Forty-eight year old Charles Cleveland Nowden went to the movies on November 6, 2009 where he purchased two hot dogs, two cokes, and a popcorn. He used a counterfeit $20 bill to make the purchase. When he was arrested, police found $120 in additional counterfeit bills in his vehicle.

Now, $140 in counterfeit money is a big deal. Passing it as legitimate money is another crime in itself. But you wouldn’t think it would garner any more than a few years in prison at the most. Nowden, however, wouldn’t be so lucky.

Prosecutors presented evidence at trial of two additional pending cases, one in Tarrant County and one in Lamar County. They also pointed out that Nowden wasn’t a newcomer to the criminal courts. He had been involved in numerous theft and fraud cases over the years. Ultimately, he would be sentenced to 80 years in prison. Four decades behind bars.

Violating the law often carries harsh penalties and sometimes these sentences seem too harsh, like the prosecutor had a vendetta or a special interest in locking someone up and keeping them off the streets. Nowden’s sentence is particularly harsh considering his offense was a nonviolent crime.

But despite how harsh his sentence seems, it is allowable under the law because of the offense he was accused of and also his criminal history. A judge is allowed to take many things into consideration when sentencing a convicted offender. With the direction of a prosecutor, that sentence can be particularly severe when aggravating factors are present.

Your criminal history can play a major role in the penalty phase of a criminal case. Even if the charge you are facing seems relatively minor, it could result in a lengthy sentence if you have a significant record or even if you get the wrong prosecutor or wrong judge on the wrong day.

Understanding just what goes into the determination of not only your sentence but the law you are accused of violation can be confusing. A local criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the criminal court process and your role within it. We can also work to get you the best results possible on your day in court.

If you are accused of a crime, contact us today to discuss your case and how we might be able to help.

Using the name Michael De Medici he was a reality TV promoter in New York. IN Atlanta he allegedly played the part of a real estate investor. In Dallas he called himself Mladen Mordan Stefanov and claimed he was a Greek “trust fund baby.”

Using the Stefanov identity, Manos befriended Bella Bar and Restaurant owners stating he was going to get them involved in reality TV. Owner Robert Petrie allegedly gave his credit card to Manos to prep for a charity party to be thrown at the restaurant. Upon receiving his credit card statement, Petrie realized that Manos had apparently racked up over $70,000 in charges and gained access to his bank account.

Once his business in California and New York are taken care of, Manos is facing charges of felony credit card abuse in Dallas. Texas fraud charges can be confusing and until the charges are actually filed in this particular case, we cannot be certain how many years Manos will be facing.

Although fraud cases are rarely this complex and far reaching, people taking advantage of others for financial gain isn’t so rare. Often, crimes like this are committed by people in dire financial situations who don’t realize the risks associated with getting caught.

Once arrested and placed before the judge, reality sets in and regret typically follows.

If you are accused of fraud or any other criminal financial charge, we may be able to help. Knowing the local courts and how the Texas justice system works can be a real benefit.

If you are in need of a high energy, aggressive attorney to fight for your rights in court, contact us immediately.

Identity theft has changed over the years, as this report from the Midland Reporter-Telegram states. While it was once primarily saved for people whose wallets were stolen, now many people lose money and good credit standing without ever being the victim of a physical theft.

Identity theft is defined as using the personal identification information of another to receive financial benefit. This could happen by someone getting your credit card number, bank accounts, or opening new accounts under your name without your knowledge.

In many cases the public’s naivety is taken advantage of savvy criminals seeking a big payoff. Using job opportunities and shopping deals to get account information is a fairly common way for people to get your information.

Most larger police departments have white collar crime units that are specifically tasked with uncovering crimes like identity theft and fraud. These units see cases like this daily and work to ensure the public is aware of the risks that are present.

These offenses are called white collar crimes because of the population that has stereotypically been found to be committing them. Crimes like these are often committed by intelligent, professional individuals.

If you have been accused of a crime like this you are more than likely shocked that you got caught. Typically, I find that people who have participated in these offenses carefully weighed their risks beforehand. Unfortunately, if you are facing charges now, you may have underestimated the risk.

Fraud charges and charges of identity theft are very serious. You may be facing several years in prison for a scheme that didn’t pay off like you thought it would. Now you need an advocate in your corner, someone who will look out for your best interests. I can be that advocate.

Contact me today if you are facing charges like these. I am interested in hearing the details of your case and working with you to get the best results possible.