In our last criminal defense blog, we wrote about the meaning of the phrase “white-collar crimes,” as well as discussed some of the most common types of white-collar crimes. In this blog, we will focus more closely on embezzlement, which is a type of white-collar crime. Embezzlement involves the taking of property that does not belong to an individual when that individual has access to certain accounts or funds. Please continue reading and reach out to our seasoned Houston criminal defense attorneys to learn more about embezzlement charges, the consequences of those charges, and how our firm can help you fight them. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the penalties for embezzlement in Texas?
If you are currently facing embezzlement charges in Texas, there is a good chance that you are looking at very serious penalties. However, you should keep in mind that the penalties you face largely depend on the monetary value of what you allegedly stole. The penalties for embezzlement in Texas are as follows:
- For property stolen that was worth less than $50: This is a Class C misdemeanor, warranting a potential $500 fine.
- For property stolen that was worth anywhere between $50-$500: This is a Class B misdemeanor, warranting a potential $2,000 fine, as well as a potential 180-day jail sentence.
- For property stolen that was worth anywhere between $500-$1,500: This is a Class A misdemeanor, warranting a potential $4,000 fine and a 1-year jail sentence.
- For property stolen that was worth more than $1,500: This is a felony crime, warranting a potential 180 days in prison to life, depending on the amount that you allegedly stole.
Are there any defenses against embezzlement charges?
If you are someone who is currently facing embezzlement charges, you absolutely must retain the services of an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney who can defend you against those charges. Though the defense our firm uses largely depends upon the individual circumstances of your case, some of the potential defenses we may use are as follows:
- That you reasonably believed that you had implicit consent to take the property without asking.
- That you taking the property was a misunderstanding or due to a miscommunication. This sometimes occurs when individuals are in charge of managing the finances of an elderly person.
- That you did not realize what you were doing was stealing, or illegal.
For any additional questions, give us a call today.
Contact our experienced Houston firm
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.
