Dallas Embezzlement Defense Lawyer

What does a Dallas embezzlement lawyer do?

A Dallas embezzlement lawyer defends people accused of misusing money or property they were trusted to manage. These charges carry serious penalties in Texas, from fines to decades in prison, depending on the amount involved. At Varghese Summersett, our criminal defense team has defended hundreds of clients facing white-collar criminal charges in Dallas County and federal court. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, call 214-903-4000 for a free consultation.

What is embezzlement under Texas law?

Embezzlement occurs when someone intentionally takes money or property they were legally allowed to access but uses it for personal gain. Under Texas Penal Code Chapter 31, embezzlement falls under theft offenses because it involves unlawfully appropriating property with intent to deprive the owner.

The key element that separates embezzlement from other theft crimes is the trust relationship. An embezzler had lawful access to the assets before stealing them. Common examples include a bookkeeper transferring company funds to personal accounts, an executive filing fake expense reports, or an employee pocketing cash from a register.

State theft laws protect private money, while federal laws under 18 U.S.C. § 641 protect public money, defined as “anything of value of the United States.” This means embezzling from a government agency or federally insured bank triggers federal prosecution.

How is embezzlement different from fraud?

The difference comes down to access. In embezzlement cases, the accused had legal authority to handle the money or property before misappropriating it. In fraud cases, the person never had legitimate access and used deception to obtain assets.

For example, a company accountant who diverts payroll funds to a personal account commits embezzlement. A scammer who tricks someone into wiring money to a fake account commits fraud. Both are serious crimes, but prosecutors must prove different elements for each.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in Dallas?

Texas punishes embezzlement based on the value of the property or money taken. The penalties increase dramatically as the dollar amount rises.

Amount Embezzled	Classification	Maximum Fine	Potential Incarceration
Less than $100	Class C Misdemeanor	$500	None
$100 to $750	Class B Misdemeanor	$2,000	Up to 180 days in jail
$750 to $2,500	Class A Misdemeanor	$4,000	Up to 1 year in jail
$2,500 to $30,000	State Jail Felony	$10,000	180 days to 2 years in state jail
$30,000 to $150,000	Third-Degree Felony	$10,000	2 to 10 years in prison
$150,000 to $300,000	Second-Degree Felony	$10,000	2 to 20 years in prison
$300,000 or more	First-Degree Felony	$10,000	5 to 99 years in prison

Beyond criminal penalties, embezzlement convictions often result in civil lawsuits from victims seeking restitution. A felony conviction also creates lasting consequences, including difficulty finding employment, losing professional licenses, and losing the right to vote or own firearms.

What are the federal sentencing guidelines for embezzlement?

Federal embezzlement cases follow Section 2B1.1 of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Most federal embezzlement convictions carry a statutory maximum of 10 years, with a base offense level of six.

The primary factor driving federal sentences is the loss amount, whether actual or intended. Prosecutors consider not just what was stolen but what the defendant attempted to steal. This intended loss amount counts as relevant conduct that increases sentencing calculations.

Several factors can enhance federal sentences beyond the base level. These include cases involving 10 or more victims, targeting charitable or political organizations, causing substantial financial hardship to five or more victims, or exploiting government agencies.

Criminal history also affects sentencing. Even defendants without extensive prior records can face multiple years in federal prison when enhancements apply. While federal judges have discretion to sentence above or below the guidelines, they remain the starting point for every case.

How do Dallas embezzlement lawyers build a defense?

Defending embezzlement charges requires fast action. The earlier a defense attorney gets involved, the better the chances of shaping how prosecutors view the case, sometimes before charges are even filed.

The first priority is reviewing all financial records that track the money allegedly involved. This includes bank statements, accounting ledgers, expense reports, and any documentation showing how funds moved. A forensic analysis can reveal whether transactions have innocent explanations that investigators missed.

Defense attorneys also interview coworkers, supervisors, and anyone who interacted with the accused professionally. Federal agents often speak with only a handful of witnesses during investigations. Those witnesses may misunderstand accounting procedures, have personal conflicts with the defendant, or harbor ulterior motives. Uncovering these issues can undermine the prosecution’s narrative.

