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 Mortgage Fraud Defense Lawyer
Since the near collapse of the housing market, state and federal law enforcement have increased their investigations into mortgage fraud. Typically, federal and state investigators focus on the actions of appraisers, real estate agents, secondary buyers, or real estate investors after a pattern of mortgage default emerges in a particular area. Once an investigation is launched, investigators review loan applications and audit the personal financial information of the parties involved. In general, investigators look for discrepancies between what was claimed on a loan application or appraisal sheet and income tax returns. If discrepancies indicate misinformation was included on a mortgage loan application, a federal criminal investigation will likely be launched.
At the law office of Robert J. Fickman, I defend people accused of mortgage fraud. If brought in early on an investigation, I may be able to preempt an indictment by clarifying what my client knew, explaining why he or she acted as she did, and redirecting the attention of investigators elsewhere. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, contact mortgage fraud lawyer Robert J. Fickman today.
Mortgage Fraud Allegations
I advise and represent real estate brokers, real estate agents, secondary buyers, homeowners, title companies, and appraisers accused of mortgage fraud involving the following:
- House flipping
- Over-reporting income on a mortgage application
- Failure to accurately disclose debts
- Misreporting primary or secondary residence
- Serving as a straw buyer
- Falsifying mortgage loan application
- Mortgage Fraud and Loan Application Information
Most mortgage fraud cases begin with what was reported on a mortgage loan application. When defending my clients, I focus on what was reported on a loan application and why. When the subprime mortgage market was lucrative, it wasn’t uncommon for brokers to encourage borrowers to borrow more than they could afford. In the process, income was sometimes over-reported, and debts downplayed.
Working with my own investigators, forensic accountants, and appraisers, I carefully trace the sources of misinformation to challenge the assumptions of prosecutors.
Mortgage Fraud Attorney Robert J. Fickman
Given the involvement of multiple parties in a real estate transaction, it’s possible for an individual to be a party to a fraudulent real estate deal and not even know it. At the law office of Robert J. Fickman, I understand how this can happen and what needs to be done to bring the facts to light. Even if you knowingly entered false information on a loan application, why you did it and under whose direction could mean the difference between a reduced charge and sentence and an expensive fine and jail time.
Contact Lawyer Robert Fickman Today
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 he 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 Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA).
- 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.