San Antonio Mortgage Fraud Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Against Mortgage Fraud Charges in San Antonio, TX

Prosecution of mortgage fraud cases is a priority for the Department of Justice. A wide range of punishment options are available to the courts in these cases, and the penalties will depend on factors such as the scope of the alleged fraud, the number of participants, and the monetary damages sustained by lenders who were affected. Because of the role of banks in the recent economic downturn, financial institutions with questionable lending practices who took advantage of homebuyers are also being prosecuted.

Attorney Sam Lock has successfully prevented prosecution of mortgage fraud cases at the federal level by representing clients in their dealings with the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI has units dedicated to investigating financial institution fraud, including, but not limited to, accusations of:

• Property Flipping
• Over-Reported Assets or Inflated Earnings Reports
• Failure to Disclose
• Mortgage-Related Identity Theft
• Predatory Lending Practices (sub-prime/high interest rates, unreasonable service fees, exorbitant loan origination/settlement fees)
• Foreclosure Fraud
• Equity Skimming
• Disputable Underwriting
• And more

What Is Property Flipping?

Property flipping refers to the practice of buying a home, performing repairs or improvements, and reselling it for a higher price. This may be considered an illegal practice if a person or organization is accused of buying a home and artificially inflating its value on resale. Misrepresentation of how much work has been done to renovate or clean up the home may lead to significant losses for homebuyers or financial institutions involved in these transactions. Because of this, those who are accused of illegal property flipping may face serious fraud charges.

What Is Equity Skimming?

Equity skimming refers to mortgaging a home on fraudulent credit and renting it out to someone else, leading to the home's eventual foreclosure. This practice may lead to losses for lenders, and people accused of equity skimming may face significant penalties if they are convicted of fraud.

What Is Failure to Disclose?

Failure to disclose refers to selling a home to someone else while intentionally withholding certain details about the state of the property, including structural damage, water leaks, or the presence of termites. Homebuyers may have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs, and these losses may be addressed through criminal charges against sellers.

What Is Foreclosure Fraud?

Foreclosure fraud refers to the practice of defrauding homeowners under the pretense of helping them avoid foreclosure. People or organizations that collect payments from homeowners but do not distribute money to lenders or other institutions may be accused of fraud, and they may face serious penalties if they are convicted of these crimes.

Penalties for Mortgage Fraud in Texas

Any kind of mortgage fraud can be punished as a felony offense in Texas, and these offenses may lead to sentences that can include years in prison. Committing fraud on a mortgage valued over $30,000 is a third degree felony, with penalties that may include between two and 10 years of time in prison and a fine as high as $10,000. Depending on the value of the mortgage, the charge can escalate to a second or first degree felony. If you have been charged with mortgage fraud, it is imperative to work with a criminal defense attorney who can help you avoid prison time or serious fines.

Speak With Our San Antonio Mortgage Fraud Attorney Today

Attorney Sam Lock has over 25 years of experience defending clients against a broad spectrum of charges, from white collar crimes to homicide. With him at your side, you can rest assured that your best interests will be protected.

The Law Offices of Sam H. Lock is an experienced legal firm that represents individuals and corporations of all sizes in matters related to charges of mortgage fraud. Sam Lock is a respected attorney in South and Central Texas. He works with clients throughout this area of the state in cities such as San Antonio, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso, Midland, Pecos, and Waco.

Contact us at 210-226-0965 to set up a consultation. Do not delay—once you have been indicted on charges of mortgage fraud, a federal case can be brought to trial very quickly (sometimes in less than 70 days). Sam Lock is ready to prepare your case, and he will leave no stone unturned in proving your innocence.