Texas Fraud Penalties
Texas Fraud Penalties Attorney Greg Tsioros
Texas Fraud Penalties Attorney in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
Not one day goes by in Texas without people watching the news and seeing headlines related to fraudulent schemes and con artists intent on depriving others of money or benefits. Scam artists who ply their nefarious trade and cause financial harms to others in the Lone Star state are bound to face intentional deception penalties when they are brought to court.
Fraudulent scams involving consumer fraud and other financially harmful activities are generally prosecuted under Title 7 of the Texas Penal Code, which covers offenses against property and assesses personal gain penalties. Fraud offenses may range from misdemeanors to first degree felonies; they are never classified as capital felonies.
Definition of Deception in Houston
The Texas Penal Code has a lengthy chapter and several sub-chapters that cover the gamut of deceptive behaviors and acts that may be considered fraudulent in the eyes of the law. Trickery and deceit go hand in hand with depriving others, which is largely considered a white-collar crime. Some of the acts associated with a hoax include:
- Forgery
- Criminal simulation
- Counterfeiting
- False statements
- Credit card fraud
- Fraudulent property transfers
- Money laundering
- Bad checks
Texas Personal Gain Penalties
Since harming others is an expansive and multifaceted criminal offense, defendants can expect several penalties. Here are couple of them:
- Property appraisal and mortgage scams in excess of $200,000: First degree felony, which is punishable by a prison term up to five years and a fine no greater than $10,000.
- Fraudulent transfer of a motor vehicle valued at more than $20,000: Second degree felony, which is punishable by a prison term up to two years and fine no greater than $10,000.
TX Intentional Deception Defenses
The defense strategies used by Texas criminal attorneys can be as complex as the fraudulent schemes allegedly committed by their clients. Investigations and detailed document reviews are crucial. Since the prosecution has the burden of proof, it is in the best interest of fraud defendants to set a high bar for the district attorneys during fraud trials.
Learn how to reduce intentional deception penalties in Houston by contacting The Law Office of Greg Tsioros at (832) 752-5972.