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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.
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.
Our firm defends against a variety of fraud and white collar crime charges, including:
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.
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:
We’ve fought in this arena for decades and emerged victorious.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In federal court, penalties are severe. A conviction can mean:
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.
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.
Common Questions
In federal court, penalties are severe. A conviction can mean:
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.
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, and statements made during such contact can be used in court.
Call for legal help immediately. Early intervention allows the firm to deal directly with prosecutors, challenge search warrants and protect clients from self-incrimination.
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While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer.
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