Embezzlement

Texas Attorneys Represent Clients Accused of Embezzlement

Defense lawyers in Rockwall and Wylie handle cases involving alleged asset misappropriation  

Being accused of embezzlement is a serious matter that can put your career, finances and reputation at risk. Whether the allegations stem from a workplace misunderstanding or a more complex financial dispute, you deserve an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the legal and procedural challenges these cases pose. At Grob & Associates Law Firm PC, our criminal defense lawyers represent clients throughout North Texas. With offices in Rockwall and Wylie, we have the skill, determination and experience to handle sophisticated cases involving the alleged misappropriation of assets. 

What is embezzlement under Texas law?

Within the Texas Penal Code, embezzlement falls under the broader category of theft. Specifically, embezzlement refers to the unlawful appropriation of property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of that property. In other words, when someone entrusted with lawful access to assets misuses or converts those assets for personal gain. This charge can stem from a single incident or an extended course of conduct.

Common allegations that give rise to embezzlement prosecutions include the following:

• Diverting company funds into personal accounts
• Falsifying payroll or expense reports
• Misusing a corporate credit card
• Retaining client payments instead of depositing them
• Selling company property and keeping the proceeds

Embezzlement bears many similarities to fraud, which is theft by deception, but is distinguished by the fact that someone accused of embezzlement originally had lawful access to, or control over, the assets at issue. 

Where alleged misappropriation of assets most often occurs

Certain work environments are more prone to embezzlement accusations, such as:

• Small businesses and family-owned companies, where a single trusted employee handles bookkeeping and financial control duties
• Charities and other nonprofit organizations where volunteers or staff manage funds
• Financial institutions, such as banks, accounting firms and investment offices
• Corporate settings, where employees manage accounts payable, payroll, or purchasing
• Public sector offices, including school districts or municipal departments, where oversight might be lax

Often, accusations arise from accounting discrepancies or internal audits rather than direct observation. A simple error or miscommunication can quickly escalate into a criminal investigation.

Potential penalties for embezzlement in Texas

The severity of an embezzlement charge in Texas depends largely on the value of the property involved. Under Texas law, embezzlement prosecutions follow the state’s theft value ladder, which sets penalties as follows:

• Under $100 — Class C misdemeanor(fine up to $500)
• $100 to $750 — Class B misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine)
• $750 to $2,500 — Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail, $4,000 fine)
• $2,500 to $30,000 — State jail felony (six months to two years in state jail, $10,000 fine)
• $30,000 to $150,000 — Third-degree felony (two to 10 years in prison)
• $150,000 to $300,000 — Second-degree felony (two to 20 years in prison)
• More than $300,000 — First-degree felony (five to 99 years or life imprisonment)

In addition to incarceration, prosecutors often pursue restitution orders in these cases. Defendants convicted of embezzlement also risk permanent damage to professional credibility, loss of licensing and long-term barriers to employment. 

Tailored defense strategies for embezzlement cases

Our criminal defense attorneys approach every embezzlement case with precision and discretion. We build your defense strategy based on a detailed review of key evidence, such as financial records and witness statements, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Some defenses frequently employed in embezzlement cases include the following:

• Absence of intent   
• Recording mistake misconstrued as theft
• Defendant’s right to funds or property under a business agreement
• Inadmissibility of evidence due to illegal searches or due process violations
• Excessive charge due to overstated value of the alleged loss

When appropriate, we also negotiate with prosecutors to seek dismissal, reduction of charges, or alternative resolutions such as restitution agreements, probation or diversion programs.

Our priority is always to protect your rights, minimize the disruption to your life and preserve your future opportunities.

Contact a Texas attorney for defense against an embezzlement charge

Grob & Associates Law Firm PC defends North Texas residents accused of embezzlement. To schedule a consultation at our Rockwall or Wylie office, please call 972-777-5701 or contact us online.