When you have a low credit score or issues with credit it can severely limit you. People with bad credit or credit issues have problems getting approved for loans, housing and buying property. However, falsifying information to receive property or credit is a serious crime under Texas law.
Using false statements to obtain property or credit is considered a criminal offense in Texas with serious penalties. Depending on the amount of credit used, it could result in felony-level charges and time spent in prison. If you or someone you know has been arrested for making a false statement to obtain credit or property, it’s highly advised you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Austin Attorney for False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit in Texas
Were you arrested for making a false statement to obtain credit or property? If so, it’s highly recommended you have trusted legal counsel on your side. A skilled forgery attorney can assess your charges and chart out a defense plan that fits your case.
Get in contact with The Law Office of Kevin Bennett for an attorney who has extensive experience and passion for what he does. Kevin Bennett uses efficient and effective defenses to protect his client’s rights and future. With his resources and useful defense techniques, attorney Bennett is the right choice for your charges. Call (512) 476-4626 to set up your first consultation completely free.
The Law Office of Kevin Bennett accepts clients throughout the greater Travis County area including Austin, Pflugerville, Lago Vista and West Lake Hills.
Overview of False Statement to Obtain Property and Credit in Texas
- How is “Credit” Defined Under Texas Law?
- Texas Penalties for Making a False Statement to Obtain Credit
- Additional Resources
How is “Credit” Defined Under Texas Law?
Credit is when one party provides money or resources to another party and trusts that the borrowing party will reimburse the loan giver through periodic payments. Since credit is a vague and subjective notion, Texas law has given it an official legal definition for the crime of making a false statement to obtain property or credit.
According to Texas Penal Code Section 32.32, the term “credit” includes:
- Furnishing property or service with credit;
- A line or letter of credit;
- Credit cards;
- Mortgage loans;
- A loan of money;
- Extending the due date of an obligation; or
- Endorsing, comaking and guaranteeing a note or other instrument to obtain credit
Under Texas law, you can be charged with making a false statement if you:
- Intentionally or knowingly make a false or misleading written statement to obtain property or credit, which includes a mortgage loan; or
- Intentionally or knowingly makes a false or misleading written statement when providing an appraisal of rental property for compensation
Texas Penalties for Making a False Statement to Obtain Property or Credit
The penalties for making a false statement for credit or property depend on the amount of credit used. The following are the consequences for making a false statement to obtain property or credit:
- $100 – Class C Misdemeanor
- $100 – $750 – Class B Misdemeanor
- $750 – $2,500 – Class A Misdemeanor
- $2,5000 – $30,000 – State Jail Felony
- $30,000 – $150,000 – Third-Degree Felony
- $150,000 – $300,000 – Second-Degree Felony
- $300,000 – First-Degree Felony
The penalties for the crimes above include:
- Class C Misdemeanor – Up to $500 in fines;
- Class B Misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000;
- Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $4,000;
- State Jail Felony – Up to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000;
- Third-Degree Felony – Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000;
- Second-Degree Felony – Up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000; or
- First-Degree Felony – Up to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
False Statement to Obtain Credit
Additional Resources
NFCC – Visit the official website for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) a non-profit organization that assists people who have credit and debit issues. Access the site to set up an appointment, review their various programs and debt advice.
Texas Laws for Fraud – Visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code to learn more about fraudulent crimes. Access the site to learn more about the elements of the crime, penalties and admissible defenses.
Defense Lawyer for False Credit Statements in Travis County, Texas
If you or someone you know has been arrested for making false statements involving credit, it’s crucial you have trusted legal representation you can count on. For an experienced and skilled attorney, we recommend The Law Office of Kevin Bennett. Attorney Bennett has helped numerous clients with financial crimes and can assist you.
Get in contact with The Law Office of Kevin Bennett by calling (512) 476-4626 to set up your first consultation. During this appointment, you and attorney Bennett can discuss the case and chart out a sturdy defense plan. You can locate the office in Austin, but The Law Office of Kevin Bennett practices throughout the greater Travis County area including Lago Vista, West Lake Hills and Pflugerville.
This article was last updated on September 27, 2019.
