Embezzlement is generally considered a “white collar” crime because it usually involves people in a position of trust who have access to money flowing through a business.
Sometimes, embezzlement is a crime of opportunity. The temptation can be overwhelming to take a small bit for yourself when you’re handling huge sums of cash for anonymous people. Most of the time, however, embezzlement is driven by other forces, like mental illness, drug addiction or mounting debts.
If you made a mistake and have been charged with embezzlement, it doesn’t have to destroy your entire future. You do need to understand, however, the depth of the charges you are facing.
While your defense attorney will try to mitigate the charges against you along with any consequences of a conviction, the prosecution could be equally aggressive about finding ways to enhance your punishment through aggravating factors.
What are aggravating factors in Texas?
Texas law actually specifically defines certain factors that can lead to increased penalties for embezzlement. These include:
- Embezzlement from a non-profit organization
- Embezzlement from a government agency (at any level)
- Embezzlement from an elderly person
If any of these are involved in your situation, you can absolutely expect the prosecutor to take a hardline approach to your case.
What can you do if you’re facing embezzlement charges?
If you’re already facing charges, you need to start working right away on a strategic approach to your defense with your criminal defense attorney. If you suspect that charges are coming, you should speak with an experienced defense attorney immediately. What you do next could have a huge influence on the outcome of your case. A proactive approach is the best approach in these kinds of situations.
