Houston White-Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer

Prosecutors treat most white-collar offenses as violations of federal law and try them in federal court. Make no mistake: federal investigations typically last months, if not years, utilizing extensive financial monitoring, wiretaps, and secret informants. Defending against these charges requires a formidable trial attorney who knows how to navigate the complex federal system.

Houston federal criminal defense lawyer Robert Fickman brings over 40 years of aggressive, trial-tested experience defending individuals against serious white-collar allegations. Holding Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Rating and recognized consecutively as a Texas Super Lawyer, Mr. Fickman understands the immense pressure of facing the federal government. He works relentlessly to dismantle lengthy federal indictments, protect your assets, and preserve your liberty.

He doesn’t just manage white-collar charges—he beats them. Over his career, Mr. Fickman has handled more than 300 federal cases, repeatedly securing dismissed charges and preventing grand jury indictments. Most notably, in the massive 2022 multi-defendant federal trial in United States v. Cristian Rebolledo—a complex case in which almost every defendant pled guilty—Mr. Fickman’s client went to trial and emerged as the only defendant found NOT GUILTY on all charges.

White-Collar Crimes and Criminal Charges

I have counseled and defended clients in white-collar crime cases involving the following:

• Conspiracy charges
• Money laundering charges
• RICO/Racketeering charges
• Embezzlement charges
• Fraud charges, including but not limited to Federal Mortgage Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Tax Fraud, Medicare Fraud, and Bank Fraud
• Antitrust
• Political corruption charges
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Charges
• International Gambling
• Federal Investigations and White Collar Crime
• Healthcare and Medicare Fraud

Prosecutors often treat healthcare fraud as a serious federal white-collar crime, especially when the government alleges false billing, kickbacks, wire fraud, conspiracy, or money laundering. Learn more about healthcare fraud defense.

The federal government has nearly unlimited resources to pursue white-collar allegations. Almost every case will have two federal prosecutors and numerous federal agents from Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service (SS), and other federal agencies. When you face a long list of federal charges and a serious prosecution team, I encourage you to build an even stronger defense team.

Often, a white-collar criminal case will look insurmountable because of the lengthy indictments. The fact is, the beginning of the case often looks its worst. Stay calm. The federal government took a long time to build the case, so we need time to build a strong defense. Building a strong defense often means assembling a defense team, reviewing voluminous documents, interviewing numerous witnesses, and hiring appropriate experts.

Most white-collar crimes involve some alleged deception involving money. As we investigate a case, we aim to build a defense theory based on the truth and the facts. The defense theory is the heart of every case, whether you are charged with a white-collar crime or something else. It tells the story of the facts from the defense’s point of view. To win, our defense theory must be stronger and more persuasive than the prosecution’s theory.

Protect Your Liberty: Contact an Experienced Houston White-Collar Attorney

In 1987, the federal prison system abolished parole, and sentences are largely determined by the complex Federal Sentencing Guidelines. If you face white-collar allegations, you cannot afford to wait and see what happens. Whether you are an executive wrongly accused of deception or you have just discovered you are the target of a federal grand jury subpoena, your actions right now will shape the rest of your life.

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 law enforcement agencies like the FBI, IRS, and SEC. Contact Robert Fickman’s law office today to secure a rigorous, trial-tested defense.

For answers to common questions about federal fraud investigations, subpoenas, target and subject status, money laundering, conspiracy, and other financial crime allegations, visit our Houston White-Collar Crime FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions About Federal White-Collar Crimes

• What makes a crime a “white-collar” offense in federal court? White-collar crimes are generally non-violent, financially motivated offenses characterized by deceit, concealment, or a breach of trust. In federal court, these typically involve allegations of mail or wire fraud, money laundering, RICO violations, conspiracy, or embezzlement that utilize interstate commerce or target financial institutions.
• Why is it harder to fight white-collar charges in federal court than state court? Federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, and SEC spend months or years quietly gathering documentation, financial records, and informant testimony before making an arrest, resulting in a near-95% conviction rate. Furthermore, the federal system has no parole, meaning anyone sentenced under the strict Federal Sentencing Guidelines must serve nearly the full term.
• How does a defense attorney beat complex financial crime allegations? Defending against federal white-collar charges requires forensic accountants and data experts to systematically dismantle the prosecution’s paper trail. Because the government must prove you had the “specific intent to defraud,” an experienced trial lawyer can show that a client acted in good faith, made an honest business error, or was completely unaware of a co-worker’s fraudulent scheme.

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 taken some clients to trial in Federal Court and secured acquittals on all charges. In 2022, Robert Fickman tried 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 former 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 help other criminal defense lawyers.