Fraud Attorney in Arlington

Former Prosecutor Defending Arlington Fraud Cases

Fraud cases often turn on what a person knew, intended, authorized, or communicated, not a single disputed transaction. At The Alband Law Firm, we represent Arlington residents, professionals, business owners, and executives facing investigations or charges involving alleged financial deception.

Attorney Navid Alband spent five years as a prosecutor at the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office before moving into criminal defense. He has more than 18 years of legal experience and has tried over 100 criminal cases before juries. We draw on his prosecutorial and courtroom experience to develop a defense strategy around each client’s circumstances.

Call (817) 997-4366 to speak with our fraud attorney about an investigation, arrest, or pending charge in Arlington.

Fraud Allegations Under Texas & Federal Law

Texas doesn’t have one statute covering every form of fraud. Texas Penal Code Chapter 32 addresses several fraud-related offenses, including forgery, credit or debit card abuse, and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. The prosecution must prove the elements of the specific charge with evidence connected to the alleged conduct.

We handle allegations involving:

• Tax fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Mail fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Internet fraud and online identity theft
• Wire fraud
• Government-benefit fraud
• Forgery and check fraud
• Embezzlement
• Mortgage fraud
• Misuse of financial information

Our representation extends from state misdemeanor allegations to serious felonies and federal criminal defense. Mail and wire fraud arise under federal statutes separate from Texas fraud law. Federal charges may follow when alleged activity involves interstate communications, financial institutions, or conduct across state lines.

How Texas Classifies Fraud-Related Offenses

Fraud-related offenses may be misdemeanors or felonies based on the charging statute and alleged facts. Classification can depend on the value involved, the identity or age of the alleged victim, the type of property or information at issue, and the conduct attributed to the accused. The accusation’s title alone doesn’t determine the potential exposure.

Texas Penal Code Section 32.51 grades fraudulent use or possession of identifying information partly by item count. Fewer than five items is classified as a state jail felony, and the classification becomes more serious as the alleged number of items increases.

Under Texas Penal Code Section 32.31, credit or debit card abuse is generally classified as a state jail felony. An allegation involving an elderly victim may elevate the charge to a third-degree felony. Our fraud lawyer reviews the specific statute and any enhancement allegations to assess the consequences tied to the charge.

What Happens During an Arlington Fraud Case

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases arising in Arlington and maintains a dedicated Financial Fraud unit. We’re familiar with the local court system, from Arlington Municipal Court to the Tarrant County courts that handle higher-level criminal matters.

After an arrest, booking creates the formal arrest record. Bail determines whether the accused can be released and what conditions apply while the case proceeds. At arraignment, the court formally presents the charge and moves the criminal case forward.

Arlington Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanor offenses, city ordinance violations, arraignments, and bail settings within its jurisdiction. Felony fraud charges proceed through the county courts. When federal investigators are involved, any resulting federal charges are filed and prosecuted in federal court.

An investigation doesn’t always begin with an arrest. A person may first receive an interview request, subpoena, notice of a financial review, or contact from an investigator. Speaking with our fraud attorney before answering questions provides an opportunity to understand the allegations and evaluate an appropriate response.

Potential Defenses to Fraud Allegations

A fraud defense requires close review of communications, financial records, identity records, transaction history, and evidence of intent. We compare that material with the elements of the charged offense and assess whether the complete record supports the prosecution’s interpretation.

Depending on the facts, we may examine:

• Lack of intent: The evidence may not establish that the accused intended to deceive or obtain an unlawful benefit.
• Mistaken identity: Account access, personal information, or electronic activity may have been incorrectly attributed to the accused.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution may lack reliable proof of a required element or a connection between the accused and the alleged transaction.
• Lack of awareness: A person may have participated in a transaction without knowing that another party was engaged in fraudulent conduct.
• Duress or deception by another person: The accused may have acted under improper pressure or because someone else supplied misleading information.
• Entrapment: When applicable, this defense examines whether law enforcement induced conduct that the accused wasn’t otherwise predisposed to commit.

The appropriate strategy depends on the statute, available evidence, investigative methods, and individual facts. A case may conclude through dismissal, a negotiated disposition, or trial, but the available path varies with the legal and factual issues. We prepare each case according to its record instead of applying the same response to every allegation.

Talk with an Arlington Fraud Lawyer

If you’re under investigation or have been charged, contact us promptly to discuss the allegations and the next stage of your case.

Attorney Navid Alband’s background as a former prosecutor informs how we assess the government’s evidence, charging decisions, and trial preparation. We’ll explain the case clearly and build a defense grounded in the available facts.

Call (817) 997-4366 to discuss your case with our Arlington fraud lawyer.