Dallas White-Collar Crime Attorneys

white collar crime lawyer

Although white collar crimes typically do not involve violence or physical injury, state and federal prosecutors often treat them as seriously as violent offenses. A conviction can carry significant penalties and other consequences that can affect you for many years to come. Rather than try to face these charges alone, turn to a committed, aggressive Dallas white collar crime defense firm for help.

With over 60 years of combined criminal defense experience, the attorneys of Broden & Mickelsen, LLP have what it takes to advocate for your rights and interests at this crucial juncture. Our team includes specialists certified in criminal defense law and criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We have the skill and the resources to handle even the most complicated cases and to provide you with the comprehensive representation you deserve.

Serious white collar criminal charges demand sophisticated defenses. Let us start building yours today. Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP today to speak with our experienced Dallas white collar crime lawyers for a free consultation.

What Is a White Collar Crime?

White collar crime refers to a range of typically nonviolent criminal offenses involving deceit, concealment, or fraud to obtain a financial, personal, or business advantage. White collar crimes often result in financial losses for the victim. Examples include:

How Can a White Collar Crime Lawyer Help You?

The attorneys of Broden & Mickelsen, LLP can help you protect your freedom and future by:

  • Independently investigating your charges to find all available evidence and witnesses, rather than simply relying on the evidence turned over by law enforcement and prosecutors
  • Reviewing the facts of the case to identify effective defense strategies
  • Explaining your charges and give you honest advice about the potential outcomes and options
  • Challenging the prosecution’s case by moving to exclude evidence or reduce or dismiss charges for lack of evidence
  • Negotiating for a favorable plea agreement, if appropriate
  • Advocating your defense at trial
  • Appealing a conviction if prejudicial errors occurred during your prosecution

What Are the Penalties for Committing a White Collar Crime in Texas?

In Texas, the penalty imposed for a conviction for a white collar crime will depend on the specific offense and the value of the property involved. Crimes involving less valuable property usually have minimal penalties, while crimes involving hundreds of thousands of dollars or more can result in severe penalties.

Texas has seven relevant degrees of criminal charges, penalties for which include:

  • Class C misdemeanors (lowest level of criminal charge): A fine of up to $500
  • Class B misdemeanors: Up to 180 days in jail and a potential fine of up to $2,000
  • Class A misdemeanors: Up to one year in jail and a potential fine of up to $4,000
  • State jail felonies: 180 days to two years in state jail and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • Third-degree felonies: Two to ten years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • Second-degree felonies: Two to twenty years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
  • First-degree felonies: Life imprisonment or a prison term of five to 99 years, plus a potential fine of up to $10,000

In addition to incarceration and fines, sentencing courts often impose restitution as part of a sentence for a conviction of a white collar crime. Restitution requires convicted defendants to reimburse their alleged victims for the financial losses they suffered due to the crime.

Many white collar crimes result in federal criminal charges, which subject defendants to strict punishments by following the federal sentencing guidelines. These guidelines consider the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors, such as acceptance of responsibility. However, federal judges have the discretion to depart from the federal sentencing guidelines if warranted by the circumstances of the case.

Have You Been Charged with a White Collar Crime?

At Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, our white collar crime attorneys will prepare an effective defense strategy to meet the charges you face. Depending on the circumstances, we might argue that:

  • You did not have the intent to commit the crime.
  • You committed the criminal act under coercion or duress.
  • You took the subject property or money with the owner’s permission.
  • A law enforcement officer induced you to commit the crime when you otherwise would not have done so (entrapment).
  • The property involved had a lower value than the prosecution claims.
  • Law enforcement investigators obtained evidence or statements from you in violation of your rights, such as by conducting an unlawful search or questioning you without informing you of your Miranda rights.

Individual circumstances will direct the defense strategy we build on your behalf.

What Happens If I Was Charged with a White Collar Crime?

When you hire Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, you will have an advocate on your side every step of the way. You can expect the criminal process to involve several steps, including:

At the initial arraignment and bail hearing, the trial court explains the charges and asks you to enter an initial plea. The trial court will also advise you of your rights, such as your right to legal counsel. The trial court will also set your bond or order you to remain in jail pending trial.

The trial court will hold one or more pretrial hearings for the prosecution and defense to file and present motions. For example, the prosecution may file motions to admit evidence at a trial, and defense lawyers may file motions to exclude unlawfully obtained or inadmissible evidence or to reduce or dismiss the charges for lack of evidence.

The prosecution must turn over any potentially exculpatory evidence in its possession, while the parties must identify the witnesses they intend to call at trial. Defense counsel may also need to advise the prosecution of specific defense theories the defendant intends to assert at trial.

The prosecution and defense may negotiate a plea deal for the defendant to plead guilty to the charged offense or a lesser offense in exchange for a favorable sentencing recommendation.

If a defendant chooses to maintain their innocence, the case will eventually reach trial, where both sides present and cross-examine evidence and witnesses.

The sooner you seek the help of a criminal defense attorney, the more they can do on your behalf.