A missed loan payment, a failed business deal, a soured partnership, or a bitter divorce may start as a civil dispute. In Texas, however, the same facts that support a civil lawsuit can sometimes lead to a criminal investigation.
That …
Houston Fraud Charges Defense Lawyer
In federal white-collar investigations, the government throws a massive net—and far too often, they catch the wrong fish. If you have been caught up in a federal fraud investigation, your reputation, assets, and freedom are on the line.
Houston federal criminal defense lawyer Robert Fickman brings over 40 years of relentless courtroom experience defending individuals against complex white-collar allegations. Holding Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Rating and recognized consistently as a Texas Super Lawyer, Mr. Fickman understands how federal agencies build fraud cases, and more importantly, he knows how to dismantle them.
In a system where the public often presumes guilt, Mr. Fickman works aggressively to establish your innocence. He has handled more than 300 federal cases, repeatedly securing dismissed charges and grand jury victories. Most notably, in the massive 2022 multi-defendant federal trial of United States v. Cristian Rebolledo, Mr. Fickman’s client stood his ground, went to trial, and walked away as the only defendant found NOT GUILTY on all charges.
Here are some of the fraud charges I have defended against
Mortgage fraud – People legitimately involved in a real estate transaction, such as a builder, contractor, lender, processor, broker, or homebuyer, might be accused of mortgage fraud. The charge often involves an accusation of a fraudulent loan application, in which money or equity was skimmed off the top. The consequences of a conviction can be devastating since the sentence is largely determined by the amount of fraud, which often involves millions of dollars.
Healthcare fraud – People charged with healthcare fraud include doctors, medical assistants, nurses, clinic owners, and healthcare service businesses. The person charged is often accused of submitting fraudulent bills to insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid. Healthcare fraud charges usually include a count of conspiracy. Large sums of money are involved in health care fraud, so the consequences of a conviction are very serious, involving potentially lengthy jail sentences.
Bank fraud – People charged with bank fraud are typically bank officers and loan applicants. The typical allegation is that a bank officer approved a loan they should not have approved in exchange for money.
Mail, wire, and telemarketing fraud – Wire and mail fraud are often linked to telemarketing fraud or Ponzi-type schemes. The people charged often include innocent investors.
Protect Your Rights: Contact an Experienced Houston Fraud Lawyer
In federal fraud cases, the severity of the penalties under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines is heavily driven by the alleged “loss amount”—meaning a single transaction can alter the course of your life. Whether you are an honest professional wrongly accused in a business transaction, or you have just discovered you are the target of a federal grand jury subpoena, the time to build your defense is now.
Do not talk to federal agents without a lawyer present. Robert Fickman has spent four decades standing between his clients and the full weight of federal prosecutors. Contact the law office of Robert Fickman today to secure a rigorous, trial-tested defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Fraud Charges
What is the difference between state and federal fraud charges in Texas?
Fraud charges become federal offenses when they cross state lines, involve a federal agency, or use federal systems such as the U.S. Postal Service or interstate wire communications. Federal fraud prosecutions are handled by aggressive agencies like the FBI or IRS, feature a 95% conviction rate, and carry much harsher prison sentences than state-level property crimes.
What are the penalties for a federal wire or mail fraud conviction?
Under federal law, a standard conviction for mail or wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison. However, if the fraud affects a financial institution or relates to a presidentially declared disaster, the penalties increase dramatically to a maximum of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 per count.
Can you be convicted of federal fraud if you didn’t know a crime was happening?
No, federal fraud charges require the government to prove “specific intent to defraud.” If you were an innocent investor, employee, or business partner who was completely unaware that someone else was running a fraudulent scheme, your lack of knowledge is a powerful defense that a skilled trial lawyer can use to fight an indictment.
A SUMMARY OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY ROBERT FICKMAN’S CREDENTIALS
- Robert Fickman has been a criminal defense attorney in Houston for 40+ Years.
- Robert Fickman has handled over 300 Federal Cases.
- Robert Fickman has kept some clients from being charged in Federal Court.
- Robert Fickman has obtained the dismissal of some Federal Charges.
- Robert Fickman has gone to trial in Federal Court and obtained acquittals on all charges for some clients. In 2022, Robert Fickman went to trial in United States v. Rebolledo. Robert Fickman’s client was the ONLY client in the entire case to be acquitted on all charges.
- Robert Fickman has argued many cases before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Robert Fickman has had an AV Rating (the highest rating) with Martindale-Hubbell for over 20 years.
- Robert Fickman has been named a “Texas Super Lawyer” since 2015.
- Robert Fickman is well respected by his peers and has received numerous awards.
- Robert Fickman was the President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) from 2006-2007.
- Robert Fickman is a past Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) board member.
- Robert Fickman serves on the HCCLA and TCDLA Strike Forces, where he is called upon to come to the aid of other criminal defense lawyers.
- Robert Fickman is an outstanding public speaker. Robert Fickman was on the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ “Best of 2010 Speakers”, “Best of 2014 Speakers,” and “Best of 2022 Speakers Disc.”
- Robert Fickman was named “Mr. Declaration of Independence” in the Texas State Bar Journal for his volunteerism.