Houston Embezzlement Lawyer

Houston Embezzlement Attorney

Embezzlement is a serious white collar crime that can change your life. Being arrested for embezzlement can be frightening, both due to the uncertainty of what comes next and the potential for harsh penalties. By working with a Houston embezzlement lawyer, you can receive trusted guidance and start building a powerful defense against your charges.

Why Work With Us?

With over 5,000 clients, Greco Neyland, PC is an established Houston Law Firm. Our firm is comprised of attorneys with years of experience, including experience as a former prosecutor. We are also a part of several professional organizations, including the National Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

An Overview of Embezzlement

Texas’s embezzlement laws treat embezzlement as a form of theft, as it involves unlawfully taking property from its rightful owner. However, embezzlement is unique because it involves fraudulent or deceptive methods of diverting funds for personal use. Often, embezzlement involves a business or organization whose funds are being misused.

In the United States, there were 4,804 federal cases involving theft, property destruction, and fraud. Some of these cases involved embezzlement. Embezzlement cases can either be state or federal charges depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if the case involved sending money between states or countries, it is likely handled at the federal level.

In Houston, most embezzlement case hearings are held at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin St., Houston.

Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in Houston

The consequences of a Texas embezzlement offense can vary because the seriousness of the offense depends on the amount of money embezzled and the circumstances of the case. The value of the property embezzled directly impacts how these cases are classified, with Class C misdemeanors involving less than $100 and first-degree felonies involving $300,000 or more.

Some of the different types of penalties that are often ordered in an embezzlement case include:

• Imprisonment: Time in jail or prison is an extremely common penalty, especially for cases involving a large amount of embezzled property. The most severe cases are punishable by between five and 99 years or life in prison.
• Fines: It is common for the court to order you to pay fines. These can be hundreds to thousands of dollars and are required in addition to other financial penalties, such as restitution.
• Restitution: Restitution involves paying victims of embezzlement for their losses. This may include the embezzled funds and payment for any other measurable financial losses suffered due to the offense.
• Probation: Probation is common in embezzlement cases. In certain lower-level cases, probation may be ordered in lieu of jail time, while for more serious offenses, probation may be served in addition to jail or prison time.
• A permanent criminal record: Having an embezzlement conviction on your permanent criminal record can be devastating. This record can create consequences on your career and professional reputation. In many cases, it makes it more difficult to obtain a job or get certain professional licenses.

Why You Should Hire an Embezzlement Lawyer

An embezzlement allegation can leave you confused about complex financial records, unsure about your rights, and stressed about the future consequences. A Houston embezzlement lawyer can help you:

• Protect your rights: Embezzlement cases often involve extensive investigations. During this process, it can be difficult to know what you are required to do and what you can refuse to participate in. A lawyer can explain your rights, such as your right to remain silent and your right against unlawful searches and seizures.
• Build a strong defense: Just because you have been charged with embezzlement does not mean you are automatically found guilty. A lawyer can develop a defense that improves your likelihood of a favorable outcome. A strong defense relies on having accurate, reliable evidence to support your case, while also identifying weaknesses in the prosecution.
• Advocate for positive outcomes: While no lawyer can guarantee a particular result, their thorough preparation, consistent advocacy, and defense strategy can improve your chances of a positive outcome. They can also represent you in court so that your arguments are accurately presented to the judge and jury. Overall, their work may help you achieve outcomes such as:
  • Dismissed charges
  • Reduced charges
  • Reduced penalties
  • Not guilty verdict

FAQs About Houston, TX Embezzlement Laws

How Much Embezzlement Is a Felony in Texas?

Under Texas’s embezzlement laws, embezzlement becomes a felony if it involves property valued at $2,500 or more. Other circumstances may also cause an offense to be classified as a felony even if the amount of property is below $2,500, such as if you have two or more prior theft offenses.

Can You Avoid Jail Time for Embezzlement in Houston?

It is possible to avoid jail time for embezzlement in certain circumstances in Houston, though this is not always possible. If you are convicted of embezzlement, whether or not you are sentenced to jail depends on the offense level, amount involved, criminal history, and other circumstances. Cases involving no criminal history and a low amount of embezzled funds are more likely to avoid jail.

Are Embezzlement Cases Hard to Prove in Houston?

Embezzlement cases can be challenging to prove in Houston because financial records can be difficult to analyze and may leave gaps. Prosecutors must prove every aspect of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, which may be difficult or impossible depending on how much evidence is available. If you hire an embezzlement lawyer, they can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can be used in your defense, making it even harder for the prosecution to succeed.

What Happens to Someone Who Embezzled Money in Houston?

If someone embezzled money in Houston, they are likely going to be arrested and investigated. If they are then convicted of embezzlement, they may be sentenced, which can involve imprisonment, fines, restitution, and other penalties. Even after a sentence has been completed, they may still be impacted by the criminal charge because the conviction is on their permanent criminal record.

Speak With a Houston Embezzlement Attorney

Contact Greco Neyland, PC to schedule a case consultation where you can discuss your embezzlement case with an experienced Houston embezzlement attorney.