MBMT Law FirmMBMT Law Firm2026-10-13T05:36:50Zhttps://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1303291/2023/01/cropped-siteicon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[3 common causes of tax evasion charges]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569792026-10-13T05:36:50Z2026-10-13T05:33:32ZTax season is a very important part of the year that people do not want to miss. Failing to file taxes can lead to fines and serious criminal charges. However, even people who have filed their taxes could still face serious issues.
People make mistakes, and the tax code is notoriously complex. However, some tax mistakes may cause the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to pursue unpaid taxes and criminal prosecution. It is important to understand common mistakes that can lead to investigations and tax evasion charges. These include:
1. Failing to report multiple incomes
Many people work more than one job at once. Other people may have worked at multiple places during the year. It is important to report all sources of income when filing taxes, even small "gigs" and temp jobs that didn't pay much.Taxpayers may forget to file multiple sources of income if they have only been working at a new job for a few months. Other people may forget to file their income from a small, side job.
2. Including incorrect personal information
The IRS needs a lot of personal information from taxpayers. Taxpayers have to add their name, birthday, Social Security number (SSN), banking information, home address and more when filing their taxes. People may need to re-file their taxes if they make a mistake when adding their personal information. This can delay filing and lead to an investigation.
3. Missing the filing date
One of the most common mistakes that people make is not filing their taxes on time. People who miss the deadline to file their taxes or fail to pay their taxes in full may be investigated.If you are under investigation or facing criminal charges for tax evasion, then you may need legal help. Professional legal guidance can help you handle an investigation or build a defense against criminal charges.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[What to do if you are accused of misusing company funds]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569762026-09-28T16:17:34Z2026-09-28T16:17:34ZAn accusation linking you to the misuse of company money is alarming, and it can put your freedom and future at risk.
You need information and guidance as quickly as possible. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of influencing the outcome of the case in your favor. A steady approach protects your position while the facts are still being sorted out.
Understanding fund‑misuse allegations
Texas typically handles these cases under Penal Code §31.03, which defines theft as unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner. In workplace settings, the central question is whether your use of funds exceeded your authority. The value of the money involved determines the severity of charges. Some cases involve Penal Code §32.45, which covers misapplication of fiduciary property. This applies when someone responsible for managing money or assets handles them inappropriately, creating a substantial risk of loss. It is often used when the accused had a financial‑management role.
Immediate actions that help your defense
Accusations can arise from irregular entries, unexpected transfers or discrepancies in accounting software. Before responding, determine who had access to the account and whether automated systems or routine processes could have created the issue. To better demonstrate good-faith transactions, gather documents that show your role, your permissions and any written instructions you received. Evidence showing approval, consent, authorization or workplace norms can affect how the situation is evaluated.
How workplace investigations typically unfold
Many misuse of funds cases begin quietly with an internal audit or a system alert. While these triggers do not automatically indicate criminal conduct, you must still be prepared to defend yourself. Learning more about the law and how Texas prosecutors approach these cases is an excellent next step.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[Can the police search for evidence on your phone?]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569722026-09-17T19:49:04Z2026-09-17T19:49:04ZDuring many criminal investigations, the police are interested in searching a person’s mobile phone for potential evidence. This evidence could come in many different forms. It may include a search history of websites that they visited, a log of calls or texts that they made or just their location data to see where they were at any given time.
The first thing to note is that a person does have an expectation of privacy when it comes to their own device. The police can ask for your consent to unlock your phone, but you are not obligated to give it to them. You do not have to provide consent, the same way that you have an expectation of privacy in your own home and you do not have to consent to a home search.
They may get a search warrant
That being said, it is possible for the police to get a search warrant for a person’s phone. If so, this can allow them to access the device even without express consent from the device owner. If they force someone to open their phone without getting the warrant first, however, it could constitute an illegal search.
The third-party doctrine
Additionally, third parties often have access to information that is also stored on the phone. An ISP may have a record of sites visited, or a tech company may own an app that tracks all of the messages that a person sent through that app. When an individual voluntarily shares information with a third party, it reduces their expectation of privacy. The police can sometimes obtain the evidence they are looking for from the third party, without ever unlocking the device.Phone searches can get complicated, but this helps to show the basics of how they may be conducted. Those who are subjected to a criminal investigation must be well aware of all the legal options at their disposal.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[What is the difference between dismissal and acquittal?]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569712026-09-01T19:11:27Z2026-09-01T19:11:27ZA dismissal ends the case without a verdict
When a case ends in dismissal, the court does not determine whether a defendant is guilty or not.. Charges may be dismissed by the court before a trial begins, during the trial or as part of a plea deal.
