Tag Archive for: Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Explains the Crime of Money Laundering

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The crime of money laundering is a serious offense, in Texas as in elsewhere. At its simplest, money laundering is a process by which criminals make money which was obtained illegally appear as though it was procured in a legitimate manner. No one wants to be caught holding onto “dirty” money, that is, money which was used in the commission of a crime or which was obtained through criminal means. While the idea of money laundering is simple, the ways in which the crime of money laundering is carried out can be rather complex.

Sometimes, money laundering schemes are conducted exclusively on American soil. In other situations, individuals and organizations use international banking as part of their plan to conceal the true origin of their funds. Money laundering begins when the cash that has been obtained illegally, through drug trafficking, theft, or some other corrupt means, is deposited into a bank. After the initial deposit, which is often referred to as placement, the money passes through a series of other transactions like bank transfers, wire transfers, and big-ticket purchases, which are collectively called the layering process, in order to make it difficult to trace where the money originally came from. After the money has gone through the layering process, it is then integrated into the mainstream economy through transactions such as the sale of any big-ticket items that were purchased during layering or “investments” in local businesses.

Money laundering is a serious offense, and if you are convicted you could face steep fines and jail time in addition to long-term consequences like difficulties in securing employment and housing that can result from having a conviction on your record. The crime of money laundering is described in § 34.02 of the Texas Statutes as knowingly acquiring, concealing, transporting, concealing, transferring, or maintaining an interest in any proceeds that were derived from criminal activity. It is important to understand that under Texas law, a person does not have to be aware of the type of criminal activity that produced the funds in question in order to be found guilty of money laundering. A person can also commit the offense of money laundering by facilitating, conducting, or supervising a transaction involving proceeds from criminal activity, or by spending, investing, or receiving such proceeds. Money laundering also prohibits individuals from investing or financing future crimes by making it illegal to invest or finance money which is intended to be used in the commission of a future crime.

Fortunately, there are defenses which may be available in certain situations where money laundering has been alleged. An experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney can assess your case and build a strong defense on your behalf based upon the unique circumstances of your situation. A skilled defense attorney can help you to increase your chances of having the best possible outcome in your case, whether by getting the charges dismissed or by mitigating some of the short or long term consequences that are associated with those charges. Attorney Alex Tyra knows how to present his clients’ cases to the court in a convincing way. To learn more, call (903) 753-7499 to set up an initial consultation or use the online contact form that is available on our website.

 

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Discusses Weapons Offenses

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If you own a weapon (or several weapons, for that matter), you may find yourself in a position where you are charged with one or more state or federal weapons offenses. Weapons offenses often carry severe punishments, like steep fines and lengthy periods of incarceration. Also, a conviction can have effects on other areas of your life, including the ability to get a job, secure housing, and your right to possess firearms. Fortunately, an experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney could help you to get the weapons charges against you dismissed or, in the event that a dismissal is not possible, could help you to reduce or eliminate the consequences associated with your weapons charges.

The circumstances of each weapons case are unique, but your knowledgeable Texas Criminal Defense Attorney knows how to assess each case and determine which types of defenses are likely to be the most successful under each different set of circumstances. For example, a search and seizure defense may be available to you if the facts of your case suggest a lack of probable cause. Possession defenses are also available in some cases where law enforcement is unable to provide evidence that a particular weapon was in your care. In weapons cases, there are often multiple possibilities for defenses that are based upon things that the government either did incorrectly or did not do. This is just one of the reasons that no defendant who has been charged with a state or Federal weapons offense should ever try to defend themselves against the charges without the aid of a seasoned Texas Criminal Defense Attorney.

Weapons offenses are an interesting category of crimes because both state and Federal laws apply. Your Texas Criminal Defense Attorney understands both state and federal laws, as well as the rights which are guaranteed to all United States citizens under the Second Amendment.

Whether your weapons charges are state or federal, and whether they are related to felony possession of a firearm, violation of concealed handgun laws, possession of a stolen or unregistered weapon, or some other form of weapon-related offense, retaining a Texas Criminal Defense Attorney early on in your case can greatly improve your chances of mounting a successful defense against the charges. Since weapons violations are often connected with other criminal charges like drug charges and motor vehicle violations, it is essential that you select an attorney who is skilled at defending against any other state and federal charges that you may be facing as well.

If you have accused of or charged with one or more weapons offenses, be sure to seek assistance from a Texas Criminal Defense Attorney right away.  The penalties for state and Federal weapons offenses are harsh, and your rights are at stake. To learn more about how attorney Alex Tyra can help you to preserve your rights and your freedom, call (903) 753-7499 to set up a free, initial consultation. You may also contact us through our website via the online contact form.

 

 

 

Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Explains the Crime of Identity Theft

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While the public is often made aware of the violent crimes that occur in their communities because homicides, armed robberies, and the like are often discussed on the television news and in the newspapers, there are many other crimes which can go unnoticed, even by the victims, for weeks or even months at a time. Identity theft is one such crime, and it has been committed with increasing frequency as electronic storage and transmission of all kinds of data have become more and more commonplace. In Texas, as in many other places, identity theft is a felony. If you have been accused of the crime of identity theft, it is essential that you educate yourself about the elements of the crime and the possible consequences of a conviction and that you consult with an experienced Texas Criminal Defense Attorney regarding your case.

Identity theft cases in Texas involve the possession or use of personal identifying information that is not your own with the intent to harm or defraud another person. There are many types of personal identifying information, including your social security number, name, employment information, telephone number, physical address, social media usernames and passwords, bank account numbers, PIN numbers, and email addresses and passwords.

Individuals who have been charged with identity theft in Texas have a few defenses which may be available to them based upon the circumstances of their cases. The first of these defenses is that they lacked the requisite intent. If you had another person’s identifying information in your possession but you did not intend to use it to harm or deceive anyone, you have not committed the crime of identity theft. Likewise, if you were accused of obtaining or possessing someone else’s identifying information when you had not in fact done so, you have not committed the crime of identity theft.

In Texas, identity theft is a felony. The penalties for identity theft are based upon the number of items that the defendant transferred, possessed, or obtained by using personal identifying information that was not their own. Defendants who are convicted of identity theft are likely to be incarcerated and required to pay a fine. Sentences for identity theft can range from one hundred and eighty days to ninety nine years, and fines can be as high as ten thousand dollars. Minors who are convicted of identity theft may receive less severe consequences than adults who are convicted of the same crime.

When someone is accused of identity theft, they need an experienced attorney in their corner to help them present your best case. As an identity theft defendant, you deserve to have someone on your side who has the knowledge and experience to build and present a successful case on your behalf. To learn more about how Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Alex Tyra can serve you, call (903) 753-7499 to set up a free, initial consultation. You may also contact us through our website, via the online contact form.