Texas courts take embezzlement very seriously, and if you are facing embezzlement charges, you could be looking at years in prison and overwhelming fines, as well as the lifelong burdens associated with having a criminal record. Fortunately, our firm is ready to help. Please read on and reach out to our experienced Texas criminal defense attorneys to learn more about white-collar crimes and how we can guide you through the legal process going forward. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What is embezzlement?

In the state of Texas, embezzlement is defined as when a member of a company with access to money or goods attempts to steal those goods, usually through fraud. Therefore, embezzlement is rarely a theft by force, rather, it instead often involves careful deception or underhanded activity to obtain personal gain. Some examples of embezzlement can include an employee with access to the company safe stealing money, or even a higher-up in a company funneling money from the company’s bank account into his own. In some cases, you may even face an embezzlement charge for stealing services or goods from an elderly person, especially if you were responsible for managing that person’s funds.

What happens if I am convicted of embezzlement in Texas?

If you are convicted of embezzlement, you will face very serious charges that most likely result in prison time and fines. The consequences of felony embezzlement charges are as follows:

• Third-degree embezzlement (For stealing money or goods valued between $20,000 and $100,000): Up to 10 years in state prison
• Second-degree embezzlement (For stealing money or goods valued between $100,000 and $200,000): Up to 20 years in state prison
• First-degree embezzlement (For stealing money or goods valued more than $200,000): Up to 99 years in state prison.

Are there any defenses against embezzlement charges?

Fortunately, though these are very serious charges, there are potential defenses that an experienced attorney can bring to the table. For example, an attorney may argue that you did not realize you were stealing another party’s property, that you had received consent to take the property in question, or that there was a simple miscommunication that led to the accidental theft of the property.

Contact our experienced Texas firm

We are knowledgeable attorneys who are ready to help preserve your freedom and keep you out of jail. If you or a loved one are facing a criminal charge in the state of Texas, reach out to our firm today. We have been defending individuals in your position for years, and we are ready to do the same for you. If you need a firm who will aggressively fight for your rights, look no further–simply contact Carrol & Hinojosa today.