Dallas Embezzlement Lawyers
30 Years of In-Depth Experience
Embezzlement is a type of theft that occurs when an employee takes property that the employer entrusted to the employee. The employee takes the property for the individual’s own use and intends to permanently deprive the employer of the property. Embezzlement can occur in a variety of forms.
Some of the more common methods include issuing fake refunds to customers, writing checks from the employer’s funds, submitting checks to fake vendor invoices, adding family members to payroll, and lapping, which involves taking money from customer payments. If you are facing employee theft charges, call our office now to speak with a Dallas embezzlement lawyer before it’s too late.
Texas Embezzlement Law
In Texas, embezzlement is prosecuted under the crime of theft. A person is guilty if they unlawfully take property with intent to deprive the owner. This includes:
- Taking things without consent
- Receiving stolen property
- Taking stolen property from police custody
The penalty for theft depends on the value of property at issue. For example, it is a Class C misdemeanor if the property is value at less than $50. A Class C misdemeanor may result in a fine up to $500. On the other hand, it is a first degree felony if the property taken is valued at more than $200,000. A first degree felony is punishable by a minimum of five years in prison.
Examples of Employment & Embezzlement Cases
Embezzlement occurs throughout the country and Texas is no different. Every year there are numerous criminal cases involving embezzlement. Some of these cases involve millions of dollars of property allegedly taken.
Below is a list of a few of the more publicized embezzlement cases over the past few years:
- San Antonio man was sentenced to 63 months in prison for embezzling nearly $2 million from his former employer by writing checks to himself.
- Former CCO arrested for embezzling nearly $500,000 from former employer by issuing checks to pay for invoices that the vendors did not submit.
- Former campaign coordinator pleaded guilty to embezzling $1.8 million in campaign funds from Texas Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst.
- Former energy company executive allegedly embezzled $1.3 million by submitting “false invoices for fake projects in order to receive company funds for their own personal expenses to include personal travel, hotels, country club memberships, personal car restoration, fishing equipment and a hunting trip.”
Contact a Dallas Embezzlement Attorney
If you have been charged with embezzling funds from your former employer, contact an experienced embezzlement defense lawyer in Dallas today. Patrick J. McLain has experience defending individuals in a wide variety of criminal cases, including white collar crimes.
Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC today to schedule a consultation. We are available by phone 7 days a week and 24 hours a day at (214) 238-9392.