Embezzlement in Texas refers to the misappropriation or theft of funds or resources by an individual trusted with the responsibility to manage or oversee those assets. Exploiting your position of trust for personal gain constitutes a criminal offense.
Texas law classifies embezzlement as a theft offense, and the severity of the charges and potential penalties you face depend on the value of the assets allegedly misappropriated. If the value of the embezzled assets is relatively low, you may be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries less severe consequences. However, if the value of the misappropriated funds or property is significant, you may face felony charges, which entail more serious penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.
Points to consider about embezzlement charges
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must establish that you held a fiduciary relationship with the entity or individual from whom the assets were taken. This relationship could arise from your employment, partnership or other position of trust that allowed you access to the funds or property in question.
Additionally, the prosecution must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally and knowingly misappropriated the assets for your personal benefit, while being fully cognizant that such actions were not authorized. This is sometimes done by using the paper trail that typically comes along with an embezzlement charge.
There are many defense strategies possible for an embezzlement charge. Considering the specifics of the case and the evidence being presented may help you to determine how to proceed. Experienced legal guidance can help you explore all the possible defense strategies available to you.