An Arlington Fraud Lawyer Offers Strong Legal Representation

What Is Fraud Under Texas Law?

Fraud in Texas involves intentionally deceiving someone to gain an unfair advantage or financial benefit. Under Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code, these offenses often fall into non-violent crimes, but they can carry heavy legal and personal consequences. Fraud can range from petty consumer fraud to large-scale financial crimes, and understanding the specific charges against you is the first step to crafting a solid defense.

Fraud cases typically involve misrepresentation or concealment of facts, in other words, lying to someone to get their property or money. The law treats these offenses seriously, and even an attempted fraud, where no money or property is actually taken, can result in severe consequences.

Fraud can happen in various contexts, including financial dealings, contracts, and consumer transactions. While the crimes are often non-violent, the impact they have on the victim is very real, leading to heavy penalties.

What Are The Types Of Fraud Offenses?

Fraud crimes take many forms, each targeting specific vulnerabilities in the financial or personal systems. Whether it’s someone’s trust or a systemic flaw, fraudsters prey on these weaknesses. If you’re facing fraud charges, it’s important to understand what type of fraud is involved in your case and how that influences your defense options.

Forgery

Forgery occurs when someone alters, creates, or uses documents to deceive or harm others. Examples include signing someone else’s name on a check, altering a legal contract, or making counterfeit currency. This type of fraud undermines the trust and integrity of financial transactions and can cause significant financial harm to individuals or businesses.

Identity Theft

Identity theft involves using another person’s personal information, such as their Social Security number or bank account details, without consent. Fraudsters may use stolen information to open credit accounts, obtain loans, or even steal funds directly from a person’s accounts. If you’re accused of identity theft, your defense will depend on proving that you did not have criminal intent or did not use the information in a fraudulent manner.

Credit Or Debit Card Abuse

This type of fraud occurs when a credit or debit card is used without authorization. Using a stolen card or making unauthorized purchases constitutes fraud. Fraudsters may also exploit skimming devices to illegally obtain card information. This leads to financial losses for individuals and businesses and can carry serious penalties.

Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud involves making false claims to receive insurance payouts or benefits. This might include exaggerating damages, staging accidents, or filing claims for non-existent injuries. Insurance fraud puts a strain on the entire system and increases premiums for policyholders. If accused of insurance fraud, a defense lawyer will need to challenge the veracity of the claims made against you.

Other Common Fraud Charges

Fraud extends well beyond the more common charges listed above. Here are a few other fraud-related offenses you may face:

• Investment Fraud: Misleading investors with false or misleading information to secure funding.
• Online Fraud: Scams conducted via the internet, such as phishing, auction fraud, or fake online stores.
• Bankruptcy Fraud: Falsifying bankruptcy filings or hiding assets to avoid paying debts.
• Mortgage Fraud: Providing false information to obtain a mortgage or misrepresenting the value of a property.
• Counterfeiting: Creating or distributing counterfeit items to defraud others.

Each of these fraud types carries its own set of challenges and legal implications. Understanding the nature of the charge against you is crucial to mounting an effective defense.