Have you been charged with embezzlement in McKinney, Texas? Texas Defense Firm can help when you call (972) 369-0577. Contact us today to speak with a McKinney embezzlement lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and build a strong defense on your behalf.
White collar crimes like embezzlement carry serious penalties that can affect your career, finances, and reputation for years to come. Acting quickly with an experienced defense attorney on your side is crucial. Our team understands how the Texas legal system works and will fight to protect your future.
Why Hire Texas Defense Firm if You’re Arrested for Embezzlement?
When you’re facing embezzlement charges in McKinney, TX, there’s a lot at stake. One of the most important steps you can take is to contact Texas Defense Firm and get professional and experienced legal help right away.
Here’s why we’re a great choice:
- Our team has more than 200 years of combined defense experience guiding clients through complex criminal cases in McKinney, Texas, including embezzlement.
- We pick up the phone every time – clients can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- We were voted the best law firm in McKinney.
- Our team has powerful resources to help you fight back against the charges you’re facing.
Working with our firm means you will never face prosecutors or complicated legal procedures alone. Contact Texas Defense Firm to schedule a case consultation with a McKinney criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Embezzlement in Texas
Embezzlement is a serious white collar crime in Texas. The Texas Penal Code §§ 31.02 and 31.03 define embezzlement as taking or misusing money or property that was entrusted to someone, whether in business, government, or personal relationships.
Some specific examples of embezzlement could include the following:
- Stealing money directly from an employer or organization
- Misusing bank or corporate accounts to pay personal debts
- Falsifying payroll to benefit oneself or someone else
- Forging checks, changing financial records, or altering account details
- Using a company or client’s credit card without permission
- Identity theft related to financial accounts or assets
- Public servants unlawfully taking government property or funds
Understanding the legal definition is the first step to recognizing and defending against the many ways embezzlement accusations can arise in Texas.
What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement in McKinney, Texas?
Embezzlement charges in McKinney, Texas, carry serious consequences that can affect many aspects of your life. The penalties depend mainly on the value of the assets alleged to have been stolen, but some cases may even lead to federal prosecution.
Below are the most common sentencing ranges for embezzlement in Texas:
- Misdemeanor embezzlement: If the value taken is up to $1,500, the charge is usually a misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to up to 1 year in county jail, along with possible fines and restitution to the victim.
- State jail felony: When the stolen property is valued between $1,500 and $20,000, the offense becomes a state jail felony. This can result in between six months and 2 years in a state jail facility, plus additional fines and lasting impacts on your criminal record.
- Third-degree felony: Stealing between $20,000 and $100,000 brings a third-degree felony charge. A conviction means you could spend 2 to 10 years in prison and pay substantial fines.
- Second degree felony: For amounts between $100,000 and $200,000, embezzlement is charged as a second degree felony. Sentences include 2 to 20 years in state prison, and significant restitution.
- First-degree felony: If more than $200,000 is involved, embezzlement becomes a first degree felony. This is the most severe category, carrying 5 to 99 years in state prison, and life-altering financial penalties.
- Federal embezzlement charges: If the embezzlement involves government funds or agencies, you might face federal charges. These cases may bring up to 10 years in prison and fines equal to what was embezzled.
Your attorney can explain what penalties you might be facing further and help you fight back.
Collateral Consequences of Embezzlement Charges
Being charged with embezzlement in Texas can affect your life in many ways beyond the possibility of jail time or fines. Even if you avoid a conviction, the effects can last for years.
Some common collateral consequences include:
- Loss of current job and serious difficulty finding new employment, especially in finance or positions of trust
- Barriers to getting or keeping professional licenses, such as for accounting, real estate, or law
- Damage to your personal and professional reputation, which can follow you long after your case is resolved
- Trouble renting an apartment or securing a loan because of a criminal record.
- Risk of civil lawsuits from employers, clients, or others seeking to recover their financial losses
Whether charged at the state or federal level, embezzlement allegations should always be taken seriously, and defendants can benefit from experienced legal guidance.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Embezzlement?
If you’re facing embezzlement charges, there are certain defenses that can be raised to give you a chance to fight back. Some of the most common ones used by defense attorneys include:
- Lack of intent to deprive: A central part of embezzlement is proving you meant to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If you believed you intended to return the property, this may weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Illegal search and seizure: Law enforcement must follow specific procedures when collecting evidence during an embezzlement investigation. If police illegally searched your home, office, or computer files without a warrant or proper legal grounds, any evidence they gathered might be excluded from court.
- Owner’s consent: If you had authorization or the owner’s consent to handle, use, or transfer the money or property, your actions are not criminal. Documentation, emails, or witness statements can help support this defense.
- Mistake or misunderstanding: Sometimes what looks like embezzlement is actually a mistake with bookkeeping, confusion over a business agreement, or unclear job responsibilities. If you didn’t knowingly take anything that didn’t belong to you, intent is difficult to prove.
Choosing a knowledgeable attorney is one of the most important steps you can take if you are facing an embezzlement charge. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our McKinney Embezzlement Lawyer
Embezzlement charges in McKinney, Texas, can change your life, but having skilled legal representation gives you a chance to fight back. You deserve a legal team that takes your charges as seriously as you do, like Texas Defense Firm.
Our law firm offers the resources and experience needed to help you protect your freedom and future. Contact Texas Defense Firm to schedule a time to speak with a McKinney embezzlement lawyer.