Charges may be dismissed because the evidence is too thin to support a conviction, witnesses are unavailable or further investigation raises doubts. Cases may also be dismissed over violations of a defendant’s rights or other procedural mistakes.
It is important to determine if a dismissal was made “with prejudice” or “without prejudice.” A dismissal with prejudice generally prevents the prosecutor from filing the same charge on the same facts again. A dismissal without prejudice, however, generally allows the prosecutor to refile the charges as soon as they correct whatever deficiency led to the dismissal.
An acquittal involves a decision on guilt
By comparison, an acquittal is much more straightforward. It requires a formal judgment that the prosecution has failed to prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This could be the result of a direct decision by the judge or after a jury returns a not guilty verdict. It does not necessarily mean that a defendant is innocent. It simply means that the prosecution did not satisfy its burden of proof. Broadly speaking, an acquittal also means that the defendant’s constitutional protections against “double jeopardy” prevent the state from trying the same case again.
Anyone whose criminal case ends without a conviction should confirm exactly how the court resolved each charge. That can make it easier to understand exactly what legal options you have and what steps to take next.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[What makes a crime a federal offense?]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569682026-08-16T19:32:57Z2026-08-16T19:32:57ZCommon grounds for federal jurisdiction and differences
Federal jurisdiction may apply because a criminal action crossed state lines, involved a federal employee, agency or program, occurred on federal property, involved tax, securities or immigration law, affected interstate or international commerce or involved drug trafficking.
In many cases, a crime can violate both federal and state law, leaving the authorities to decide how it will be prosecuted – meaning which entity (the state or the federal government) has jurisdiction. In some cases, prosecution may be brought at both levels. This is not considered “double jeopardy” because the Fifth Amendment only bars a given sovereign entity from prosecuting someone twice for the same offense.
Federal criminal cases differ from state cases in the following areas:
Investigation: Federal investigations typically involve the FBI or another specialized agency. Investigators may spend months or years reviewing financial records, electronic communications and witness testimony before making an arrest. Grand jury subpoenas, search warrants and interviews may be used to build the case quietly, well before charges are leveled.
Prosecution: Federal crimes are generally prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Federal prosecutors have substantial resources at their disposal, which can make them formidable to oppose.
Punishment: Judges must consider federal statutory penalties and sentencing guidelines. Some federal statutes have mandatory minimum sentences that are much harsher than what would be imposed by the state. A federal prison sentence is served through the Federal Bureau of Prisons rather than a state correctional system, and there is no parole or work release.
A defendant may learn about a federal investigation through a subpoena, search warrant or an agent’s request for an interview rather than an arrest. This early stage can be critical. Statements, document handling and contact with other people involved in the investigation can all affect the case. It is far too easy to make a critical mistake that can lead to new charges.
A criminal defense attorney experienced in handling federal charges can identify the potential charges, communicate with investigators and begin protecting your rights before prosecutors decide whether to seek an indictment.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[How is federal conspiracy different from aiding and abetting?]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569662026-08-02T21:53:21Z2026-08-02T21:53:21ZFederal conspiracy focuses on the agreement
A federal conspiracy charge centers on an agreement between two or more people to commit a federal crime. Prosecutors do not always have to prove that the planned crime was completed.
Instead, they must show that there was an agreement to break the law and that at least one person involved took a step toward carrying out the plan.
Aiding and abetting involves helping commit a crime
Aiding and abetting is different because it focuses on assisting or encouraging someone else to commit a crime. This assistance can take many forms, including:
Providing transportation to the scene
Supplying equipment used during the offense
Acting as a lookout
Helping conceal evidence after the crime when the conduct is part of the criminal plan
In these cases, the person's actions, rather than an agreement, become the primary issue.
Can you face both charges?
Yes. In some federal cases, prosecutors charge a defendant with both conspiracy and aiding and abetting. For example, if you helped plan a drug trafficking operation and later transported illegal drugs, you may face both allegations because the facts support each legal theory.
If you have been charged with a federal offense or are under investigation, it is important to seek early legal representation. This can help protect your rights throughout the federal criminal process.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[Does disgorgement require that victims suffer financial harm?]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569652026-07-18T23:35:53Z2026-07-18T23:35:53ZThe defendant’s argument
A case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) this year involved a man found guilty of engineering an illegal securities fraud scheme commonly referred to as a “pump-and-dump,” where he bought penny stocks, promoted them and then sold them at artificially inflated prices.
The defendant, who also was sentenced to prison for the offense, was ordered to repay over $4 million in disgorgement. He argued, however, that the SEC failed to show that he had financially harmed anyone. The SEC countered that victims did suffer financial harm but that even if they hadn’t, disgorgement was still a valid penalty. That was the question before the high court.
