White-Collar Lawyer
White-Collar Lawyer – Brett A. Podolsky
Facing a white-collar crime can be a terrifying time in a person’s life. A defendant can receive years in prison if convicted. If you hire a seasoned criminal lawyer like Brett A. Podolsky, you can increase your chances of avoiding detrimental consequences.
What is a White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crimes are criminal offenses that typically involve the theft of funds or property without violence. They may include state and/or federal charges. Some examples include:
- Mail fraud: A defendant had a scheme in place to acquire money or property in a fraudulent manner that involved mail.
- Wire fraud: Radio, telephone or television wires that crossed state lines were used to commit or further fraud.
- Securities fraud: A securities agency does not truthfully disclose activities to analysts and/or investors. Insider trading may be utilized.
- Ponzi schemes: A defendant uses the funds of new investors to pay off earlier investors.
- Money laundering: A defendant attempts to disguise the origins of illegal funds.
Penalties for White-Collar Crimes
The penalties for white-collar offenses are defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. The punishments vary greatly and depend on the type of offense, the value of the funds involved, the number of individuals who were affected by the criminal offense and whether the defendant has a criminal history. Some of the potential penalties include:
- Class C misdemeanor: A fine up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor: A fine up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail
- Class A misdemeanor: A fine up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail
- State jail felony: A fine up to $10,000 and/or up to 180 days in state jail
- Third-degree felony: A fine up to $10,000 and/or between two to 10 years in prison
- Second-degree felony: A fine up to $10,000 and/or between two to 20 years in prison
- First-degree felony: A fine up to $10,000 and/or between five to 99 years in prison
Defending Against Allegations
A prosecutor has the burden of proof in criminal cases. He or she must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. Every kind of white-collar offense has its own statutory definition, and the prosecution has to prove every element of the crime in order to secure a conviction. For example, the state has to prove that the defendant had intent to commit the offense. If he was coerced or accidentally broke the law, the charges against him may be reduced or even dropped completely.
Talk to a White-Collar Lawyer
Brett A. Podolsky is a board certified attorney; this places him in an elite tier of qualified attorneys in the state of Texas. As a former prosecutor, he can anticipate the arguments that the prosecution will make in order to better prepare for trial. Oftentimes, accusations for white-collar offenses arise because of mistakes in record-keeping. Mr. Podolsky will carefully examine every piece of evidence in your case to provide a solid legal defense for you.
If you need a Houston white-collar lawyer, schedule a free consultation with Brett A. Podolsky at 713-227-0087.
