White Collar Crime Attorney in Georgetown, TX
Facing accusations of a white collar crime can have a lasting negative effect on your life. Even if the allegations are dismissed, your personal and professional relationships and credibility may suffer. You need an advocate who can fight for your rights to ensure you are treated fairly throughout the court process. A Georgetown white collar crime lawyer can review the facts of your case and represent your interests during negotiations or litigation.
Hire a White Collar Crime Lawyer
If you’re facing a white collar crime charge, you want to hire a white collar crime lawyer with the experience and compassion to build a strong defense that recognizes you as a person and not just a case number. At The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, you get a Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than two decades of experience in the Williamson County area. As a former prosecutor, Lytza Rojas offers a unique perspective on defense.
Texas White Collar Crime Rates
White collar crimes are often described as non-violent crimes, but that does not mean they are victimless or cause less harm than other types of crimes. The United States Sentencing Commission examines crime rates for different categories of crimes for each state. White collar crimes fall under the category of economic crimes. In 2024, there were a total of 504 Texas economic crime convictions:
- 151 for embezzlement or theft
- 58 for credit card or financial institution fraud
- 57 for government benefits fraud
- 53 for making false statements
- 43 for mail-related fraud
- 36 for healthcare fraud
- 19 for securities or investment fraud
- 17 for identity theft
- 15 for advanced fee scams
- 11 for money laundering
- 8 for false advertising
- 7 for government procurement fraud
- 5 for intellectual property theft
- 4 for tax crimes
- 3 for antitrust crimes
- 3 for mortgage fraud
- 2 for counterfeiting or forgery
- 1 for computer-related fraud
- 11 for other types of economic crime
If you are facing white collar crime allegations in Georgetown, your case may be heard at the Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown if the charges are state-level, or at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas at the Austin Division if the charges are federal.
Texas Penalties for White Collar Crime
White collar crimes may be non-violent, but they are still considered a serious problem in Texas. These offenses can result in harsh penalties if convicted. Misdemeanor charges are organized into three levels based on the monetary amount associated with the crime. They include:
- Class C Misdemeanor charges (under $50 value) carry a fine of up to $500.
- Class B Misdemeanor charges (between $50 and $500) carry a fine of up to $2,000, jail sentence up to 180 days, or both.
- Class A Misdemeanor charges (between $500 and $1,500) carry a fine of up to $4,000, jail sentence up to one year, or both.
Felony charges are more serious and carry heavier penalties. Being charged with a felony also prevents the use of some relief programs, such as diversion programs, that could result in a lower penalty. Felony charges include:
- A State Jail Felony (between $1,500 and $20,000), which carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a sentence from 180 days to two years in jail.
- A Third-Degree Felony (between $20,000 and $100,000), which carries a fine of up to $10,000 and incarceration between two and 10 years.
- A Second-Degree Felony (between $100,000 and $200,000), which carries a fine of up to $10,000 and incarceration between two and 20 years.
- A First-Degree Felony (over $200,000), which carries a fine of up to $10,000 and incarceration between five and 99 years in prison.
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FAQs
What Is a White Collar Crime in Texas?
There is no single statute in Texas that defines white collar crime. The phrase “white collar crime” refers to non-violent, financially motivated offenses. Individuals, businesses, or government officials can commit white collar crimes. White collar crimes often involve fraudulent or deceptive actions to gain a financial advantage. Common types of white collar crime include fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion.
What Are Common Defenses Used in White Collar Crime Cases in Texas?
The most common defense used in white collar crime cases in Texas is to establish that there was no intent to commit a crime. White collar crimes require prosecution at the highest burden of proof, beyond a reasonable doubt. Other common defense strategies involve establishing doubt.
Your attorney may argue that you were under duress or coerced into committing a crime. Entrapment could be argued if there is evidence that law enforcement officers enticed you into committing a crime.
Is It Possible to Avoid Criminal Charges in a White Collar Crime Case in Texas?
Yes, it is possible to avoid criminal charges in a white collar crime case in Texas. Securing a knowledgeable white collar crime attorney as early as possible increases your chances of coming to an agreement without criminal charges being filed. Your attorney can work with the prosecution before charges are filed. It may be possible to negotiate a civil settlement, plea agreement, diversion program, or deferred adjudication that could prevent criminal charges.
Are White Collar Crimes Eligible for Pretrial Diversion Programs in Texas?
Yes, some misdemeanor white collar crimes are eligible for pretrial diversion programs in Texas. Diversion programs are designed for first-time offenders who are willing to complete specific program requirements.
The length of the program varies, but may include community service, gainful employment, mental health evaluation or treatment, routine drug tests, court-ordered counseling sessions, supervision by a probation officer, avoiding illegal activities, and paying any ordered fines or fees.
Contact The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC
Don’t face white collar crime accusations alone. You need a white collar crime attorney who is ready to listen to the facts of your case and answer your questions. Lytza Rojas personally represents each of her clients, offering guidance through a difficult time. Contact The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, today to schedule your confidential initial consultation.
