5 Possible Defenses Against White Collar Crime Charges in Texas

 Posted on August 07, 2023 in Criminal Defense

White collar crimes are serious offenses, and they can have severe legal consequences for those accused or convicted of these charges. If you have been charged with a white collar crime in Texas, you have the right to defend yourself, and you should be treated as if you are innocent until you are proven guilty in a court of law. The key to mounting a successful defense is enlisting the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney who has experience representing clients who have been charged with white collar crimes. Here are some possible defenses that may be available to you as you address criminal charges:

1. Lack of Intent

To prove that a person is guilty of a white-collar offense such as fraud or embezzlement, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant had the intention to commit the crime knowingly and willfully. That is, the defendant must have intended to wrongfully deprive someone else of their money or property. If your attorney can show that there was no intent on your part to engage in illegal activity or commit fraud, this can weaken the prosecution's case against you, and the charges could potentially be dismissed.

2. Mistaken Identity

The identity of the alleged perpetrator of a white collar offense will be a crucial aspect of a criminal case. Your attorney may be able to argue that you were wrongly identified as the perpetrator based on unreliable witness testimony or insufficient evidence linking you to the alleged crime. In some cases, you may be able to show that you were the victim of identity theft and that someone else used your name or identifying information to commit the offense in question.

3. Lack of Evidence

In any criminal case, the prosecutor will be required to present solid evidence proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the offense. A skilled defense lawyer will meticulously examine all pieces of evidence brought forward by prosecutors. The validity of evidence can be challenged, such as by questioning the credibility of witnesses or the reliability of other sources of information. Your attorney may be able to work with forensic accountants or digital forensic experts to analyze financial records or electronic data to uncover any inconsistencies in the evidence or flaws in the prosecution’s case, which may show that there is reasonable doubt that you committed the crime you are accused of.

4. Entrapment

In some cases, law enforcement officials may take actions that cause someone to commit a crime when they would not have done so otherwise. If your attorney can prove that you were coerced or tricked into participating in criminal activity by police officers or other officials, the charges against you may be dismissed.

5. Investigation Issues

In some cases, the investigations carried out by law enforcement officials may not be thorough enough to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled defense lawyer will scrutinize each aspect of the investigation process to identify any procedural errors or mishandling of evidence that could weaken the prosecution's case against you. They can also help determine whether your rights were violated by officers who conducted illegal searches, and they can make sure any evidence that was obtained illegally will not be admissible during a criminal trial.

Contact Our Dallas White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys

If you are facing white collar crime charges in Texas, it is crucial to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. The team at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. has extensive experience representing clients in white collar crime cases throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We can assess your case and provide guidance on potential defenses that may be available based on the allegations against you. Contact our Fort Worth white collar crime lawyers at 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation and get the legal representation you need during your criminal case.