Texas Embezzlement Charges
Embezzlement is a kind of theft that applies when a person in a position of financial trust makes false statements about, misappropriates, or transfers property, funds, goods, or services in an unlawful manner. If, for instance, an accountant enriches himself or herself by using false pretenses, it amounts to embezzlement (and is a form of theft).
The Level of the Charge
In Texas, an embezzlement charge can range from a misdemeanor offense to a first-degree felony. Consider the following:
If the amount involved in the embezzlement charge is $1,500 or less, it is a misdemeanor that can carry up to $1,500 in fines and up to one year in jail.
If the amount involved in the embezzlement charge is between $1,500 and $20,000, it is a state jail felony that can carry up to 2 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
If the amount involved in the embezzlement charge is between $20,000 and $100,000, it is a third-degree felony that can carry from 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
If the amount involved in the embezzlement charge is between $100,000 and $200,000, it is a second-degree felony that can carry from 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
If the amount involved in the embezzlement charge is over $200,000, it is a first-degree felony that can carry from 5 to 99 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
Preparing Your Most Solid Defense
Texas takes embezzlement charges extremely seriously, which is why you should take crafting your legal defense just as seriously. The most important point to keep in mind, however, is that the prosecution, which is the state, is solely responsible for proving your alleged guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (it would be unreasonable for the jury to find otherwise). Your defense will likely involve one or more of the following:
Intent – You had no intention of depriving the owner of his or her property, funds, goods, or services.
Consent – The owner of the property, funds, goods, or services gave you overt or tacit consent to possess the items (or money) in question.
Error – You made an honest error in calculation, and there was no intent on your part to alter records or to hide any income.
Do Not Delay Consulting with an Experienced Killeen Criminal Lawyer Today
If you face embezzlement charges, it is in your best interest to seek the professional legal counsel of a dedicated criminal lawyer, and Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is standing by to help. Mr. Pritchard is an impressive criminal lawyer with an impressive track record who is committed to applying the full force of his considerable experience and skill in defense of your case’s best possible outcome. We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.