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The fallout from the Enron scandal in 2007 has been the enactment of tougher laws and stiffer penalties for financial crimes committed by both big corporations and individuals. Federal and Texas prosecutors target financial fraud, embezzlement, and employee theft with a vengeance in response to the public’s hostility toward individuals accused of financial crimes.
Embezzlement and Employee Theft are the fraudulent taking of property by a trusted individual. Employee theft is when an employee takes something of value, either money or goods or services, from his or her employer through fraud or misrepresentation. It is not a crime of violence.
Embezzlement and employee theft, which is a form of embezzlement, are crimes defined under the larger umbrella of theft in the Texas Penal Code. Embezzlement and employee theft can be classified anywhere from a simple misdemeanor to a serious felony, usually depending on the amount of money, or the value of goods or services, alleged to have been stolen. Many embezzlement or employee theft cases are charged and prosecuted by state authorities, but more serious cases may be charged as federal crimes by the Department of Justice.
From complex schemes to defraud an employer to simply using a corporate credit card for personal use, each case and client that comes to Schiffer Law Firm gets the same detailed investigation and extensive preparation that is required to get indictments avoided, charges dismissed, charges reduced, acquittals from juries, or any other resolution that best serves the client.
Penalties for embezzlement and employee theft in both Federal courts and Texas state courts increase as the amount of loss increases and the number of alleged victims increases. In state cases, embezzlement and employee theft cases can carry a range of punishment anywhere from a class A misdemeanor for amounts under $1,500 (up to one year in jail) to a first degree felony for amounts over $200,000 (between five and ninety-nine years in jail).
If sophisticated means are alleged to have been used, a case may be prosecuted by the Department of Justice under Federal laws. Penalties are governed by the Federal sentencing guidelines, and often result in many months in a Federal prison. Complex financial crimes are usually prosecuted in the Federal courts, so a veteran defense attorney with experience trying these cases in the Federal court system can be the difference between prison and freedom.
By their nature, embezzlement and employee theft cases are document intensive, involving voluminous financial data. It is essential that you have an attorney who knows where to look, and what to look for, when preparing your defense. A comprehensive team approach using resources including computer experts, financial consultants, and forensic accountants helps us determine both the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, helping you obtain the best possible result.
You should never fight such serious charges as embezzlement and employee theft alone. If you or someone you love is being accused of this crime, call our firm immediately. Our defense team has over 40 years of combined defense experience, and has successfully defended embezzlement and employee theft cases before, in both state and Federal courts. We know what it takes to protect your rights.
It is also important that you have a defense attorney who will treat you with respect despite the charges against you. At Schiffer Law Firm, you will be welcomed openly and treated with dignity from the moment you contact us. We know that these are difficult times, and we will handle your case sensitively to make sure that you get through the process with the best possible result. Don’t wait any longer. The sooner you get in touch with us, the sooner we can begin to build your defense.
That’s a great question, but you won’t find the answer here. While there is nothing inherently secret about a great defense, some attorneys are simply better prepared, more creative, and more experienced than others. It’s that combination that makes our defense team so successful in defending these cases. A professional sports team, or an army preparing for battle, doesn’t disclose its strategy to the opposition. It is only through a confidential, in-person, meeting with our attorneys, where your information is protected by the attorney-client privilege and away from any prying wire taps or snooping law enforcement investigators, that we will discuss potential strategies that are tailored specifically for you.
Call today to set up a confidential in-office or virtual meeting.
The first thing you need to do is accept the situation. You have been charged with a crime, and yes, this is really happening. Having worked with thousands of clients throughout our attorneys’ careers, we understand thoroughly the storm of emotions that you may be feeling right now. Accepting the situation you are in will allow you to make rational decisions moving forward.
Now that you’ve accepted the reality of your situation, it is imperative that you maintain a clear head and stay in control of your emotions. In far too many situations, we see clients betrayed by their emotions, which negatively impacts their own defense. Panic, anxiety, and second-guessing everything is the soil where bad legal strategy and decision making grows.
If you find yourself stressing about your situation, do what you can to calm yourself down. If you find that you need to talk with someone, please call us. We’ll discuss what’s going on and help you get a clear picture of your situation.
