Embezzlement
Embezzlement Defense in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
Embezzlement is when an employee withholds or steals money from their employer. This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
- Taking money from the cash register
- Forging financial documents
- Transferring money from the employer to one’s personal account
- Concealing important information
Any time that a person works to financially gain from their employer by illegal means, it is considered embezzlement. If a business owner suspects one of his employees, he will often initiate an investigation to find out who is responsible.
Embezzlement Penalties
Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code covers all charges and sentences associated with this type of crime. Some of the charges the accused could be facing include:
- Misdemeanor: Any amount stolen up to $1,499.99 will be charged in this way. Penalties for this charge include up to one year in jail.
- State jail felony: Any amount between $1,500 and $19,999.99 can earn a defendant a sentence of up to two years in a state jail.
- Third-degree felony: This covers thefts of $20,000 to $99,999.99. The sentencing for this charge is two to 10 years in prison.
- Second-degree felony: Embezzlement of $100,000 to $199,999.99 is charged this way. This can bring a sentence of two to 20 years in state prison.
- First-degree felony: This is the most serious charge associated with this crime and covers amounts over $200,000. A person who is convicted of this charge can spend five to 99 years in prison.
Those whose employment is considered to be in a public servant capacity will face stronger charges. This is because those placed in the public’s trust are held to a higher standard than those in the private sector.
Proving Intent
There are certain scenarios that must be proven for a case to be charged as embezzlement. Many employees may simply make mistakes, but this does not prove guilt. The prosecution must show that the defendant had the intent to actually steal from their employer. They also must show how the defendant gained or intended to gain financially from their activities. A skilled embezzlement defense attorney will examine the details of the case and show that this is not always the case. This can lead to a reduction in the charges or a dismissal of the case.
Get a Free Consultation With a Houston Embezzlement Lawyer
Greg Tsioros has worked with clients for years to make sure their rights are defended in the courtroom. His previous work as a prosecutor gives him the knowledge necessary to make sure clients get the best representation possible.
To schedule a free consultation, call the Law Office of Greg Tsioros today at (832) 752-5972.