Embezzlement Attorney in Georgetown, TX
In Texas, embezzlement is a serious crime. Penalties increase with the amount of property stolen and range from misdemeanor charges with sentences as minimal as fines to felony charges that can result in years of imprisonment. A skilled Georgetown embezzlement lawyer who understands Georgetown embezzlement laws is essential to your case if you’re facing these charges. In many situations, working with an experienced Georgetown criminal defense lawyer early in the process can help protect your rights from the start.
Hire an Embezzlement Lawyer With Compassion in Georgetown, TX
At The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, we understand that sometimes people make mistakes. Unfortunately, though, some mistakes can lead to severe consequences. Our embezzlement attorney has experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, and she uses her experience in both of these roles when representing clients. Our personal service sets us apart from other criminal defense law firms in Georgetown, and we invite you to see the difference. As a seasoned Georgetown trial lawyer, Attorney Rojas is prepared to take your case into the courtroom when that is in your best interest.
Proving Embezzlement
There are certain elements that must exist for a charge of embezzlement to be valid. The following represents the four main components that must exist in an embezzlement case:
- A fiduciary or trusted relationship existed in which the defendant was in a trusted position of control over funds or property.
- A misappropriation of those funds or property occurred by the fault of the defendant.
- This occurred without the consent of the property owner.
- The defendant intentionally acted to deprive the owner of their property.
Embezzlement in Texas
In 2007, there were 499 embezzlement arrests in Texas, 13 of which were juvenile arrests. Fast-forward to 2023, and the United States Sentencing Commission reported that there were 503 individuals sentenced for fraud, theft, or embezzlement in Texas. Despite changing economic conditions and prevention efforts, the numbers have remained steady over the last 15 years, showing that embezzlement continues to persist as a problem for Texas prosecutors to pursue with maximum penalties.
This is why it is in the interest of those charged with embezzlement to have a seasoned and professional Georgetown embezzlement attorney represent their case. Having a private lawyer representing you can optimize the outcome of the end result of your case, especially when your charges overlap with complex property and financial issues that are also handled by a skilled Georgetown theft lawyer.
Texas Embezzlement Penalties
Texas Penal Codes § 31.02 and § 31.03 define embezzlement as a crime of theft. Penalties for a theft conviction are contingent on the amount of property that was involved in the illegal act. The values that determine the degree of charges, along with their respective potential penalties in Texas, are listed below:
- $1 – $99: Class B misdemeanor; up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000
- $100 – $749: Class A misdemeanor; up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000
- $750 – $2,499: State jail felony; from 180 days up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- $2,500 – $29,999: Third degree felony; from two years up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000
- $30,000 – $149,999: Second degree felony; from two years up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000
- $150,000 or more: First degree felony; from five years up to 99 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000
Other factors can also increase the degree of the criminal act. These factors increase the level of severity by one level. These are outlined below:
- The act was against an elderly individual.
- Two acts of theft occurred using two of the same type of government records.
- The crime involved forged money.
- The crime involved an attempt to purchase a property or service using forged money.
Why Choose Us?
When you hire an embezzlement lawyer from The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, you are hiring a top Georgetown embezzlement lawyer with experience in both prosecution and criminal defense. We are very familiar with both sides of the courtroom and can use our skills and knowledge to fiercely defend your case. We recognize that everyone makes mistakes, and we use all of our resources and energy to advocate for your rights. Everyone deserves fair due process.
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FAQs
What Is the Punishment for Embezzlement in Texas?
The levels of punishment for varying criminal categories in Texas start with 180 days in jail and up to $2,000 for embezzlement involving amounts up to $750, which are considered Class A misdemeanors, and go up from there. The value of the property involved in the alleged criminal act dictates the degree to which a crime is punished. Embezzlement charges in Texas are considered acts of theft and align with the same levels of severity as theft.
Can Embezzlement Be Settled Out of Court in Georgetown, TX?
Yes, embezzlement charges can be settled out of court. In order to settle embezzlement charges outside of court, you must employ the help of a qualified and experienced embezzlement attorney to represent you. A skilled attorney can communicate with the prosecution to negotiate a plea deal on behalf of the defendant in an effort to avoid the case going to trial. This can potentially keep an embezzlement case out of court.
Is Embezzlement Hard to Prove in Georgetown, TX?
Yes, embezzlement can be difficult to prove in many cases. For an embezzlement charge to become a conviction, the prosecution must present certain elements that establish that a crime of embezzlement was committed. With the help of a qualified embezzlement lawyer, the prosecution can have an even harder time proving embezzlement.
What Four Things Must Occur for There to Be a Case of Embezzlement?
Four things must occur for a case of embezzlement to be valid. First, there must be proof that a trust or relationship of fiduciary or a control of property or funds existed. Second, there must be proof of an appropriation of funds by the defendant. Third, it must be proven that the misappropriation of funds was done without the owner’s consent. Finally, the prosecution must prove that the defendant acted intentionally to deprive the victim of their property.
Connect With a Georgetown, TX Embezzlement Attorney
If you are facing embezzlement charges, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, has a successful track record with embezzlement cases. We want to represent your case, too, because we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Contact our office and schedule an appointment to meet with our top Georgetown embezzlement lawyer.
