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Rolando Cantu is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu. He is committed to providing aggressive and high level legal representation—successfully defending clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses. He works on every case as a priority with personal attention, while prioritizing their needs. 

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Embezzlement charges: what you need to know

August 27, 2022

Embezzlement charges: what you need to know

If you are facing embezzlement charges, you need to know what is at stake. Embezzlement is a serious crime, and if convicted, you could be facing years in prison and large fines. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of embezzlement charges: what it is, what the penalties are, and how to defend yourself against these charges.


This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace legal advice. If you are facing embezzlement charges, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case.

1. What is embezzlement and what are the penalties for it?

Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person who has been entrusted with that property. Embezzlement  is a serious crime, and the penalties for it can be severe. There are many types of embezzlement, just like:


  • Fraudulent appropriation of property
  • Misappropriation of funds
  • Embezzlement of inventory
  • Theft by conversion
  • Money laundering


The penalties for felony embezzlement will depend on the specific type of offense and the value of the property that was stolen. However, in general, the penalties for embezzlement can include:


  • Imprisonment
  • Fines
  • Restitution (paying back what was stolen)
  • Probation
  • Community service


For example, in Texas, the punishment for embezzlement can range from a misdemeanor charge (for property valued at less than $500) to a first-degree felony charge (for property valued at $200,000 or more).


Felony embezzlement charges can also lead to the loss of your professional license, if you have one. For example, if you are a doctor and you are convicted of felony embezzlement, you will lose your medical license.

In some cases, embezzlement charges can be brought against a person who has not actually stolen anything. Stolen property can be recovered in some cases, but this is not always possible. If the property has been sold or otherwise transferred, it may be difficult or impossible to get it back. This can be a major problem if the property is valuable, such as a piece of art or jewelry.


Even if the property can be recovered, the victim may not be able to get back all of the money that was stolen. For example, if a person embezzled $100,000 but the property is only worth $50,000, the victim will only be able to get $50,000 back.


Texas embezzlement laws are complex, and the penalties can be severe. here are some examples of cases where people have been charged with embezzlement:


  • For misdemeanor embezzlement , the offender will face a jail sentence of up to one year and/or a fine of $1000.
  • Theft by embezzlement is a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2000.
  • Money laundering is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $500,000.


The punishment for embezzlement will depend on the type of offense and the value of the property stolen.


If you are accused of embezzlement, it is important to understand the charges against you and to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you defend your rights.


If you are convicted of embezzlement, you will have a felony record. This can make it difficult to find a job, housing, or get a loan. A felony conviction can also lead to the loss of your professional license. An embezzlement conviction can be devastating to your life and your career.

2. What should you do if you are accused of embezzlement?

If you are accused of embezzlement, it is important to take the accusation seriously and seek out experienced legal help. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and develop a defense strategy. Embezzlement cases can be complex, and an experienced attorney will know how to investigate the case and build a strong defense.


There are other things you can do as well to help your case. For example, you should:


  • Gather evidence that shows you are innocent
  • Stay calm and avoid talking to anyone about the case (except for your attorney)
  • Do not try to destroy or hide any evidence
  • Be prepared for a long legal battle


Embezzlement charges are serious, and you need to take them seriously. Seek out experienced legal help and do everything you can to defend yourself against these charges.

3. How can you defend yourself against embezzlement charges?

If you are facing embezzlement charges, it is important to know your rights and how to defend yourself. There are many defenses to embezzlement charges, and the best defense will depend on the facts of your case. Some common defenses to embezzlement charges include:


  • You did not intend to steal the property.
  • You did not actually steal the property.
  • The property was not actually stolen.
  • You had permission to use the property.
  • You did not know that the property was stolen.
  • You were coerced into taking the property.
  • The statute of limitations has expired. (This is the time limit for bringing charges)


Which defense is best for your case will depend on the facts of your case. Embezzlement charges are serious, and if you are convicted, you could be facing years in prison and large fines. However, there are defenses available, and an experienced attorney can help you develop the best defense strategy for your case. Contact an attorney today to get started on your defense.

4. Can an attorney help you avoid or reduce the penalties for embezzlement charges?

If you are facing embezzlement charges, it is important to know your rights and how to defend yourself. There are many defenses to embezzlement charges, and the best defense will depend on the facts of your case. Some common defenses to embezzlement charges include:


The short answer is: maybe. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the evidence that will be used against you. They can also help you develop a defense strategy and negotiate with prosecutors. In some cases, an attorney may be able to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed. However, whether or not an attorney can help you will depend on the facts of your case.


However, even if an attorney cannot get the charges against you reduced or dismissed, they can still help you avoid the harshest penalties. For example, if you are facing a felony charge, an attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors for a plea deal that includes probation instead of prison time. Or, if you are facing a misdemeanor charge, an attorney may be able to negotiate for a sentence that includes community service instead of jail time.


In any case, you still have to pay restitution if you are convicted of embezzlement. This is the money that you will have to pay back to the victim of your crime. The amount of restitution will depend on the value of the property that was stolen.


After you are charged with embezzlement, you can still take steps to reduce the penalties you are facing. Seek out experienced legal help, and be prepared to fight for your rights.


Embezzlement charges can have serious consequences, but there are defenses available. If you are accused of embezzlement, seek out experienced legal help immediately.

5. Criminal Defense Attorney for embezzlement charges

Being accused with an embezzlement charge is a very serious offense that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you've been accused, it's essential to seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney.


At The Law Office of Rolando Cantu, we have extensive experience defending our clients against embezzlement charges. We will thoroughly investigate your case and build a strong defense to get the best possible outcome. We provide an excellent attorney-client relationship and will keep you informed throughout every step of your case.


Call us today at
(956)-267-9898 for a free consultation or contact us online to schedule an appointment. Let us help you get through this difficult time.

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