of people. White collar crimes also tend […]

One of the most common types of white collar crime in Texas is identity fraud. Under Section 32.51 of the Texas Penal Code, this involves obtaining or possessing someone else’s “identifying information” and using it to defraud someone else. The identifying information may be a physical item, like a credit card or a driver’s license, […]

Fraud is perhaps the most common type of white collar crime prosecuted in Texas. Fraud takes many forms. But the essential nature of fraud is that it involves acquiring the property of another through false pretenses. Fraud is also not just a matter of Texas law. Anyone who defrauds a financial institution–i.e., a bank–or uses […]

A $195 million Ponzi scheme has affected 724 victims in multiple states, including several Texas investors. At least three of the perpetrators behind the investment scheme have received felony sentences, including an order to pay more than $155 million in restitution. As defined by the FBI, a Ponzi scheme typically promises high financial returns or […]

Many in Houston rely on online classified ads to buy and sell basic things like furniture or to advertise for a garage sale. Sites like Craigslist have become popular for their ease of use and because they are free, allowing millions of users to connect with someone locally. However, some activities are riskier than others […]