The goal is establishing alternative explanations for the financial activity. Maybe the defendant had authorization that wasn’t properly documented. Perhaps accounting errors created a false appearance of theft. In some cases, the actual embezzler is someone else entirely, and the defendant is being scapegoated.

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Should I talk to investigators before hiring a lawyer?

No. If federal agents or local detectives contact you about an embezzlement investigation, politely decline to answer questions and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, even statements you believe are exculpatory.

Investigators are trained to elicit incriminating responses. What seems like a casual conversation is often a calculated interview designed to lock you into statements that can later be used at trial. Even innocent people make inconsistent statements under pressure, and prosecutors use those inconsistencies to argue consciousness of guilt.

At Varghese Summersett, we handle communications with investigators on behalf of our clients. This protects you from self-incrimination while preserving your ability to cooperate strategically if that serves your interests.

What recent embezzlement cases have occurred in North Texas?

Embezzlement investigations in the Dallas area range from small-scale employee theft to sophisticated schemes involving millions of dollars. Recent cases illustrate the variety of conduct prosecutors pursue.

In December 2022, a 74-year-old Lewisville woman pleaded guilty to embezzling $29 million while working as a family estate’s bookkeeper. The scheme spanned years before detection.

That same year, two Dallas men, ages 54 and 56, pleaded guilty to stealing $2.9 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Because the crime involved a federal agency, they faced federal prosecution.

Even older cases can result in serious consequences. In October 2022, a 72-year-old Dallas man who fled to Taiwan in 1992 after being convicted of multiple financial crimes, including five counts of embezzlement, was extradited back to the United States and sentenced to 33 months in prison.

Why choose Varghese Summersett for embezzlement defense?

Embezzlement cases demand attorneys who understand both criminal law and complex financial transactions. Our team at Varghese Summersett includes former prosecutors, board-certified criminal law specialists, and attorneys with decades of experience handling white-collar cases in state and federal court.

We have the resources to conduct thorough independent investigations, retain forensic accountants when necessary, and challenge the government’s financial analysis. With over 70 team members across four Texas offices, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Southlake, we have the capacity to take on complex cases that smaller firms cannot handle effectively.

Our attorneys have earned more than 1,100 five-star reviews from clients we’ve represented. We understand that facing criminal charges is one of the most stressful experiences of your life, and we treat every client with the respect and attention their case deserves.

Frequently asked questions about Dallas embezzlement charges

Can embezzlement charges be dropped?

Yes. Embezzlement charges can be dropped or dismissed if the defense successfully challenges the evidence, demonstrates the defendant’s innocence, or negotiates with prosecutors before trial. Early intervention by an experienced attorney increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Is embezzlement always a felony in Texas?

No. Embezzlement of less than $2,500 is charged as a misdemeanor in Texas. Once the amount reaches $2,500 or more, prosecutors file felony charges. The specific felony level depends on the total value embezzled.

What is the statute of limitations for embezzlement in Texas?

For felony embezzlement in Texas, prosecutors generally have five years from the date of the offense to file charges. However, the clock may start later if the crime wasn’t discovered immediately, and federal cases may have different timelines.

Can I go to jail for a first-time embezzlement offense?

Yes. Even first-time offenders can face jail or prison time for embezzlement, depending on the amount involved. State jail felonies carry mandatory minimum sentences of 180 days. Felony convictions involving larger amounts can result in years of incarceration regardless of prior criminal history.

What should I do if I’m accused of embezzlement at work?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately before speaking with anyone, including your employer, HR, or investigators. Do not try to explain yourself, return money, or access any company systems. Your attorney can advise you on the best course of action to protect your rights.

Contact a Dallas embezzlement lawyer today

If you’re under investigation or facing embezzlement charges in Dallas, time matters. The earlier you involve an experienced defense attorney, the more options you’ll have. Our team can intervene during the investigation phase, challenge questionable evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call the Dallas office of Varghese Summersett at 214-903-4000 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case.