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State Crimes

Strong Texas Criminal Defense – Protect Your Rights When Under Investigation

A criminal charge of any kind, whether it is a state or a federal charge, has the ability to negatively affect your entire life. You might face long prison sentences, costly fines, and restitution, as well as long-term damage to your reputation and ability to obtain employment. To say “much is at stake” is an understatement. That is why avoiding a Texas state, or a federal criminal charge must be your goal when you learn that you may be under criminal investigation.

With such high stakes, you must protect yourself by obtaining a competent and experienced lawyer to defend you. You should obtain defense counsel at your earliest opportunity to do everything possible to try to stop you from being charged with any criminal offense. If you are under the stress, fear, strain, and unknown of being charged with a criminal offense, then you owe it to yourself to contact Fickman Criminal Defense to protect your rights and fight for your future.

With nearly four decades of experience, Robert J. Fickman understands the fear people have when facing potential criminal charges. He works hard to protect clients who are under investigation. He uses his experience and skills to do his best to protect his clients from ever being charged with a state or federal criminal offense. He works hard for all his clients no matter who they are, where they came from, or what criminal charges they may be facing.

If You Are Charged with A Texas State Criminal Offense You Must Fight to Avoid a Conviction and the Serious Damage a Conviction Can Have on Your Life – You Must Fight Any State Criminal Charge Filed Against You.

State or federal authorities can prosecute Charges in Texas. Whether you are charged with a criminal offense in State or Federal court, it is serious. A conviction will rob you of your rights.

In addition to time in prison, jail and hefty fines, a conviction can have other negative long-term impacts on your life. If you have a criminal conviction on your record, you will highly likely face problems in securing future employment, loans and even housing. There are consequences for criminal histories that you may not be aware of, but Fickman Criminal Defense is here to protect you from imprisonment and those consequences.

 

In the State of Texas, crimes are charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors carry a potential sentence in jail. Felonies carry a potential sentence in prison.

Common misdemeanors include offenses such as:

IN TEXAS, THERE ARE THREE LEVELS OF MISDEMEANORS

CLASS A MISDEMEANORS

A person found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor in Texas can be punished by:

  • A fine not to exceed $4,000.
  • Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or
  • Both such fine and confinement.

CLASS B MISDEMEANORS

A person found guilty of a Class B misdemeanor in Texas can be punished by:

  • A fine not to exceed $2,000.
  • Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, or
  • Both such fine and confinement.
CLASS C MISDEMEANORS – A person found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor in Texas shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.
The potential punishment for Texas felonies is much more serious than misdemeanors. Felony crimes in Texas are the most serious criminal offenses that can be charged under state law. A person convicted of a Texas felony may be sent to prison. Common felony charges include such crimes as:
In Texas, there are four levels of felony charges. There are also Capital felony charges. Capital Felony charges include only the most serious murder cases.

Texas Felonies

(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years.
(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the second degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for any term of not more than 20 years of less than 2 years.
(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
(a) An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for any term of not more than 10 years or less than 2 years.
(b) In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
(a) Except for in situations causing a greater punishment range to apply, an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony shall be punished by confinement in a state jail for any term of not more than two years or less than 180 days.
(b) In addition to confinement, an individual adjudged guilty of a state jail felony may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.

If You Are Charged with A Texas State Criminal Offense You Must Fight to Avoid a Conviction and the Serious Damage a Conviction Can Have on Your Life – You Must Fight Any State Criminal Charge Filed Against You.

A Texas Criminal Attorney Who Knows How to Fight Federal Charges, Too

In almost 40 years as a criminal defense lawyer, Robert J. Fickman has defended hundreds of Texans charged with Federal Offenses. He fights for clients in Federal and State court. Federal charges are extremely serious. In some ways, they are more serious than Texas State Charges. For instance, there is no parole in the Federal System.

Federal crimes are managed entirely differently from state crimes. They often include cases that are more complex than state crimes. In most cases that become federal charges, the investigation by the federal government has been going on for many months or even years.

Federal authorities use many investigative tools. They use surveillance, wiretapping phones, search warrants on residences and businesses, and the seizure of bank and business records. Federal authorities oftentimes use confidential informants to gain the trust of the subject of their investigation. Once the confidential informants have gained the trust of the subject of the investigation, the confidential informants will often introduce an undercover federal agent to pursue the investigation further.

Federal authorities have almost endless budgets to pursue a person they suspect of criminal activity. Federal authorities do not always focus on the right person. They throw out a huge net during a federal conspiracy investigation. Since the Federal authorities use a huge net to catch everyone involved in a crime, a completely innocent person can get mistakenly caught up in a federal investigation. A completely innocent person can face serious Federal criminal charges.

That is why you need an experienced Federal criminal defense attorney on your side. You need someone who has fought the Federal government in many cases. Robert J. Fickman has the experience, ability, investigative power, and resources to fight and beat the Federal Government.

Some common federal crimes include :

The Federal Government does not usually pursue small criminal cases. The Federal Government typically files federal charges only after they have conducted lengthy and thorough investigations. Individuals are often charged with conspiring with a group of people who reached an agreement to commit a criminal offense. Conspiracy laws can be applied to any area of Federal criminal law.

The range of punishment for federal charges varies from offense to offense. Some offenses carry a statutory Mandatory Minimum sentence. For instance, if a federal offense has a Mandatory Minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, anyone convicted of that offense will face a minimum sentence of 10 years.

In determining what the potential penalty range is for a Federal Offense, first the statute must be considered.

In federal criminal cases, while an accused person has a right to jury a trial, they have no right to have the jury determine sentencing. All sentencing in federal court is determined by the Federal District Court Judge overseeing the case.

