The Napier Law Firm—Your Trusted White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston, The Woodlands, Montgomery County, and Fort Bend County
White collar investigations often begin suddenly and without warning. Whether it’s a knock at your door or a phone call from a federal agent, one thing is certain—you need experienced legal representation immediately. White-collar crimes are not just “paper crimes”—they can carry decades in prison, asset forfeiture, and lasting damage to your reputation and livelihood.
At The Napier Law Firm, we understand the high stakes involved. We provide aggressive, thorough, and confidential representation to individuals and businesses facing investigation or indictment. Whether you’re under investigation, facing a grand jury subpoena, or have already been charged, the time to act is now.
Overview: White Collar Crime
If you need an experienced white collar criminal defense attorney in Houston, The Woodlands, Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, or the surrounding areas, we are here to help.
White collar crimes are non-violent offenses typically committed in business, government, or financial settings. Though lacking physical violence, the legal consequences are extremely severe, especially when prosecuted in federal court.
White collar crimes are often:
– Complex, involving digital evidence, spreadsheets, and document trails;
– Prosecuted by well-funded agencies such as the FBI, IRS, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS–OIG), the Department of Justice, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices; and
– Punishable by prison time, asset forfeiture, restitution, and reputational ruin.
Federal and state agencies often collaborate, leveraging unlimited government resources to build complex, multi-layered cases—frequently before you’re even aware you’re being targeted.
The Napier Law Firm has experience in fraud cases in Texas and nationwide. Individuals in Houston, The Woodlands, Montgomery County, or Fort Bend County facing these allegations need immediate and strategic representation from a white collar defense attorney familiar with federal courts and local jurisdictions.
White Collar Crimes We Handle
Our team defends individuals and businesses accused or being investigated for crimes such as:
| Financial Crimes | Bank fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, credit card fraud |
| Government Program Fraud | PPP/EIDL loan fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, FEMA/disaster fraud, unemployment fraud |
| Corporate Crimes | Embezzlement, tax evasion, securities fraud, corporate bribery |
| Cyber/Electronic Fraud | Wire fraud, computer fraud, hacking, phishing scams |
| Public Integrity Cases | Honest services fraud, kickbacks, misuse of public funds, obstruction of justice |
Each of these offenses can carry 20 to 30 years in federal prison, particularly when aggravating factors like “disaster fraud” or “vulnerable victims” apply.
What Must the Government Prove?
To secure a conviction, federal and state prosecutors must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. White collar cases are typically evidence-intensive, relying on thousands of documents, financial records, and expert testimony. Prosecutors often use forensic accountants, data analysts, and other experts to trace transactions and reconstruct alleged fraud schemes.
That’s why it’s essential to have a defense team that knows how to dig deep, analyze evidence, and challenge the prosecution’s assumptions.
Penalties for White Collar Convictions
Federal Sentencing in White Collar Cases
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines are key in white collar prosecutions. Courts consider:
- Total loss amount (including “intended” loss, not just actual)
- Number of victims
- Sophistication of the scheme
- Whether the defendant obstructed justice
- Role in the offense (leader/organizer vs. minor participant)
Judges can impose enhanced penalties for:
- Elderly or vulnerable victims
- Use of sophisticated means
- Abuse of trust or professional license
However, skilled defense lawyers can argue for mitigating factors and downward departures, especially for:
- First-time offenders
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Mental health, addiction, or trauma history
- Substantial cooperation
Federal vs. State Sentencing
- In state court, sentencing is determined by a jury or judge and typically includes a wide punishment range (e.g., 5 to 99 years for a first-degree felony).
- In federal court, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines dictate sentencing ranges based on offense level and aggravating factors. Unlike in state court, federal judges—not juries—decide punishment. Federal time is generally longer and parole is extremely limited.
Will I Be Required to Pay Restitution?
Yes. If convicted, you may be ordered to repay any losses caused by the alleged fraud. The DOJ’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) is tasked with collecting and distributing funds for victim restitution, often pursuing seizures before trial.
Will the Government Seize My Assets?
Under civil and criminal forfeiture laws, federal authorities can seize:
- Bank accounts
- Vehicles
- Real estate
- Business assets
These seizures can happen before conviction if prosecutors show probable cause that the assets are connected to criminal conduct.
If You’ve Been Contacted by Investigators—Don’t Wait
If you’ve received a subpoena, a target letter, or a knock at the door from federal agents:
- Do not speak to them without legal counsel.
- Do not attempt to explain yourself or “clear things up.”
- Do not delay in protecting your rights.
Even one careless statement can escalate your risk of indictment. The best defense is proactive legal strategy, guided by a team that knows how federal investigations work from the inside out.
How We Can Help
With years of experience in white collar criminal defense—including time spent as prosecutors in both state and federal court—we understand the full lifecycle of an investigation. From pre-indictment defense to trial, we are relentless advocates for our clients.
We believe no client is too small and no case too complex. Whether you’re a doctor, business owner, executive, or employee, we’ll stand between you and the full force of the government.
How We Defend White Collar Charges
1. Pre-Indictment Intervention
- We challenge the government’s narrative early.
- Prevent escalation to formal charges through factual rebuttal.
2. Document Review & Investigation
- We meticulously review financial accounts and digital evidence to examine the records prosecutors will rely on. If need be, experts in forensic accounting and digital analysts may be consulted.
- Often, errors in interpretation or spreadsheet manipulation can undermine the prosecution’s “loss amount” theory.
3. Litigation or Negotiation
- We intervene early—challenging subpoenas, protecting your rights, and sometimes stopping charges before they’re filed.
- Based on the review of evidence, we will show the government why charges should not be brought.
4. Motion Practice
- Suppress illegally obtained evidence.
- Challenge grand jury irregularities or due process violations.
5. Trial Strategy
- While many white-collar cases resolve with negotiated outcomes, we build every case as if it’s going to trial.
- Cross-examine expert witnesses.
- Highlight alternative explanations, lack of criminal intent, or negligence vs. fraud.
- Show lack of materiality or loss.
6. Sentencing Advocacy
- Create mitigation packets (letters, therapy records, financial history).
- Highlight family responsibilities, community contributions, or restitution offers.
- Argue for probation, home confinement, or minimal custody when appropriate.
Why Choose Our Team
- Former Prosecutors who understand federal and state investigation playbooks
- Federal Court Licensed in District Courts of Texas
- Trial Experience in high-stakes financial and fraud litigation
- Client-Centered Advocacy with prompt communication and transparent strategies
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Houston White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney in Houston or Conroe
If you’re under investigation—or have received a subpoena, target letter, or indictment—do not wait. Early intervention can make the difference between freedom and indictment.
The Napier Law Firm, PLLC is ready to provide confidential, aggressive, and skilled defense for anyone facing white collar charges in Houston and across Texas.
📞 Call Now: (713) 470-4097
📨 Schedule a Confidential Consultation
🏛 Located near the Bob Casey Federal Courthouse, Houston, TX