At Hilder & Associates, P.C., we understand that no two clients, companies, or criminal allegations are ever alike. When you face white collar criminal charges, you deserve a defense that is tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
Our legal team provides strategic, fact-driven representation in white collar criminal defense litigation, internal corporate investigations, and compliance counseling. We work directly with you—one-on-one—to design a defense plan that addresses your unique situation, protects your reputation, and seeks the most favorable outcome possible.
Our clients include individuals, corporations, executives, and officers in Houston and nationwide. With decades of combined experience, we know that white collar criminal matters are not only legally complex but also personally devastating. In the courtroom and the public eye, these cases often carry a stigma that can lead to harsh sentencing and little leniency.
Early, skilled representation from our Houston white collar crime attorneys is one of the most important steps you can take, call us today at (713) 655-9111.
Recognized Leaders in White Collar Criminal Defense
For more than 30 years, Hilder & Associates, P.C. has been at the forefront of white collar defense in Houston. Our team includes seasoned trial attorneys, former government investigators, forensic accountants, and highly trained legal staff, all dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and futures.
Attorney Philip H. Hilder is a respected authority in white collar criminal law. Frequently sought by fellow attorneys for his insight, he has appeared on national television, in news reports, and in documentaries to discuss high-profile cases and developments in the field. His leadership and strategic thinking set the tone for the firm’s aggressive, detail-oriented approach to defending clients.
Whether your matter involves allegations of financial fraud, regulatory violations, or federal conspiracy charges, our team has the resources and depth of experience to take on the government’s case, no matter how large or well-funded it may be.
What Is a White Collar Crime?
White collar crimes are typically non-violent offenses committed for financial gain through deception, fraud, or abuse of trust. They often occur in professional or corporate environments and can involve executives, financial professionals, government officials, or employees in positions of responsibility.
Common examples include:
- Embezzlement
- Securities fraud and insider trading
- Money laundering
- Bank fraud
- Tax evasion
- Healthcare fraud
- Bribery and corruption
- Federal mortgage fraud
- Mail and wire fraud
- Intellectual property theft
- Conspiracy
While these crimes may lack the physical violence often depicted in popular culture, their impact can be enormous, damaging businesses, harming investors, and undermining public trust. Defending against them requires a deep understanding of criminal statutes, regulatory frameworks, and financial systems.
Why These Cases Are So Challenging
Prosecutors take white collar cases seriously because of their potential financial and societal impact. In recent years, high-profile prosecutions have led to aggressive investigative tactics and harsher sentencing. Federal and state authorities devote significant resources to these cases, often relying on complex financial records, digital evidence, and cooperating witness testimony.
Defendants may feel overwhelmed by:
- The breadth of evidence collected
- The possibility of parallel civil and criminal proceedings
- The risk of asset forfeiture or restitution orders
- The long-term damage to career and reputation
Our role as your Houston white collar crime lawyers is to level the playing field by dismantling weak evidence, challenging improper investigative methods, and ensuring your rights are protected at every stage.
Types of White Collar Crimes We Defend
Embezzlement
This offense occurs when someone entrusted with money or property diverts it for personal use. While often associated with corporate executives, embezzlement can also involve lower-level employees such as payroll clerks, bank tellers, or accountants. Accounting embezzlement may include falsifying records to hide unauthorized withdrawals or misappropriation.
Money Laundering
Money laundering conceals the origin of illicit funds to make them appear legitimate, typically through placement, layering, and integration. These cases often arise alongside allegations of drug trafficking, fraud, or corruption. Our attorneys challenge the evidence trail, examine the legality of investigative methods, and develop defenses tailored to the facts.
Federal Mortgage Fraud
This includes falsifying loan applications, inflating property appraisals, or misrepresenting income or assets to secure mortgage loans. Both lenders and borrowers can face charges if they engage in deceptive practices that affect the federal lending system.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud covers a variety of schemes designed to obtain money or assets from a financial institution under false pretenses. Examples include identity theft, check kiting, and phishing scams targeting bank customers.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare fraud can involve submitting false billing claims, forging prescriptions, falsifying medical records, or accepting illegal kickbacks. It is closely monitored by federal agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FBI. Penalties can include prison, heavy fines, and exclusion from federal programs.
Penalties for White Collar Crimes in Texas
Texas imposes significant penalties for financial crimes, often classifying them as felonies. Sentencing can include:
- Substantial fines
- Restitution to victims
- Probation or community confinement
- Lengthy prison terms
For theft-related white collar crimes such as embezzlement, penalties escalate based on the amount alleged:
- $1,500–$20,000 – State jail felony; 180 days to 2 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- $20,000–$100,000 – Third-degree felony; 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- $100,000–$200,000 – Second-degree felony; 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- More than $200,000 – First-degree felony; 5 to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
In many cases, courts also order restitution, requiring repayment of the alleged losses in addition to fines.
Potential Defense Strategies
Our Houston white collar crime attorneys build each defense from the ground up, tailoring our approach to the unique facts of your case. Depending on circumstances, possible defenses may include:
- Lack of intent – Demonstrating that any alleged misrepresentation or error was not willful.
- Insufficient evidence – Challenging the reliability, relevance, or admissibility of the prosecution’s proof.
- Entrapment – Arguing that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have.
- Duress or coercion – Showing that you acted under threats or pressure.
- Procedural violations – Exposing improper searches, seizures, or interrogations that violated your constitutional rights.
Because white collar cases often hinge on complex documentation and witness testimony, our team works closely with forensic experts to uncover inconsistencies and weaknesses in the government’s case.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
When you hire Hilder & Associates, P.C., you are not just hiring a Houston white collar crime lawyer—you are engaging a full defense team committed to your case. You can expect:
- Direct access to your Houston white collar crime attorney – We prioritize communication and transparency so you always know the status of your case.
- Thorough investigation – We independently examine financial records, digital evidence, and witness statements.
- Strategic planning – We anticipate the prosecution’s moves and prepare responses in advance.
- Reputation protection – We understand that the court of public opinion can be as damaging as the legal process, and we take steps to safeguard your professional standing.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Representation
A conviction is not necessarily the end of the road. If errors occurred during your trial, such as improper jury instructions, evidentiary rulings, or constitutional violations, we can evaluate whether an appeal is appropriate. Federal appeals are complex and time-sensitive, but our team has the experience to guide you through the process.
Take Action Now
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a white collar offense, time is critical. The earlier you involve an experienced defense team of Houston white collar crime attorneys, the greater your ability to control the narrative, protect your rights, and pursue a favorable outcome.
Hilder & Associates, P.C. has successfully defended clients across Texas and the nation in some of the most challenging and high-stakes white collar cases. We combine deep legal knowledge, relentless advocacy, and a personalized approach to give you the best possible defense.
Call (713) 655-9111 or contact us online today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. Our Houston white collar crime lawyers are ready to stand between you and the full force of the government’s case.
