San Antonio Embezzlement Lawyer

Experienced Representation Against Embezzlement Charges in Texas

In the realm of financial crimes, embezzlement stands as a serious offense with far-reaching consequences. At The Law Office of John J. Fox, we comprehend individuals' challenges when facing embezzlement charges. If you find yourself amid legal complexities in San Antonio, our firm is dedicated to offering adept legal assistance. In this detailed exploration, we delve into the intricacies of embezzlement, the potential penalties in Texas, and viable defenses to safeguard your rights.

Call The Law Office of John J. Fox today at (210) 460-1221 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our embezzlement attorney in San Antonio!

What is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement can be categorized as a kind of property theft. The offense involves an individual entrusted to someone, and they steal all or part of the money or property. The key to an offense being considered embezzlement is that the defendant had legal access to the money or property from the owner but did not have the ownership to take it for their gain. The act would be considered stealing, and then adding the element of violating a position of trust makes the crime embezzlement. An example of embezzlement would be a bank teller taking money from an account. A bank teller has legal access to handle money in people's accounts but not to take it for themselves. If you face embezzlement charges in Texas, speak with a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer about your possible defenses.

What are the Penalties for Embezzlement in Texas?

The penalties for embezzlement crimes vary depending on the property type and the property's value or money stolen. The penalties can also change according to the status or age of the victim and/or defendant. Under Texas Statutes & Code Ann. Section 31.03, the breakdown of embezzlement penalties, follows these guidelines:

Property or Money Worth:

• Under $50
  • Fines of up to $500
• Between $50 and $500
  • Fines of up to $2,000
  • A jail sentence of up to 180 days
• Between $500 and $1,500
  • Fines of up to $4,000
  • A jail sentence of up to one year
• Between $1,500 and $20,000
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • A minimum of 180 days in jail and a maximum of two years in prison
• Between $20,000 and $100,000
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • A prison sentence between one and ten years
• Between $100,000 and $200,000
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • A prison sentence between two and 20 years
• $200,000 and over
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • A prison sentence between five and 99 years

When is an Embezzlement Crime Aggravated in Texas?

The penalties for embezzlement can be harsher if the defendant faces an aggravated offense. The penalties for the crime will be increased to the next higher category. For example, if someone stole $200, but the offense is aggravated, they would face the penalties for the category for property between $500-$1,500 (which includes fines of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail). For an offense to be aggravated, it must include one or more of the following factors:

• The victim of the crime was an elderly person, 65 years or older
• The victim of the crime was a nonprofit organization
• The defendant in the case is a public servant
• The defendant in the case was in a contractual relationship with the government during the time of the offense

Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges

When facing embezzlement charges, robust defense is imperative to protect your rights. While every case is unique, some common defenses may be employed to challenge the allegations:

• Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that there was no intent to misappropriate funds is a powerful defense. If the accused can establish that the actions were accidental or lacked criminal intent, it may weaken the prosecution's case.
• False Accusations: Embezzlement cases may arise from misunderstandings, personal vendettas, or false accusations. Providing evidence that the allegations are baseless or motivated by ulterior motives can be a compelling defense.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence is a fundamental defense strategy. If the evidence linking the accused to the embezzlement is weak or circumstantial, it may doubt the case's validity.
• Procedural Errors: A skilled defense attorney may identify errors or irregularities in the legal proceedings, leading to the dismissal or reduction of charges.

Contact Our San Antonio Embezzlement Attorney Today

If you are facing an embezzlement crime or even an aggravated offense, the attorneys at The Law Office of John J. Fox may be able to help you. San Antonio Criminal Attorney John J. Fox has nearly 20 years of experience helping clients fight against charges in their criminal cases. He is skilled at building strong cases for his clients and fighting for their rights in court. Our firm also offers a free case evaluation, so you can call to ask que

Contact The Law Office of John J. Fox today to schedule a meeting with our embezzlement lawyer in San Antonio!