Are you facing embezzlement charges in Dallas, Texas? Your freedom, finances, and reputation may be on the line. Allegations of embezzlement can be particularly damaging, especially for professionals in positions of trust, such as accountants, executives, public officials, or employees with access to company funds.
At Texas Defense Firm, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys understand the stakes. We know that embezzlement charges are not always black and white. Whether you’re facing state or federal allegations, our goal is to level the playing field and build a defense to protect your future.
Contact us today at (469) 365-2228 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Dallas embezzlement lawyer.
Why Choose Texas Defense Firm to Handle Your Embezzlement Defense?
When you’re accused of a complex financial crime like embezzlement in Dallas, TX, experience matters. The attorneys at Texas Defense Firm bring 200+ years of collective experience handling white collar criminal cases throughout Texas.
Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers represent clients in embezzlement cases involving:
- Corporate executives accused of misappropriating company assets
- Bookkeepers and financial professionals alleged to have falsified records
- Employees blamed for cash discrepancies or unauthorized fund transfers
- Government contractors facing misuse of public funds accusations
- Non-profit organization staff members suspected of fund diversion
In embezzlement cases, our firm often works with forensic accountants, financial analysts, and digital evidence experts to challenge the prosecution’s case and uncover any flaws in their investigation.
Call us today to schedule a confidential case review with a Dallas embezzlement attorney.
What is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a type of theft that occurs when someone lawfully possesses or has control over another’s property or funds but unlawfully appropriates it for their own use. Unlike burglary or robbery, embezzlement doesn’t involve force or unauthorized access. Rather, it involves a breach of trust.
Embezzlement is prosecuted under Texas’s general theft statute (Texas Penal Code § 31.03), which defines theft as the unlawful taking of property with intent to deprive the owner of it. When the theft occurs within a fiduciary or employment relationship, it is often labeled as embezzlement. In many cases, embezzlement charges arise after an internal audit, a whistleblower complaint, or routine financial review uncovers alleged discrepancies.
Penalties for Embezzlement in Texas
The penalties for embezzlement in Texas vary based on the value of the property or money allegedly taken. The higher the amount, the more severe the potential consequences.
Under Texas law, theft offenses carry the following consequences:
- Less than $100 – Class C Misdemeanor – Fine up to $500.
- $100 to less than $750 – Class B Misdemeanor – Up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 fine.
- $750 to less than $2,500 – Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000 fine.
- $2,500 to less than $30,000 – State Jail Felony – 180 days to 2 years in state jail and/or up to $10,000 fine.
- $30,000 to less than $150,000 – Third-Degree Felony – 2 to 10 years in prison.
- $150,000 to less than $300,000 – Second-Degree Felony – 2 to 20 years in prison.
- $300,000 or more – First-Degree Felony – 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
Additional penalties may apply if the victim is a nonprofit organization, government agency, or elderly individual. In some cases, federal charges may also be filed.
Defenses Available in Embezzlement Cases
At Texas Defense Firm, our Dallas embezzlement lawyer will explore every possible defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case.
Potential defenses may include:
- Lack of intent. Embezzlement requires intentional appropriation. If the accused believed they had the right to use the funds or property, this could negate the necessary intent.
- Insufficient evidence. Many embezzlement cases are built on circumstantial evidence. If the prosecution cannot establish a clear link between the accused and the missing funds, the case may fall apart.
- Mistaken identity or false accusation. In corporate settings, multiple people may have access to the same accounts or systems. It’s not uncommon for one individual to be wrongfully blamed for another’s actions.
- Accounting errors. Discrepancies may result from bookkeeping mistakes rather than deliberate theft.
- Entrapment or coercion. In rare cases, an individual may have been pressured or manipulated into participating in financial misconduct.
Our legal team can evaluate the strongest defense strategies during a private consultation. Reach out today to schedule yours.
Contact Our Dallas Embezzlement Lawyers Today for an Initial Consultation
If you’re facing embezzlement charges or believe you are under investigation, it is critical to act quickly. Do not speak with investigators or auditors without legal counsel. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and limiting potential consequences.
At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys understand the complexity of financial crimes and are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Dallas embezzlement lawyer and begin building your defense.