Houston Public Corruption Defense Lawyer

Houston Public Corruption Defense Attorney

Every American citizen has the Constitutional right to legal representation when they have been accused of a crime, and this right extends to all public officials holding office throughout the country. If you are such an official and have been accused of any type of professional misconduct, illegal activity, or corruption, a skilled Houston public corruption defense lawyer is the ideal resource to consult for help in this situation.

Every individual who holds public office or who works for the government is susceptible to criminal allegations of public corruption. At the Hochglaube & DeBorde Law Firm, we understand that anyone charged with public corruption or federal bribery has his or her reputation, image, and the future of his or her career on the line. To protect your rights throughout the criminal process it is vital to have an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side.

Public Corruption Defense in Houston

Nicole DeBorde, an esteemed Houston attorney for public corruption defense, defends clients charged in either state or federal court. A former prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit, she has an outstanding reputation amongst her peers and is known for obtaining positive results for her clients, including negotiating reductions in penalties, reductions in charges and negotiating dismissals. If you are facing public corruption charges, our firm will carefully evaluate your situation and get to work immediately preparing a sound and thorough defense strategy. As a skilled federal crimes trial and appellate lawyer, Nicole DeBorde is equipped to handle complex federal charges and appeal cases effectively.

If you are facing allegations as a government worker, we can offer assistance with allegations of public corruption. You can contact our office online or call 713-526-6300 to schedule your case consultation. We are available to you 24/7 and always make time to address any questions or concerns that arise.

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Harris County Defense Attorney for Government Officials

Public corruption crimes are taken seriously in the state of Texas and can carry very serious penalties if a person is convicted. Criminal cases for public corruption can typically include offenses of:

• Embezzlement. This term defines the taking of business-related funds and assets for personal use. Embezzlement can sometimes be difficult to track, but once it is revealed, it will usually show a long pattern of financial malfeasance that can amount to substantial losses from the public budget.
• Falsifying documents. All public officials are required to discharge their duties honestly. Falsifying official documents would not only constitute fraud but also diminish the legitimacy and public trust of the office in question.
• Soliciting bribes or bribery. Public officials may not accept bribes in exchange for leverage with the powers of their office, nor may they solicit such bribes. A bribe is a proposed exchange of money or services in exchange for a public official abusing their office for personal benefit.
• Official misconduct. This is a broad term that can define any intentional misuse of the public official’s powers.
• Official oppression or alleged law enforcement violence/brutality. Public officials are expected to hold their colleagues and subordinates accountable when they break the law, but unfortunately, many cases arise from the protection of police officers who have violated their duty to serve and protect the public.
• Misuse of public funds. When a public official is provided a share of the public budget, they are required to make good use of these funds in accordance with the responsibilities of their office.
• Fraud. Any official misrepresentation of facts can potentially constitute fraud, which may be conducted over various communication channels and through various methods. A skilled federal fraud defense attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong defense against such allegations.
• Other breaches of fiduciary duties or violations of oaths of office. A public official is required to abide by their oath of office at all times and adhere to the strictest level of professional conduct and ethics when handling the fiduciary duties of their office.
• Tampering with a government document. Public officials may not make alterations to official documents or modify records in any way. Some may do this in an effort to conceal other violations of their office.
• Perjury. This term defines lying while under oath. When a public official is required to give sworn testimony, intentional lying would constitute perjury.
• Theft. Abusing public office to deprive another party of their property can constitute theft. The severity of any theft offense in Texas depends on the nature and value of the property stolen.
• Honest services violations. Public officials must engage in fair dealings at all times. Honest services violations deprive victims of their intangible right to receive fair and honest services. An example of such a violation would be a public official accepting a bribe to award a contract to a specific party bidding for a government contract.

Public corruption cases are inherently complex and often draw upon multiple criminal statutes. Whether a defendant is facing criminal prosecution for a single offense or a pattern of offenses recorded during their tenure in office, it is vital for any defendant in this situation to have experienced criminal defense counsel on their side. Accusations of public corruption can be a federal charge, and having skilled legal representation is crucial to navigating the complexities of federal law.

In any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent until they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecutor bringing charges against the defendant faces the burden of proof, meaning they must provide evidence and testimony that shows there can be no reasonable doubt as to whether the defendant committed the offense or offenses in question. It is the defense attorney’s mission to prevent the prosecutor from meeting their burden of proof.

Secure Defense Representation You Can Trust in Houston

Defense attorney DeBorde has an in-depth understanding of how investigations are conducted, how evidence is collected and how prosecutors are likely to use the information against you. Our firm will represent political officials, law enforcement agents and anyone else holding public office who is facing corruption charges in Houston, Tx.

The penalties for public corruption conviction can be severe, potentially including heavy fines, restitution for any damages, and imprisonment. In addition, the defendant could be barred from holding any type of public office ever again. They may also face a severely diminished reputation in their community and long-term problems in their private and professional life.

An experienced lawyer can help you build a cohesive and effective defense against the charges filed against you. These cases often require extensive research into years or even decades of sensitive government records, correspondence between multiple parties, and careful review of financial records. Whatever your case entails, Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., has the professional experience and resources to cultivate a strong defense on your behalf.

We honor the trust you place in us with hard work, helping you keep your freedom and preserve your reputation. If you have been charged with any type of public corruption offense, it is vital to connect with a defense team you can trust right away. Call us if we can help or you can contact us via form.

FAQs

What Is Chapter 36 of the Texas Penal Code?

Chapter 36 of the Texas Penal Code pertains to bribery, corruption, and abuse of influence in a public office. This Chapter outlines various violations that a public official might commit and the legal definitions pertaining to the details thereof. It continues by explaining the characterization of the crimes listed in the Chapter as well as the prescribed penalties if a public official is found guilty.

What Is the Standard of Proof in a Public Corruption Case?

The standard of proof in a public corruption case, as in every criminal case, is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that the prosecutor filing charges must prove that the defendant committed the crime in question by leveraging evidence and testimony that leaves no room for doubt as to whether the defendant committed the crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why Should I Hire a Houston Criminal Defense Attorney?

You should hire a Houston public corruption defense lawyer because you have the Constitutional right to legal counsel when you have been accused of a crime. It’s crucial to take full advantage of this right. Do not make the mistake of believing that hiring a defense lawyer makes you appear guilty. To have the greatest chance of avoiding conviction, find an attorney who has proven experience handling complex cases like yours.

What Are the Penalties for Public Corruption in Texas?

The penalties for a public corruption conviction in Texas will vary based on the specific details of a case. “Public corruption” broadly defines any unethical behavior for personal benefit by abusing the power provided by a public office. Bribery, extortion, and fraud are just a few examples of public corruption, and each offense will lead to different penalties, which usually include a combination of fines, imprisonment, and a ban from holding office again.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Houston Public Corruption Defense Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Houston public corruption defense lawyer or any other type of criminal defense lawyer in Texas typically depends on the complexity of the case and the time required to manage the case. Most criminal defense lawyers charge their clients hourly rates, so the more time an attorney spends working on a case, the more it costs their client in legal fees. An attorney should carefully explain their billing policy at the outset of an attorney-client relationship.

Get Free Legal Consultation for Public Corruption Defense Cases

To speak with former Harris County Assistant District Attorney Nicole DeBorde about public corruption allegations and criminal defense, call 713-526-6300. You can also contact our criminal defense law office online to schedule a free initial consultation.