Collin County White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Fraud and Internet Crimes in McKinney and Plano

When people refer to crimes or criminal activity, they often think of violent offenses such as robbery or murder. However, a person may face criminal charges for a wide variety of other reasons, and the consequences for non-violent offenses can be just as severe as for violent crimes, including steep fines, imprisonment, and the requirement to pay restitution. Certain types of offenses are known as "white collar crimes," and they may involve violations of both state and federal laws.

White collar crimes typically involve some form of financial wrongdoing, and they may take place alongside legitimate business activities. Because of this, a person could face criminal charges even if they were not aware they had done anything wrong or because of the actions of a partner or business associate. Because of the complex nature of these offenses and the long-term repercussions they can have on your life, freedom, career, and reputation, you will want to speak to an attorney the moment you learn that you may be under investigation.

Fraud is one of the most common types of white collar crime, and it may take the form of insurance fraud, tax fraud, healthcare fraud, or securities fraud. Charges of money laundering may result from the association of a legitimate business with criminal activity. Other white collar criminal charges may include embezzlement, forgery, or computer and internet crimes. Because these activities may affect people in multiple states or countries, they may result in federal criminal charges, and they may be investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

If you have been charged with a white collar crime, or if you are under investigation for these types of offenses, you will want to work with an experienced attorney to determine your best options for defense. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we can help you understand the nature of the charges and the potential consequences, and we will help you build an effective defense strategy. We have helped more than 300 clients achieve not guilty verdicts and acquittals in criminal cases, and we can provide you with the strong defense you need against white collar criminal charges.

Because so much of our modern lives involve computer systems, online networks, and digital information, many white collar crime cases involve offenses referred to as "computer crimes." These may include:

• Breach of security - A person may be charged with this offense if they access a computer or network without authorization (commonly known as "hacking"). This can result in misdemeanor or felony charges in Texas if it is done with the intent of stealing information or data, or if a government system is illegally accessed. Accessing a computer or network owned by the federal government or a financial institution can result in federal criminal charges.
• Data tampering - Altering or deleting data on a computer system with the intent to harm or defraud someone, including through computer viruses or "ransomware" programs, may be a misdemeanor or felony offense in Texas, depending on the amount of the damages caused to the victim.
• Restriction of access - Intentionally interrupting another person's access to a computer system or network, such as through a "denial of service" attack, is a third-degree felony offense in Texas.
• Identity theft - Impersonating someone else online with the intent of defrauding, intimidating, threatening, or harming someone is a third-degree felony in Texas. These charges may apply for activities such as creating websites or social network profiles or sending emails or text messages.