A rare unanimous decision
Last month, SCOTUS ruled unanimously that proving that victims suffered financial harm wasn’t necessary for the SEC to seek disgorgement for fraudulently obtained profits or “unjust gain.” In the court’s opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that "a showing of pecuniary loss is not required before an investor may qualify as a victim of an offender's wrongdoing entitled to compensation."
It’s crucial to have an effective response to allegations of financial wrongdoing. The details of a case and the calculation of related losses can be extremely complex. It’s important to seek experienced legal guidance as early as possible in such scenarios as a result.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[Understanding the criminal offense of entrapment ]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569642026-07-07T20:07:58Z2026-07-07T20:07:58ZMany people use the word "entrapment" to describe any situation in which an undercover police officer or confidential informant participates in a criminal investigation. Legally, however, entrapment has a much more specific meaning. Simply being caught during a sting operation does not automatically mean that a person was entrapped.Entrapment generally refers to a situation in which law enforcement induces or persuades someone to commit a crime that they otherwise would not have committed. The focus is often on whether the criminal intent originated with the government rather than with the accused. Officers are permitted to investigate crimes and provide opportunities for individuals to break the law, but there are legal limits on how far they can go.For example, undercover officers may pose as buyers or sellers during drug investigations or participate in online investigations involving financial crimes or solicitation offenses. These tactics are not, by themselves, unlawful. The legal question is whether government agents merely presented an opportunity to commit a crime or improperly pressured, coerced or manipulated someone into committing an offense they were not otherwise predisposed to commit.
Entrapment as a defense strategy
Entrapment can be a complex legal defense, and it is not available in every case. A defendant's prior conduct, communications with law enforcement, the nature of the government's involvement and whether repeated persuasion or extraordinary pressure was used generally influence the availability of this particular strategy. Because these cases frequently involve undercover operations, the evidence may include recorded conversations, text messages, emails, surveillance footage and testimony from law enforcement officers or confidential informants. Carefully reviewing this evidence is essential when evaluating whether an entrapment defense may apply.If you have been arrested after an undercover investigation or sting operation, do not assume the facts are as straightforward as they appear. A skilled legal team can analyze the government's conduct, identify potential constitutional and legal issues and determine whether entrapment or another defense may be appropriate. ]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[Misconduct at a national park can lead to federal charges]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569632026-06-23T00:35:03Z2026-06-23T00:35:03ZHow might park visitors break the law?
In many cases, recreational substance use is the underlying cause of federal criminal charges for park visitors. Parks may have strict rules regarding alcohol possession and consumption. Visitors are also subject to federal regulations regarding controlled and prohibited substances.
People visiting parks in Texas might have marijuana that they intend to consume in private while camping. The telltale smell could attract federal rangers, which can lead to devastating consequences.
Graffiti or other damage to park facilities could also lead to federal prosecution. Even altercations with friends or total strangers while on federal property could potentially put people at risk of federal criminal charges.
Federal charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences. They can also result in people serving their sentences far from home, where loved ones cannot regularly visit them.
Anyone implicated in a potentially criminal incident on federal land may need support and insight from a federal criminal defense attorney. Securing legal guidance as soon as possible is of the utmost importance for those accused of breaking federal law or committing a crime on federal property, even if an offense may not initially seem like a major concern.]]>On Behalf of MBMT Law Firm<![CDATA[Why are they called white collar crimes?]]>https://www.mbmtlawfirm.com/?p=2569622026-06-15T17:07:43Z2026-06-15T17:07:43ZMany times, when people are accused of financial crimes, such as embezzlement or investment fraud, they are referred to as white collar crimes. This is a term that has been used since 1939, when it was coined by a sociologist named Edwin Sutherland.But the opposite is not generally true; other criminal activities are not referred to as "blue collar" crimes, for instance. So why is it that the term white collar crimes is used?
Government officials and business professionals
The term generally just refers to the type of people who are accused of these financial crimes. They tend to be government officials, business owners, corporate executives and others in upper economic classes.Additionally, white collar crimes are typically not emotional crimes or those designed to cause physical harm. Instead, they are criminal activities that are carefully planned and carried out for financial gain.For instance, embezzlement is one common type of white collar crime. By its very nature, this is something that can only be carried out by someone who has already been granted access to a business's financial accounts or funds, such as a chief financial officer. The level of access that they have been given as an executive makes it possible for them to misappropriate those funds for their own personal gain. This is a type of theft, but it is much different than someone who robs a convenience store.
Your defense options
If you have been accused of financial crimes or other white collar crimes, the ramifications can be severe, both in your personal and professional life. You must understand exactly what legal defense options you have when facing these charges. ]]>