If you’ve been charged with fraud in Fort Bend County, you are facing serious felony charges that can result in prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. The right defense attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissed case — and time matters from the moment you learn you are under investigation.
Experienced Fraud Defense in Fort Bend County
Varghese Summersett is one of Texas’s most respected criminal defense firms, with more than 100 years of combined experience from the best and brightest attorneys in the state. The firm has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and over 800 charge reductions for clients across Texas. Our attorneys practice throughout Fort Bend County.
Leading the firm’s Houston-area operations is Mike Hanson, Senior Counsel and Area Lead for the Houston and Fort Bend County office. Mike is a former Assistant District Attorney in both Tarrant County and Fort Bend County — meaning he knows exactly how prosecutors in this area build fraud cases, and how to challenge them. He has tried more than 60 cases before a jury and continues to serve as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and received the Merit Award from the Texas Young Lawyers Association.
The firm has been featured in major media outlets and is recognized by attorneys and clients alike as one of the top criminal defense practices in the state. If you’re under investigation or already charged, speak with our team before saying anything to investigators.
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What Counts as Fraud in Texas?
Fraud is a broad category of criminal offenses. In Fort Bend County, prosecutors regularly pursue charges involving identity theft, credit card abuse, forgery, insurance fraud, money laundering, and financial fraud against the elderly. Each offense has its own statute, elements, and punishment range — but all share a common thread: an intent to deceive someone for financial gain.
Common fraud charges in Fort Bend County include:
- Identity theft (using another person’s identifying information)
- Credit card and debit card abuse
- Forgery of financial instruments and government documents
- Insurance fraud
- Money laundering
- Financial abuse of the elderly
- Securities fraud
If federal agencies like the FBI or IRS are involved, charges may be filed at the federal level as well. Our firm handles both state and federal fraud charges.
The Law: What the State Must Prove
Under Texas Penal Code § 32.51, a person commits identity fraud (Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information) if they obtain, possess, transfer, or use another person’s identifying information without consent, with intent to harm or defraud that person. The prosecution must prove each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest burden in the law.
Under Texas Penal Code § 32.31, credit card or debit card abuse is committed when a person uses a card knowing it is stolen, fictitious, expired, or belongs to another without their consent. The State bears the entire burden of proof. The defendant has no burden to prove innocence.
For forgery under Texas Penal Code § 32.21, the State must prove that a person forged a writing — meaning they made, completed, executed, authenticated, issued, or transferred a writing knowing it was not authorized — with intent to defraud or harm another person.
The prosecution must prove every element of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That burden rests entirely on the State. You are not required to prove anything.
Penalties for Fraud in Texas
Fraud charges in Texas carry serious consequences. The punishment level depends on the specific charge and the amount involved:
- Identity Theft (fewer than 5 items): State jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in state jail, up to $10,000 fine
- Identity Theft (5 to 9 items): Third-degree felony — 2 to 10 years in prison
- Identity Theft (10 to 49 items): Second-degree felony — 2 to 20 years in prison
- Identity Theft (50 or more items): First-degree felony — 5 to 99 years in prison
- Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse: State jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in state jail
- Forgery of a Financial Instrument: Class A misdemeanor up to first-degree felony depending on the value
- Insurance Fraud (over $30,000): Third-degree felony or higher
- Money Laundering ($2,500–$30,000): State jail felony
Beyond prison time, a fraud conviction can cost you your professional license, your immigration status, your right to vote, and your ability to find housing or employment. These are not abstract risks — they are real consequences that follow people for the rest of their lives.
Typical Bond Amounts for Fraud in Fort Bend County
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 10,000 bonds set in Fort Bend County in 2025, here is what we found for the most common fraud and financial crime charges:
| Charge | Typical Bond Range | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Fraud (fewer than 5 items) | Varies widely | $10,000 |
| Identity Fraud (5–9 items) | Varies widely | $5,000 |
| Identity Fraud (10–49 items) | Varies widely | $10,000 |
| Identity Fraud (50 or more items) | Varies widely | $40,000 |
| Credit Card / Debit Card Abuse | Varies widely | $15,000 |
| Forgery – Govt/Nat’l Inst/Money/Security | Varies widely | $15,000 |
| Money Laundering ($2,500–$30,000) | Varies widely | $15,000 |
| Insurance Fraud ($30,000–$150,000) | Varies widely | $10,000 |
Bond amounts depend on many factors including your criminal history, the severity of the charge, the number of alleged victims, and the judge assigned to your case. An attorney can sometimes negotiate a bond reduction. Call (281) 805-2220 around the clock to discuss bond and next steps.
Case Results: Fraud and Forgery Defense
Varghese Summersett has secured dismissals in multiple forgery cases, including Forgery-Possess charges and Forgery of a Government Document/Security, where all charges were dismissed. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect the firm’s commitment to fighting every case aggressively.
Common Defenses to Fraud Charges
Fraud charges are rarely open-and-shut. Every element the State must prove is also an opportunity for the defense to create reasonable doubt. The most effective defenses depend on the specific facts, but often include:
Lack of intent. Fraud requires proof that you intended to deceive. If you believed the information or document was legitimate, or acted without knowledge of any wrongdoing, the State cannot satisfy this element. Many fraud cases collapse on intent alone.
