Houston Public Corruption Defense Attorney

Every American citizen has the Constitutional right to legal representation when they have been accused of a crime, and this right extends to all public officials holding office throughout the country. If you are such an official and have been accused of any type of professional misconduct, illegal activity, or corruption, a skilled Houston public corruption defense lawyer is the ideal resource to consult for help in this situation.

Every individual who holds a public office or who works for the government is susceptible to criminal allegations of public corruption. At the Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC, we understand that anyone charged with public corruption or federal bribery has his or her reputation, image, and the future of his or her career on the line. To protect your rights throughout the criminal process, it is vital to have an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side.

Public Corruption Defense 

Nicole DeBorde, a highly respected attorney for public corruption defense, represents clients charged in both state and federal courts. A former prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit, the firm has earned an outstanding reputation among peers and is known for securing favorable results, including reductions in charges or penalties and, in some cases, dismissals. If you are facing public corruption allegations, our firm will carefully evaluate your situation and begin developing a thorough, strategic defense immediately. As an experienced federal crimes trial and appellate lawyer, DeBorde is well-equipped to handle even the most complex federal charges and appeals effectively.

If you are facing allegations as a government worker, we can offer assistance with allegations of public corruption. 

You can contact our office online or call (832) 720-7255 to schedule your case consultation. We are available to you 24/7 and always make time to address any questions or concerns that arise. Se habla español.

Harris County Defense Attorney for Government Officials

Public corruption crimes are taken seriously in the state of Texas and can carry very serious penalties if a person is convicted. 

Criminal cases for public corruption can typically include offenses of:

• Embezzlement. This term defines the taking of business-related funds and assets for personal use. Embezzlement can sometimes be difficult to track, but once it is revealed, it will usually show a long pattern of financial malfeasance that can amount to substantial losses from the public budget.
• Falsifying documents. All public officials are required to discharge their duties honestly. Falsifying official documents would not only constitute fraud but also diminish the legitimacy and public trust of the office in question.
• Soliciting bribes or bribery. Public officials may not accept bribes in exchange for leverage with the powers of their office, nor may they solicit such bribes. A bribe is a proposed exchange of money or services in exchange for a public official abusing their office for personal benefit.
• Official misconduct. This is a broad term that can define any intentional misuse of the public official’s powers.
• Official oppression or alleged law enforcement violence/brutality. Public officials are expected to hold their colleagues and subordinates accountable when they break the law, but unfortunately, many cases arise from the protection of police officers who have violated their duty to serve and protect the public.
• Misuse of public funds. When a public official is provided a share of the public budget, they are required to make good use of these funds in accordance with the responsibilities of their office.
• Fraud. Any official misrepresentation of facts can potentially constitute fraud, which may be conducted over various communication channels and through various methods. A skilled federal fraud defense attorney can help protect your rights and build a strong defense against such allegations.
• Other breaches of fiduciary duties or violations of oaths of office. A public official is required to abide by their oath of office at all times and adhere to the strictest level of professional conduct and ethics when handling the fiduciary duties of their office.
• Tampering with a government document. Public officials may not make alterations to official documents or modify records in any way. Some may do this in an effort to conceal other violations of their office.
• Perjury. This term defines lying while under oath. When a public official is required to give sworn testimony, intentional lying would constitute perjury.
• Theft. Abusing public office to deprive another party of their property can constitute theft. The severity of any theft offense in Texas depends on the nature and value of the property stolen.
• Honest services violations. Public officials must engage in fair dealings at all times. Honest services violations deprive victims of their intangible right to receive fair and honest services. An example of such a violation would be a public official accepting a bribe to award a contract to a specific party bidding for a government contract.