In federal criminal cases, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are utilized to calculate a sentence for the courts’ consideration. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines went into effect in 1987 and they are periodically amended. They are complicated. Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert J. Fickman has studied the Federal Sentencing Guidelines since they came into effect. While the Guidelines are not mandatory and considered advisory, most federal courts look to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines when determining a sentence in a case.

At Fickman Criminal Defense, Robert J. Fickman will apply his experience and zealously defend you against any Federal criminal charges you may face.

No Matter How Tough Your Case, Fickman Criminal Defense Can Help

The criminal justice system is tilted in favor of the prosecution. Criminal Defense Attorney Robert J. Fickman knows how to provide a zealous defense for all of his clients in order to obtain the best possible outcome for them.

Robert J. Fickman’s nearly four decades of experience have prepared him to fight for his clients. The aggressive strategies and creative tactics used by Fickman Criminal Defense have led Robert J. Fickman to have a reputation of hard work, integrity, and good results.

Contact Fickman today for a free case evaluation to get started. He is invested in protecting your liberty and freedom to choose a better future.

Reach Out Right Now to Get Started on Protecting Your Future

Call 24/7 For A Free Consultation

(713) 655-7400

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

2024-02-06
     
When selecting someone to represent me in federal court, Mr. Fickman stood out as the perfect attorney.
J.L
2023-12-27
     
I would recommend Rob Fickman to anyone in my situation. I do not have enough good things to say about him.
Stephanie M.
2023-08-22
     
He did great work and very caring. I would recommend him to anyone needing his services. I thank God for putting him in my path.
Jacinto Z.
2023-07-19
     
Mr Fickman is very professional and highly experienced in his field.
Sam D.
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Case Results

ASSAULT -FAMILY MEMBER

Case Dismissed (M.M.)

The client, a Houston area medical assistant, was accused by her estranged husband of assaulting her in her family home. The defense showed that the complainant had a history of alcohol abuse and violence. The defense demonstrated that the police failed to conduct an adequate investigation of the initial charge, No charges should have ever been accepted.

FEDERAL SBA WIRE FRAUD

No PPP Fraud Charges Filed.

The client believed to be facing potential  Wire Fraud  Charges related to SBA PPP loan applications.  Investigation of applications for  PPP loans and PPP forgiveness demonstrated that the Client had at all times acted in a  lawful manner.  Investigation demonstrated no fraud was committed by the client. Case closed.

FEDERAL FALSE INFORMATION AND HOAXES

Case Dismissed ( I.J.)

Client was charged by Federal Indictment with making a social media post that threatened Malicious Damage and Destruction of a Building by Means of Fire and Explosives in violation of Federal law. The Defense showed that Client was a law-abiding citizen. The Defense further showed that the alleged threat was not made with any criminal intent.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Grand Jury No Bill- No Charges (M.L.)

The client, a public official with a long history of public service, was accused by a former girlfriend of engaging in non-consensual sexual relations. The Defense investigation and analysis showed through a detailed timeline that the allegation made absolutely no sense. Phone records, including calls and texts, were relied on to help establish an accurate timeline. The Defense met with law enforcement and reviewed a detailed package that exonerated the accused.

ASSAULT -FAMILY MEMBER

Case Dismissed (A.R.)

Client, a Houston area professional who frequently travels for work, was accused by his wife of assaulting her in his  family home. Defense showed that wife’s story lacked credibility and there was no physical evidence in support of the wife’s allegation.

POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

Case Dismissed (B.B.)

The client, a young Black male,  was driving his car when police pulled him over for no apparent reason. It looked to be a profile stop. The client was accused of possessing a controlled substance in his vehicle. The Defense showed that there was no lawful basis for the police to stop the Client’s car. The Defense also showed that there was no lawful basis for the search of the Client’s car. It was a bad search, so the seized evidence was not admissible.

FEDERAL CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE AND CONSPIRACY TO MONEY LAUNDER

Not Guilty (C.R.)

Client charged in Federal Indictment In “Operation Wrecking Ball” with 55 named co-defendants.  Client faced seven charges. Client was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering. Client was also charged with four counts of Distribution of Cocaine and one count of Money laundering.

Allegations involved client’s alleged use of his home to distribute cocaine. Government’s lengthy investigation involved numerous wiretaps, surveillance, video, pole cams, search warrants, vehicle stops and use of cooperating co-defendants.

Client went to trial with four remaining defendants. After a two-week trial, Judge granted Motion for Acquittal on four of the seven charges. Jury found Client Not Guilty of remaining three charges.

FEDERAL SBA WIRE FRAUD

Probation - No Jail Time (T.R.)

Client charged in Federal Court with two counts of Wire Fraud related to Five SBA EIDL loan applications. The Government alleged the client, a Houston professional, defrauded the Small Business Administration out of over $150,000. The Government also found the intended loss was over half a million dollars. The Client faced up to 20 years in prison on each count. The Defense investigated the case and negotiated a deal that included the Government not opposing a probation. The Federal Guideline calculation was for a prison sentence and the Probation Department recommended a prison sentence. Attorney Fickman submitted a 90 page Defense Sentencing Memorandum asking for Probation.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

Case Dismissed (K.L.)

Client was retired professional. Client was accused of being involved in a road rage incident in 1960 Area. Defense put together a 100 page memorandum that demonstrated complainant was actual aggressor.

INDECENCY WITH A CHILD

Case Dismissed (P.C.)

Client was accused of touching child. Case involved thousands of pages of psychiatric and Child Protective Services records as well as investigations by multiple police departments. After three- year fight, case dismissed.

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