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If you’ve been accused of mortgage fraud, then you must hire a mortgage fraud lawyer in Houston as soon as you can. Don’t attempt to navigate a single step of this process alone. There are many mistakes you could make that can end up harming your case.
Ask a Mortgage Fraud Lawyer in Houston: The 7 Big Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Case
1. Not Hiring an Attorney Straight Away
When you’re accused of mortgage fraud, it can really throw you off. You may find yourself confused or starting to panic, and the only thing that may come to mind is attempting to argue that you didn’t do the crime you’re being accused of. However, the best thing to do is say nothing before you hire an attorney. You do have a right to legal representation, and you shouldn’t move forward without a lawyer at your side.
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2. Talking Too Much
Mortgage fraud cases are often complicated, so it’s best to keep as quiet as you can. If you don’t know anything about the situation, then tell the police this: but don’t attempt to come up with a story explaining why they may believe you were involved in committing mortgage fraud. If you do know something, then share it with your attorney first. Your attorney will advise on whether you should speak out about what you know. It’s much too easy to incriminate yourself, and anything you say can be used against you.
3. Failing to Disclose the Truth to Your Attorney
Never lie to your attorney. Attorney-client privilege prevents your attorney from sharing anything you disclose to them, so you’re safe to tell your attorney the whole truth. If you know something, then always let your attorney know. It’s always more damaging to withhold information and force your attorney to work blind.
4. Being Disrespectful
Never disrespect any person involved in the case. Don’t disrespect the people accusing you of fraud, don’t disrespect the police, and don’t disrespect the other people, if any, who’ve been accused of being involved in the mortgage fraud. There may be multiple people accused of fraud, as it’s usually a scheme that involves an arrangement between several parties such as the mortgage broker,
underwriter, and appraiser. Being disrespectful reflects badly on you and may harm your defense. It’s best to avoid speaking to the other people in the case at all. Communicate with them only through your attorney. If you must speak about the other people involved, do so as neutrally as you possibly can. Most importantly, always be on your best behavior when you’re addressing the court if your case goes to trial.
5. Talking to Others About Your Case
Don’t share information relevant to your case with anybody. Don’t disclose what you and your attorney talk about, don’t talk about what could happen if you’re convicted, and don’t tell others about your involvement or lack of involvement in the crime you’re being accused of. Avoid sharing information about the case on social media even if you’re totally sure your social media accounts are anonymous. Nobody, not even your closest friends and family, needs to know the details of your case, and sharing details can be harmful. At most, you can talk to your therapist about what you’re going through if you need to talk through your stress with somebody.
6. Missing Court Dates
Sometimes missing a court date is unavoidable, but never intentionally miss a court date. Intentionally avoiding court reflects poorly on you, and it just makes the situation more difficult for everyone. If you were arrested and are out on bail, then you may be penalized for deliberately avoiding court. If you must miss court for some reason, then be sure to inform your attorney well ahead of time, and show evidence of why you had to miss the court date. If you were sick, then it would be a good idea to have a statement from a doctor to back up your claim of being ill.
7. Contacting the Other Side
Never attempt to contact your accuser. If you have something to ask them, then run it by your attorney first, and let your attorney be the one to contact them. Don’t attempt to contact any of the other people who’ve been accused of mortgage fraud in your case, either. The only person you should worry about is you, and your only point of contact should be your attorney. If you’ve been accused of mortgage fraud, then you’re most likely going through an incredibly stressful time. It’s important to stay on top of things and listen to your attorney so you can avoid making the mistakes above. Stay silent unless your attorney is present, and don’t speak out if your attorney advises you not to.
Brittany
Todd Sumamno
