Embezzlement Lawyer in San Antonio, TX

Seek Representation from a San Antonio Criminal Attorney

Embezzlement can be categorized as a kind of property theft. The offense involves an individual that was entrusted to someone and they end up stealing 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 ownership to take it for their own personal 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 are facing any type of embezzlement charges in the state of Texas, speak with a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer about your possible defenses.

Penalties of Embezzlement Offenses in Texas

The penalties for embezzlement crimes vary depending on the type of property along with the value of the property 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 10 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

How is an embezzlement crime aggravated in TX?

The penalties for embezzlement can be harsher if the defendant is facing 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 be facing the penalties of the category for property between $500-$1,500 (which includes fines of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail). In order 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

Need a lawyer for an embezzlement case in San Antonio, TX?

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 questions and discuss your specific case with us at no cost to you.