Lack of knowledge. Identity theft and credit card fraud require proof that you knew the information or card did not belong to you, or that use was unauthorized. A person who receives fraudulent information unknowingly — through employment, for example — may have a strong defense on this ground.
Challenging the evidence chain. Fraud prosecutions often rely on digital records, bank statements, surveillance footage, and electronic communications. Each piece of evidence must be properly obtained and authenticated. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights in obtaining that evidence, it may be suppressed entirely.
Mistaken identity. In cases involving online fraud, identity theft, or stolen card numbers, it is not uncommon for the wrong person to be arrested. IP addresses can be spoofed. Devices can be shared. Accounts can be compromised. Our attorneys investigate each of these possibilities.
Insufficient evidence as to the number of items. In identity theft cases, the punishment level is tied directly to the number of items obtained. Challenging how investigators counted those items — or whether all items legally qualify — can reduce the charge to a lower level with a lighter punishment range.
The Legal Process: What to Expect After a Fraud Arrest in Fort Bend County
Fraud cases in Fort Bend County are heard in the district courts in Richmond. After arrest, here is a general roadmap of what happens:
Arrest and magistration. After arrest, you will be brought before a magistrate — usually within 24 to 48 hours — where a bond will be set. This is the first critical moment where an attorney can make an impact.
Grand jury review. Felony fraud charges in Texas must be presented to a grand jury before formal indictment. This is an opportunity — with the right attorney — to present mitigating information and potentially prevent indictment altogether.
Pretrial proceedings. Your attorney will file motions, conduct discovery, and negotiate with prosecutors. Many fraud cases resolve at this stage through charge reductions or dismissals — without ever going to trial.
Trial or resolution. If the case does not resolve, your attorney will present your defense to a jury in the Fort Bend County courthouse at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond. The State must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Fraud investigations often begin before any arrest. If you receive a target letter, subpoena, or learn that law enforcement has been asking questions about you, call an attorney immediately — before your next conversation with anyone in law enforcement.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
Varghese Summersett is not a general-purpose firm that handles whatever walks in the door. Fraud and financial crimes are among the most document-intensive, investigation-heavy cases we take on. Here is what you can expect when you work with us:
From the first call, you will speak with a real attorney, not a call center. Our Fort Bend County team is led by Mike Hanson, a former Fort Bend County prosecutor who brings firsthand knowledge of how the DA’s office operates. He knows the judges, the prosecutors, and the courthouse.
We review every piece of evidence — bank records, digital communications, surveillance, and law enforcement reports — looking for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and gaps in the prosecution’s theory. We investigate independently rather than taking the State’s evidence at face value.
Our firm has more than 100 years of combined experience and a track record that includes more than 1,600 dismissals. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which means prosecutors know we are serious — and that affects how they negotiate.
Fraud charges carry life-altering consequences. You deserve attorneys who treat your case that way.
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Watch: What Is a White Collar Crime?
Attorney Benson Varghese explains the distinction between fraud, theft, and other white collar offenses in Texas — and what happens when you’re under investigation.
Fraud Defense FAQs
Can a fraud charge be reduced or dismissed in Fort Bend County?
Yes. Fraud charges can be reduced or dismissed through several avenues — including pretrial diversion programs, successful suppression of evidence, proof of insufficient intent, or negotiated plea agreements with the prosecutor. The earlier you retain an attorney, the more options are typically available.
What is the difference between state fraud and federal fraud charges?
State fraud charges are prosecuted by the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office under the Texas Penal Code. Federal fraud charges — such as mail fraud, wire fraud, or bank fraud — are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under federal law, which carries its own mandatory sentencing guidelines and generally heavier penalties. Some conduct can lead to both state and federal charges simultaneously. If federal investigators are involved, you need an attorney with federal criminal defense experience immediately.
What should I do if I’m under investigation for fraud but haven’t been arrested yet?
Stop talking. Do not speak to investigators, return phone calls from detectives, or agree to interviews without an attorney present. Pre-arrest is often the most important phase of a fraud case — what you say during this period can be used against you. Call our office right away so we can begin working on your behalf before charges are filed.
Will a fraud conviction show up on a background check?
A fraud conviction — particularly a felony — will appear on criminal background checks and can disqualify you from jobs in finance, healthcare, law, government, and many other fields. It can also affect professional licensing and immigration status. Avoiding a conviction entirely is almost always the best possible outcome, which is why aggressive early defense matters.
What is financial abuse of the elderly and how is it treated differently?
Under Texas Penal Code § 32.55, financial abuse of the elderly is a separate and enhanced offense. If the alleged victim is 65 or older, the charge is elevated by one degree beyond the standard punishment range. For example, a state jail felony becomes a third-degree felony. Prosecutors treat these cases aggressively, and courts do too. If you are facing this charge, having an experienced defense team is essential.
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Fraud charges move quickly. So does the investigation that comes before them. Whether you’ve been arrested or simply learned that investigators have been asking questions about you, the time to act is now. Varghese Summersett’s Fort Bend County fraud defense team is available to talk to you. Reach us at (281) 805-2220 or use the chat tool above to get answers right now.
