White Collar Crime

White-collar crime refers to non-violent crimes committed for a type of financial gain using some form of deception or deceit. These crimes usually involve money, computers, the Internet, or a combination of all three. Typical white-collar crimes include identity theft, mail fraud, healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud and embezzlement, among others.

Offenses of this nature can result in serious consequences including fines, jail time and prison time. Our attorneys have a proven and extensive track record in white collar criminal litigation. We carry over a decade of combined experience defending clients in criminal cases, and we will do what it takes to help you achieve the best possible outcome. If charged with a white-collar crime, contact us at 956-504-2211.

 TX White-Collar Crime Defense Attorney in Brownsville

If you are facing criminal charges for committing a white-collar crime, our attorneys are standing by to receive your call. To schedule a confidential consultation, please call 956-504-2211.

At The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. , our experienced criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive defense representation to individuals in Cameron County, Hidalgo County, and Willacy County. We also defend those who have been accused of white-collar crimes in Brownsville, Texas and surrounding cities including Houston, San Benito and Harlingen. Our Texas white crime attorneys will review your case at no cost to you. 


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Information Center


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Common White-Collar Crimes in Cameron County, Texas

White collar crime is defined by the Department of Justice (DOJ). That definition typically encompasses all illegal activity involving some form of manipulation, deceit, or concealment, specifically for financial gain.  The term “white collar crime” applies to a broad range of offenses. Here are some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes:

  • Identity theft: Identity theft is a crime that involves stealing another person’s identity without their permission. Information that is often stolen includes name, social security number, credit or debit card information.
  • Money laundering: A person commits a money laundering offense if he or she conducts a transaction involving the proceeds of criminal activity. This can also apply if the individual finances or invests funds that the person believes are intended to further the commission of criminal activity.
  • Mail fraud: If a person uses the U.S. mail as part of a scheme to defraud others, that is considered mail fraud under federal law. The charge applies whether fraud originates in the form of mail, phone, or online.
  • Embezzlement: An individual commits embezzlement fraud if they are an employee and steal, retain, or misuse funds from their employer’s business.
  • Healthcare fraud: Health care fraud is a type of white-collar crime that involves the filing of dishonest claims or making false statement in order to receive a benefit. The act is often committed by health care organizations, consumers, providers and companies providing medical supplies or services.
  • Wire fraud: Wire fraud is a type of fraud that involves the use of telecommunications or the internet. This form of fraud can include a phone call, an email or a text, amongst many other forms.

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Felony White Collar Crime Penalties in Texas

White collar crime offenses can result in severe consequences. There are a number of penalties you can expect if you are convicted of a white-collar crime such as theft in Texas. These penalties include but are not limited to:

·      Theft of $1,500 to $20,000: State jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail, and a fine of as much as $10,000.

·      Theft of $20,000 to $100,000: Third degree felony punishable from 2 to 10 years in prison, and a fine of as much as $10,000.

·      Theft of $100,000 to $200,000: Second degree felony punishable from 2 to 20 years in prison, and a fine of as much as $10,000.

·      Theft of more than $200,000: First degree felony punishable from 5 to 99 years in prison, and a fine of as much as $10,000.


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Definitions Relating to White Collar Crimes in Texas

Many white-collar offenses in the state of Texas are established under Texas Penal Code Chapter 32, which relates to fraud. Although Insurance fraud, money laundering, and Medicaid fraud are all listed under separate chapters, they all carry the same definitions. Definitions under this section of the Penal Code include:

  • Financial Institution: A bank, trust company, insurance company, credit union, building and loan association, savings and loan association, investment trust, investment company, or any other organization held out to the public as a place for deposit of funds or medium of savings or collective investment.
  • Property: Real property, tangible or intangible personal property including anything severed from land; a document, including money, that represents or embodies anything of value.
  • Service: Labor and professional service, telecommunication, public utility, and transportation service; lodging, restaurant service, and entertainment; and the supply of a motor vehicle or other property for use.

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Additional Resources

FBI White Collar Crime Page – Visit the FBI page to learn more about white collar crimes. The webpage lists the different forms of white crimes including money laundering, corporate fraud, securities and more.

Information on Consumer Fraud | Texas Attorney General – Visit the Attorney General’s website to learn more about how to avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud. You can view the answers to common questions such as, “how do I file a consumer complaint?”


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White Collar Crime Lawyer in Brownsville, TX

If you or a family member are facing a white-collar crime charge such as forgery, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering or fraud, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Senior attorney Jonathan Gracia carries more than a decade of experience fighting for the rights of those facing white collar crime charges. He will fight fiercely and aggressively on your behalf.

Call The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. today for a free consultation at 956-504-2211. We will put our many years of defending the accused people of Texas to work for you. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. represents clients in Cameron County, Hidalgo County and Willacy County. We also defend clients accused of white collar crimes in Brownsville, Texas and surrounding cities including Houston, San Benito, Harlingen, Weslaco, Mercedes, and Donna, TX.


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