The Woodlands, TX Federal White Collar Crime Defense Attorneys

Knowledgeable Defense Lawyers for Federal White Collar Crimes in The Woodlands

White collar crimes can come with major penalties, especially when prosecuted by the federal government. Do not assume that non-violent offenses do not carry hard prison time. If you stand accused of a white collar crime, you need legal representation. Contact a federal white collar crime defense attorney in The Woodlands who can advise you of your rights and develop a legal strategy on your behalf.

At Barbieri Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have decades of shared experience, granting us insights into federal charges that few others share. We can provide you with an individualized defense strategy, exploring all avenues to pursue a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud Violations

Federal prosecutors often charge wire fraud and bank fraud in the same investigation, but they are not the same offense. Wire fraud generally focuses on a scheme to defraud that uses interstate "wires" to carry it out, such as email, phone calls, text messages, online portals, electronic transfers, or other digital communications. The government typically argues that a person knowingly participated in a deceptive plan and used electronic communications as part of that plan.

Bank fraud is usually tied to conduct that targets a financial institution itself, or that uses false statements or misrepresentations to obtain money, credit, loans, or other assets controlled by a bank. These cases often involve loan applications, lines of credit, check kiting, forged documents, or misrepresentations connected to deposits or withdrawals.

Penalties can be severe. Wire fraud commonly carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, and that exposure can increase in certain situations, such as when a financial institution is affected. Bank fraud often carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years. Both charges can also involve large fines, restitution orders, and asset forfeiture, meaning the government may attempt to seize funds, accounts, vehicles, or property it claims are tied to the alleged conduct.

Defending Against Federal Money Laundering Charges

Money laundering charges often appear when prosecutors believe money came from an unlawful source and was then moved, spent, or transferred in a way meant to hide where it came from, where it went, or who controlled it. In plain terms, the government may argue that the transaction was not just spending money, but an effort to make "dirty" money look legitimate.

These allegations can involve bank transfers, cash deposits, business receipts, third-party payments, cryptocurrency activity, real estate purchases, or "layered" transactions that move funds through multiple accounts. In some investigations, money laundering charges are used to increase leverage, even when the underlying alleged offense is still being disputed. Defense strategies may revolve around what you knew, what you intended, and what the government can actually prove about the source and movement of the funds.

What Is Federal Identity Theft?

Federal identity theft allegations generally involve using another person's identifying information without permission, such as a Social Security number, bank account information, login credentials, or other personal data. These cases can arise from employment records, tax filings, credit applications, online purchases, medical billing, or account takeovers.

In some situations, prosecutors add an "aggravated" identity theft allegation, which can trigger a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must run consecutively to certain other federal offenses. That means the identity theft component can dramatically change the stakes, even if the primary charge is still being contested.

Defending these cases may involve challenging whether the identification actually belonged to another person, whether it was used "without lawful authority," whether there was intent to commit a crime, and whether digital evidence was gathered and interpreted correctly.

Meet With a Federal White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer in The Woodlands

At Barbieri Law Firm, we take a careful, strategic approach to federal investigations and charges, focusing on the facts, the paper trail, and the weaknesses in the prosecution's narrative. Call 972-424-1902 or contact our federal white collar crime defense lawyer in The Woodlands, TX to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.