Facing an embezzlement accusation can be overwhelming. If you’re in this situation, you’re probably feeling a mix of confusion, fear, and worry about the potential consequences. Being accused of white collar crime can seriously affect your personal life, career, and future. At McCarty Larson, PLLC, we understand these emotions, and we are here to help you through this difficult time. Embezzlement accusations are serious, but with the right guidance and legal strategy, you can navigate through this complex legal process.
When you choose McCarty-Larson, you're choosing a legal team that will stand by you every step of the way.
Understanding Embezzlement Charges in Texas
In Texas, embezzlement is often classified as a form of theft. It occurs when someone who is trusted with money or property misappropriates or converts it for personal use. This can happen in many situations, such as an employee stealing from their employer or someone entrusted with managing finances taking funds for themselves. The charges can be incredibly serious, with potential jail time and heavy fines depending on the amount involved and the circumstances surrounding the crime.
What to Do First
If you are accused of embezzlement in Texas, the first thing to do is not panic. It’s important to remain calm and avoid making any statements without legal representation. Law enforcement or prosecutors may try to pressure you into confessing or making admissions, but anything you say can be used against you later. Therefore, it’s essential that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights and advise you on the best course of action.
Do not speak to investigators, friends, or family about the case without legal advice. Even well-meaning conversations can be misinterpreted or used against you. By staying silent and seeking legal counsel, you ensure that you are not inadvertently making things worse.
Consulting with an Attorney
One of the most critical steps in this process is to hire an attorney who can represent your interests. Embezzlement cases are complex and require a thorough understanding of both criminal law and the specific facts of your case. An attorney will investigate the details of the accusation, examine evidence, and build a defense strategy based on the facts.
Your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf and may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed. In some cases, a skilled attorney can even argue for alternative sentencing options such as probation or restitution, instead of prison time. The earlier you get legal help, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Evaluating the Evidence Against You
Once you’ve hired an attorney, the next step is to carefully evaluate the evidence that the prosecution has against you. This will likely include financial records, witness testimonies, and other forms of documentation. A thorough examination of the evidence is necessary to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. If there are discrepancies or inaccuracies in the evidence, your attorney can challenge it in court.
In some cases, the prosecution might not have strong enough evidence to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. If this is the case, your attorney may argue for a dismissal or acquittal. Your attorney will guide you through this process, explaining the evidence and how it may impact your case.
Robin McCarty worked diligently with me to overcome a serious accusation. We collaborated together to unequivocally dismiss the charges with impunity. As is common when dealing with municipalities, this process took time and patience. Robin’s team was communicative, responsive and thoughtful while handling this intense situation. I highly recommend giving McCarty-Larson the opportunity to work through your case. - Pablo Valdes They help me through my divorce last year. It’s not easy mentally and physically but they had Great customer service any and every questions I had they answered my questions walk me through the whole process thank you and your team for all y’all did for me . What are you waiting for just call and see for yourself - Aaron Herrera From the first phone call late on a Friday afternoon to the successful out come of our legal issue, our family has had nothing but praises for the entire staff at McCarty-Larson. Always available, honest and upfront about the whole process. Mr. McCarty is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney with whom we always felt secure. And he genuinely cared about our family member. Robin and Natalie are a great team. Hayley was always very helpful too. Thank you to the entire staff and firm. - Neil Phillips Best in Ellis County! Daniel Morton, Amanda Nail, and the team at McCarty-Larson are incredibly responsive, ensuring quick and efficient handling of my case. Their staff was not only professional but also empathetic, guiding me through a challenging time. Despite the difficulties throughout my case, they prioritized my time, my needs, and got me a fair agreement that made everyone happy. Highly recommend for anyone navigating family legal matters. - Jillian Bailey
Understanding Possible Defenses
There are various defenses available in an embezzlement case. One of the most common defenses is to argue that you did not have the intent to steal. In many embezzlement cases, the accused may argue that they took the money or property by accident or without malicious intent. This defense can be effective if there is a lack of clear evidence that you intended to commit theft.
Another defense strategy could involve challenging the evidence. If the prosecution’s case relies on weak or incomplete evidence, your attorney might argue that there is not enough proof to secure a conviction. It is also possible that the alleged embezzlement was the result of a misunderstanding, or that there was a legitimate reason for the financial transactions in question.
Negotiating a Resolution
If the evidence against you is strong, your attorney may recommend negotiating a resolution with the prosecution. This could involve a plea bargain where you agree to certain terms in exchange for a reduced sentence. Plea bargains can often result in less severe penalties and may allow you to avoid the consequences of a full trial.
Your attorney will guide you through the negotiation process and ensure that your rights are protected. They will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.
Preparing for Trial
If a plea bargain or negotiated resolution is not possible, you and your attorney will prepare for trial. Preparing for an embezzlement trial involves gathering evidence, preparing witnesses, and crafting a defense strategy. Your attorney will help you understand what to expect during trial, what types of questions you may be asked, and how to present your side of the story.
Your defense attorney will work hard to ensure that all aspects of your case are thoroughly examined in court. This might include challenging the credibility of witnesses, questioning the validity of evidence, or demonstrating that the prosecution has failed to meet the burden of proof. In some cases, a trial may end with a not guilty verdict, allowing you to move on with your life.
The Importance of Timing
One of the most critical aspects of dealing with an embezzlement accusation is timing. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing a positive outcome. Contacting an attorney as soon as you are accused ensures that you have enough time to build a strong defense. If you wait too long to seek legal help, you may miss important opportunities to gather evidence or negotiate with the prosecution.
Having an attorney involved early in the process also helps you avoid making statements or taking actions that could hurt your case later on. Your attorney will help you navigate through each stage of the legal process with confidence, providing you with the support and guidance you need.
Moving Forward After an Embezzlement Charge
Being accused of embezzlement can have serious consequences, but with the right legal representation, you can fight the charges and protect your future. At McCarty Larson, PLLC, we are committed to helping individuals facing white collar crime charges in Texas. We understand that facing such an accusation can feel isolating, but we want you to know that we are here for you. Our experienced legal team will stand by your side every step of the way, working to get the best possible outcome for your case.
If you are accused of embezzlement in Texas, do not hesitate to contact us at McCarty Larson, PLLC. We are ready to help you defend your rights and secure a positive resolution. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin building your defense.