Theft & Embezzlement Defense

Theft & Embezzlement Defense

How Texas Grades Theft and Embezzlement

The state of Texas doesn’t differentiate between different forms of theft. Rather, the severity of the consequences is determined by the item you stole and its value.

Theft is a broad classification, and the crimes most commonly committed under it are embezzlement, larceny, shoplifting, writing bad checks, or buying stolen property. However, you can be charged for any crime where you take another person’s property without their permission and deprive them of it. If you’ve been accused of theft, you will need an experienced defense attorney to avoid serious prison time, safeguard your financial assets, and protect your professional reputation from the stigma associated with a theft or embezzlement charge.

Texas Theft and Embezzlement Penalties

In Texas, the severity of your punishment depends on the value of the item you stole.

Class C Misdemeanor: This is applied in instances of petty theft. If the amount you stole is less than $50 you may receive a fine of up to $500 and be sentenced to community service. However, you won’t do any jail time.

Class B Misdemeanor: If you steal something valued between $50 and $500 you may be fined up to $2,000 and spend no more than 180 days in county jail.

Class A Misdemeanor: This is applied for theft of an object or money valued over $500 and under $1,500. You may be expected to pay up to $4,000 in fines and spend one year in county jail.

Once an individual steals more than $1,500, it becomes a felony, and the consequences are much more severe.

State Jail Felony: You may be charged with this felony if the items you stole were valued between $2,500 and $30,000. The fine for this crime can be as much as $10,000. You may also be sentenced to up to 2 years in jail.

Third Degree Felony: If the property you stole was worth between $30,000 and $150,000 you may be forced to pay up to $10,000 and could spend up to 10 years in jail.

Second Degree Felony: If the property you stole was valued at more than $150,000 and less than $300,000 you may be ordered to pay up to $10,000 in fines, and face incarceration for up to 20 years.

Embezzlement

This crime is perpetrated by those that are entrusted to manage another person or company’s money, and they use the funds they were legally granted access to in an unauthorized capacity. In addition to the penalties the defendant incurs, if found guilty, they may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim.