A Legacy Of Legal Victories In Fraud And White Collar Crime Defense

Houston White Collar Crime Lawyers

They say that money makes the world go round. While that may be up for debate, it is indisputable that money motivates a whole universe of criminal behavior. From armed robbery to theft of fine art, the aim of perhaps most illegal activity other than crimes of passion is money.

“White collar” crimes are no different in that respect – they are committed for financial gain. Other kinds of criminal activity involve violence – actual or threatened – while white collar offenses entail depriving others of their wealth through deception – by subterfuge, swindling, or false promises.

Everyone is a potential victim of white collar crime. White collar offenses cost companies, individuals and investors billions of dollars every year. And punishments can be harsh.

How Cogdell Law Firm Fights White Collar Crime Charges

Dan Cogdell does not wait for the prosecution to dictate the pace. From the moment he is retained, he moves quickly, digging into financial records, interviewing witnesses and identifying weaknesses in the government’s theory. He has spent decades dismantling federal cases in courtrooms across Texas, often in trials other attorneys would not touch. The firm understands that federal agencies build cases over months or years, so our attorneys work to close those gaps as quickly as possible.

Our approach to white collar crime charges is built on two priorities: anticipating the government’s next move and controlling the narrative in front of the jury. Whether the goal is a full acquittal or a resolution that protects a client’s career and freedom, we take the fight to the prosecution on our terms.

White Collar Crimes We Defend Against

Our firm defends against a variety of fraud and white collar crime charges, including:

Mail and wire fraud
Insurance fraud
Identity theft
Money laundering
Health care fraud
Embezzlement
Securities fraud
Tax fraud and evasion
Bank fraud
Conspiracy charges tied to financial crimes

As one of the most recognized Houston white collar crime lawyers, Dan Cogdell represents clients across Texas, including North Texas and East Texas, with strategies that address the complexity of multiagency prosecutions.

Standing Up To Powerful Government Agencies

Since the federal government most often prosecutes white collar offenses, the resources arrayed against white collar defendants are formidable. That’s one reason you need a fearless courtroom warrior like Dan Cogdell. Dan and his team aren’t frightened by well-funded prosecutions by agencies such as the:

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Secret Service
United States Postal Service (USPS)

We’ve fought in this arena for decades and emerged victorious.

A History Of Big Wins

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the national savings and loan crisis hit Texas, spurring a groundbreaking slew of prosecutions aimed at white collar defendants. Dan went to work, representing the owner of Continental Savings and Loan and receiving a “not guilty” verdict at trial. He went on to win acquittals for several other clients in later years.

For instance, in the Oxford Funding Trial, not only did Dan obtain an acquittal for his client on all charges, but both the lead prosecutor and the lead agent for the Government were held in contempt. Following the collapse of Enron, Dan was neck-deep in the resulting criminal prosecutions. He was the only attorney to win his client’s acquittal on all charges at their first trial.

Taking A Strategic Approach To White Collar Defense

Another equally important reason to have the Cogdell Law Firm on your side is that white collar and fraud cases are, by their nature, exceedingly complex. Simplifying that complexity to a jury is vital to a successful defense. Dan and the rest of our team develop a strategy from the outset, identifying how the prosecution intends to prove its case and crafting the means to destroy it.

Mitigating The Potential Damage

Sometimes, it just makes sense to resolve a case without a trial. Dan’s focused, strategic defenses can minimize the adverse impact of the worst cases, shaving decades off of a sentence or saving millions in restitution.

The Stanford International Bank prosecutions arising out of a $7 billion Ponzi scheme resulted in a 110-year sentence for the bank’s leader, Allen Stanford. Dan was able to negotiate a considerably better deal for his client, the bank’s Chief Investment Officer, in a mere three years. Significantly, Dan’s client did not have to give testimony against co-defendants to receive this deal.

In addition to the not-guilty verdict one of his clients received, Dan Cogdell represented another high-ranking officer at Enron. As in the Stanford case, Dan Cogdell’s client received the lowest sentence of any of the defendants and served less than two years. Moreover, Dan’s client was not required to pay tens of millions of dollars in restitution. Many of his co-defendants received sentences approaching twenty years and forfeited all of their financial assets.

Protecting The Careers Of Medical Professionals

Health care professionals can also be the target of white collar crime prosecutions and investigations. We defend doctors, pharmacists, surgeons, medical executives and others against a wide array of health care fraud accusations. This includes:

We know what it takes to pursue effective solutions in these often high-profile, high-stakes cases.

Getting In Front Of Legal Troubles

Defendants in white collar cases often are well-respected members of the community. They often learn that they will be targeted in a prosecution before any arrest is made. This gives them the opportunity to hire counsel early. If they are wise enough to hire the Cogdell Law Firm, our defense counsel can develop focused strategies and begin the defense preparation even before the prosecution is ready to proceed.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crimes

Facing white collar crime accusations or charges raises many concerns for our clients. Below, our Houston white collar crime attorneys address some common questions regarding white collar crimes in Texas.

What are the penalties for white collar crimes?

In federal court, penalties are severe. A conviction can mean:

Decades in prison
Heavy fines
Restitution orders
Asset forfeiture

Sentencing under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines often increases punishment based on the amount of money involved or the number of victims. For professionals, especially in the health care field, the consequences can also mean losing professional licenses, credentials and the ability to work.

What should I do if I suspect I am under investigation?

A person should not speak to investigators or attempt to explain their side without legal counsel. Federal agents are trained to gather statements that benefit their case, not the target’s. Statements made during such contact can be used in court.

As such, call for legal help immediately. Early intervention allows the firm to deal directly with prosecutors, challenge search warrants and protect clients from self-incrimination.

Put Trusted Defenders On Your Side

Discover the difference an experienced, proven and strategic defense team can make when you are facing white collar crime charges. Get in touch with us now by calling 713-426-2244 or completing our contact form.