White collar crime stands apart from blue collar crime in many ways, including the reason for a crime to end up considered a federal offense. For example, tampering with mail in any way counts as a federal crime due to the involvement of a government entity: the...
Year: 2021
How to determine if an officer illegally instigated a criminal act
If you face a drug-related criminal charge, a conviction can affect your career, future and reputation. Drug crimes include possession, trafficking, distribution, prescription fraud and distribution. While police officers and DEA agents can investigate a case and may...
Consequences for patients who fall victim to healthcare fraud
Most healthcare providers are honest people with a high degree of integrity who genuinely have their patients' best interests at heart. However, there are exceptions. If one of these individuals has managed to find their way into your practice, they could do...
What are the signs of credit card fraud?
One of your nightmares could be your card ending up in the wrong hands as a credit cardholder. According to Experian, 41% of Americans have reported fraudulent credit card charges. You may think that password carelessness or lost cards are the only ways for fraudsters...
What are some examples of Texas credit and debit card fraud?
Bank fraud is a common crime in Texas that includes many different facets of fraudulent behavior, such as credit and debit card fraud. According to the Texas Constitution and Statutes website, many financial institutions including banks, credit unions and companies...
Texas pharmacy owner and accountant face charges for fraud scheme
Health care fraud can lead to serious criminal charges for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Recently, the U.S Department of Justice announced it had charged a Houston-area pharmacy owner and his accountant for engaging in an illegal fraud scheme. While...
Drug-free zones may affect possession charges
The Texas Controlled Substances Act classifies an offense as a felony if law enforcement arrests an individual in a drug-free zone. According to the Lone Star State’s Health and Safety Code, a drug-free zone includes schools, playgrounds and video game or youth...
Calling in a false prescription can lead to jail time
While technology makes electronic prescribing easy and efficient, many medical professionals continue to call in prescriptions for patients. Calling the pharmacy is quick and convenient if a patient needs a prescription fast or if a doctor is not in the office. Some...
Can the police lie to you?
Many Texans believe if you ask an officer if he or she is a cop, the officer must tell the truth. This is typically not the case, however. In fact, officers throughout the Lone Star State regularly disguise their identities when investigating possible criminal...
Pleading guilty to a lesser number of fraud charges as a defense
Countering an allegation of fraud charges relating to federal disaster relief funds may require a strong legal defense. In cases involving U.S. government financial assistance, officials may file charges that could include bank fraud, money laundering and wire fraud....