White Collar Crimes
Houston White Collar Crime Defense Attorney
White collar crimes are often associated with financial misconduct committed by individuals in positions of trust or within the course of their employment. Today, these offenses commonly involve fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and other financial schemes. The severity of charges typically depends on the amount of money or property involved, and many cases can lead to felony charges with serious prison time and substantial fines.
If you’re under investigation or have been arrested for a white collar crime in Southeast Texas, do not speak to authorities without first consulting an experienced Houston white collar crime defense attorney. Contact Salinas Defense today to learn how we can protect your rights and defend your freedom.
White Collar Crime Definitions in Texas
Texas law does not define “white collar crime” as a separate category, but most white collar offenses are covered under the Fraud section of the Texas Penal Code. These cases often involve:
Knowingly misrepresenting a material fact
Inducing another party to rely on that misrepresentation
Causing actual loss or injury as a result
Common white collar crimes in Texas include forgery, identity theft, credit card abuse, trademark counterfeiting, and filing false loan applications. Penalties typically scale with the financial value of the property or service that was unlawfully obtained.
Definition of “Property” — Texas Penal Code § 32.01(2)
Real estate
Tangible or intangible personal property
Any document, including currency, that holds or represents value
Definition of “Value”
The fair market value at the time and place of the offense
If value cannot be determined, the replacement cost
For documents representing debt, the unpaid collectible amount
For other documents, the maximum potential economic loss from their loss
Definition of “Service” — Texas Penal Code § 32.01(3)
Labor or professional services
Telecommunications, utilities, and transportation
Lodging, entertainment, and dining
Supplying vehicles or other property for use
Embezzlement in Texas
Unlike fraud, which relies on deception, embezzlement involves a betrayal of trust. In Texas, embezzlement is prosecuted under the state’s general theft statute, which defines theft as:
Unlawful appropriation of property with intent to deprive the owner
Without the owner’s consent or knowing the property was stolen
This typically occurs when someone entrusted with property—such as an employee—misuses company assets. Examples include:
Taking from petty cash
Using corporate credit cards for personal purchases
Issuing unauthorized checks or loans
Transferring company funds into personal accounts
Types of White Collar Crimes in Texas
At Salinas Defense, we represent clients charged with a wide variety of white collar crimes. Our legal team conducts thorough independent investigations to fight for the best outcome possible in every case.
Common white collar crime cases we handle include:
Organized Crime
Racketeering
Money Laundering
Bad Checks
Forgery
Identity Theft
Insurance Fraud
Medicaid Fraud
Mortgage Fraud
Securities Fraud
Credit Card Fraud
Tax Fraud
Embezzlement
Harris County White Collar Crime Resources
Financial Crimes Unit | City of Houston
The Houston Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit investigates cases involving forgery, credit card abuse, identity theft, embezzlement, and bribery. Learn how to file a report, add information to an existing case, or get a copy of your report. The site also provides links to credit bureaus and financial fraud resources.
Visit: Houston Police – Financial Crimes Unit
Consumer Protection | Texas Attorney General
This section of the Texas Attorney General’s website helps consumers recognize fraud and scams. It includes signs of common schemes and information on how to file a complaint if you or a loved one is a victim.
Visit: Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection
White Collar Crime Defense Lawyers in Houston, TX
Whether you’ve been charged or suspect you’re under investigation for a white collar offense in Harris County, it’s critical to remain silent until you have legal representation. At Salinas Defense, we bring skilled defense strategies to clients facing complex financial crimes across the region.
We represent individuals in Houston, Friendswood, Pasadena, La Porte, Seabrook, Pearland, Baytown, Galena Park, Deer Park, and surrounding communities.
Call us today at (832) 820-1888 or submit our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
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