Dallas Mortgage Fraud Lawyers
Mortgage fraud in Dallas can carry serious penalties, including steep fines and prison time. If you’re facing allegations, the Dallas mortgage fraud defense lawyers at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP are ready to protect your rights.
Our board-certified specialists in criminal law and criminal appellate law have over 60 years of combined experience representing clients in both state and federal courts. We regularly handle complex white-collar matters, providing comprehensive legal representation through trial and post-conviction relief. Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP to speak with a mortgage fraud attorney about how we can help defend you.
How Broden & Mickelsen, LLP Defends Clients Accused of Mortgage Fraud in Dallas
Mortgage fraud cases often involve complex financial documentation and confusing accusations, especially if you’re not familiar with legal and accounting standards. The mortgage fraud defense attorneys at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP start each case with a thorough investigation and strategic planning. It is crucial to hire a lawyer early to begin building a strong defense from the outset.
We start by reviewing all available evidence, including bank statements, loan applications, and closing documents. This helps us identify inconsistencies or other issues that could affect your defense.
Every case gets individualized attention because no two mortgage fraud allegations are the same. Our lawyers at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP use their experience in criminal law and criminal appellate law to spot issues like prosecutorial overreach and potential Constitutional violations.
Our Dallas white-collar crime lawyers challenge improper charges and negotiate with prosecutors to achieve the best possible outcome. If we can’t reach a fair, favorable outcome for you through pretrial motions or a plea agreement, we’re ready to take your case to trial.
When you work with us, you can expect our criminal defense lawyers to help you by:
- Reviewing loan applications and financial records for errors or misrepresentations
- Looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or approach, including procedural errors or misapplied laws
- Advising clients on state versus federal court implications
- Representing you during interviews and court proceedings to protect your legal rights
- Developing appeals or post-conviction relief strategies if prior judgments exist, thanks to our dual experience in trial and appellate work
- Advising you on settlement or plea options—all while balancing your long-term legal interests and professional reputation
You don’t have to take our word for it, either—our proven track record of success speaks for itself. One satisfied client wrote, “Mr. Mickelsen got my charges dismissed. I feel so vindicated. I can’t describe how happy I am with the outcome.”
Understanding Mortgage Fraud in Dallas: Common Allegations and Charges
Mortgage fraud is a type of white-collar state or federal crime that occurs in various ways throughout the real estate and lending process. Mortgage fraud happens when someone provides false information to get or grant a mortgage. For example, they might misrepresent their financial status or manipulate property documents for financial gain. This often includes:
- Inflated property values
- Misrepresented income on loan applications
- Fake employment or credit history
- Forged signatures on mortgage or loan documents
- Straw buyer schemes, where someone buys property on another person’s behalf to conceal its true ownership
- Equity skimming, where an investor collects mortgage payments without reporting them to the lender
- Fraudulently using real estate agents or appraisers to support falsified documents
Committing mortgage fraud typically involves intentionally making false statements, omissions, or misrepresentations for personal gain, such as securing a loan or money that would not otherwise be available. The prosecution must prove you intentionally or knowingly made false statements to secure a mortgage loan.
Mortgage fraud can involve individuals, lenders, or real estate professionals and may occur during the application, underwriting, or closing process. Many mortgage fraud cases involve federal agencies, such as the FBI and IRS, gathering evidence, including documents and financial records, to build a case.
The criminal charges can vary depending on the evidence and the type of transaction you’re accused of falsifying. Some cases are misdemeanors, while others are charged under felony Texas fraud laws. Others could implicate federal laws.
Mortgage fraud undermines financial institutions, the housing market, and public trust in real estate transactions. It can be punished harshly, especially without an experienced mortgage fraud defense lawyer on your side. In addition to criminal consequences, you could also face civil suits from lenders or investors demanding restitution.
State vs. Federal Mortgage Fraud Cases and What’s at Stake
Mortgage fraud cases in Dallas can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Federal cases typically carry higher penalties. If you’re convicted, you could be subject to long prison terms and mandatory restitution, as well as stricter reporting requirements. Federal mortgage fraud convictions can result in up to 30 years in federal prison and fines up to $1 million. Texas state charges can lead to prison time ranging from 2 to 99 years, with up to 99 years for fraud exceeding $300,000
Federal investigations often involve multiple agencies with significant resources, including the FBI or HUD’s Office of Inspector General. The federal government uses sophisticated data analysis tools to trace fraud, which gives it a decisive advantage over defendants. These cases frequently take months or even years to resolve. A Dallas criminal defense lawyer can provide the consistent legal advocacy and detailed defense strategies you need to reduce or dismiss these charges.
State-level cases may result in shorter sentences, but they still have lasting consequences. Depending on your job, you could face professional licensing restrictions as well as civil liability from banks or mortgage lenders. Fraud convictions are especially frowned upon in jobs where you hold a position of financial trust, which means one charge can upend your entire career.
How a Dallas White Collar Crime Lawyer Builds a Strong Mortgage Fraud Defense
Our mortgage fraud defense begins with finding potential issues in the prosecution’s case, then leveraging our technical and procedural knowledge to reduce or dismiss the charges. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP fights back by:
- Analyzing evidence: We review bank records and loan applications, as well as correspondence and real estate contracts, to identify errors or inconsistencies.
- Interviewing witnesses: Next, we research the parties. This helps us clarify the facts and challenge their credibility, if necessary.
- Researching the law: We review the applicable state or federal statutes and case precedent. This helps us negotiate favorable resolutions and file motions to challenge the evidence.
- Devising a procedural strategy: Our lawyers look for Constitutional or procedural violations that could affect your case. This often depends on how prosecutors and law enforcement collected and maintained key evidence.
- Negotiating and preparing for trial: We always advocate for reduced charges or alternative resolutions whenever they’re available. Even if we’re confident prosecutors will offer a fair deal, we prepare a compelling defense for trial. This gives us extra leverage in negotiations.
- Appealing as necessary: Our experienced appellate lawyers also review errors or missteps in prior proceedings. Depending on the error, this could be the basis for an appeal or other post-conviction relief.
White-collar crime cases like mortgage fraud often hinge on documentation and intent. That’s why it’s so important for us to dissect complex financial transactions and separate misunderstanding from criminal intent. This attention to detail is how we protect your interests throughout the legal process. Our criminal defense attorneys also coordinate with financial and forensic experts when necessary. This helps us clarify confusing technical evidence for judges and juries.
Speak With a Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer About Mortgage Fraud Charges
Mortgage fraud accusations require immediate, experienced legal help. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP has extensive experience in both state and federal courts. When you work with us, we’ll advocate for your rights and explore all avenues for defense or resolution. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.