On behalf of Dan Guthrie Critics question logic behind sentences that now rival some violent crimes According to a recent study by Reuters, sentences for insider trading have risen dramatically in recent years. Over a five-year period ending in December 2013, sentences for the crime went up by nearly a third compared to the previous five years. Analysts say the…
Former president faces up to 80 years in prison after conviction The former president of a Houston hospital has been convicted, along with three others, in a Medicare fraud scheme that prosecutors say totaled over $158 million, according to the Brownsville Herald. The four employees were charged with defrauding the government by applying for Medicare funding without providing the required…
After the Wall Street debacle, the U.S. Sentencing Commission stipulated more stringent sentencing guidelines for white collar offenses. Sadly, the initiative may have gone a bit too far. During the heart of the Great Recession, fraudulent financial dealings on Wall Street inundated media outlets everywhere. Stories about the careless actions of the Lehman Brothers and other investment bankers like Bernie…
On behalf of Dan Guthrie Embezzlement is a common and serious crime. Since many people can find themselves in situations where they can be accused of the crime, it important for everyone to have a basic understanding of it. When the term “embezzlement” comes to mind, you may think of your favorite crime caper, but not a real life occurrence.…
Money laundering involves the process of sending money through various financial transactions, making it hard for people to distinguish its illegal origin. After obtaining a large sum of money in an illegal fashion, people cannot simply enjoy the funds by taking lavish vacations and purchasing elite property. They must first put the money through a process of transactions designed to…
Federal agents have expressed their interest in prosecuting investment fraud. A Texas federal judge recently ordered a 25-year prison sentence for a defendant involved in an $11 million investment fraud scheme. The judge additionally mandated that the defendant pay $6.5 million in restitution, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2013, after only six minutes of deliberation, a jury…
A Ponzi scheme is a type of white collar crime that is easily misunderstood and learning the truth about these accusations is important for anyone facing them. People in Dallas may have heard of Ponzi schemes before but do not fully understand these charges. Learning about them can be important for a person as a way to stay protected in…
A new Texas bill seeks to repeal state civil asset forfeiture laws, which let authorities seize a person’s property without proving the person’s guilt. Most people in Dallas understand that people accused of crimes in the U.S. are considered innocent until proven guilty. However, many people may not know that this standard does not guarantee absolute protection for people suspected…
Knowingly making or selling copied products that also bear trademarks is considered trademark counterfeiting, and may result in serious criminal charges. People in Dallas, and elsewhere, often want a designer look without a designer price tag. As such, a market has developed for what are commonly referred to as knock off products. If such products use trademarked designs or logos,…
With the next presidential election around the corner, understanding campaign fraud is important for all citizens. Politics is a part of everyday life in Texas and the rest of the country. With a looming presidential election, now is a good time for involved parties to review important elements of the process. This includes those acts which can lead to charges…