Established San Antonio Attorney Defends Clients Against Embezzlement Charges

Dedicated embezzlement lawyer provides skillful representation for financial crime allegations

If you face a charge of embezzlement, a theft crime, you need a criminal defense attorney with the knowledge and skill to understand the complexities of your case and mount a highly competent defense. Kevin L. Collins, P.C. offers Texans in San Antonio and statewide determined defense representation for embezzlement allegations. With more than 27 years of experience as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer and a certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, I am able to provide you the advice and advocacy you deserve when facing serious charges.

Proven advocate handles serious white collar crime charges

Considered a white collar crime, embezzlement is charged when someone entrusted to manage or safeguard some person’s or entity’s money or other property uses it for their own personal gain, in violation of that trust. For instance, a trustee or guardian may embezzle from the person whose interests he is managing, a corporate officer may steal from his corporation, a stockbroker may embezzle funds she is given to invest, or a ranch hand may embezzle cattle. If you face any of these or other charges, it’s essential to have skilled defense representation.

Embezzlement penalties depend on amounts stolen and other factors

People convicted of embezzlement face jail or prison time, fines or both. Texas has a sliding scale of penalties that depend on the value of the money or property stolen: they range from a fine of $500 for the embezzlement of less than $50 to a prison term between five and 99 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for the embezzlement of $200,000 or more. Special rules apply to some types of property: stealing a driver’s license or personal ID card is punished by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000; the lowest level of punishment for embezzlement of livestock is 180 days to two years imprisonment and/or $10,000; and stealing an ATM card will get you one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the victim is an elderly person or a nonprofit organization, or the defendant is a public official, penalties increase.

When embezzlement becomes a federal case

Embezzlement is also illegal under federal law in some circumstances, such as the embezzlement of:

• Money and property of the federal government
• Tools and materials to be used to counterfeit
• Bank funds by bank examiners and bank employees
• Property mortgaged or pledged to farm credit agencies
• Property of organizations and programs receiving at least $10,000 in federal funds
• Artwork from a museum

The punishment for federal embezzlement depends on what is stolen and by whom but may be as much as 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

Bexar County attorney provides a skilled defense

If you are arrested or are being investigated for embezzlement, I can help. I may be able to show that the charge is due to a misunderstanding — that you didn’t intend to take what you’re accused of embezzling. I will work to gather evidence that clears you of the charge and bring it to the attention of the police and prosecutor. In even the toughest cases, I can work to reach a deal that may limit or eliminate incarceration, although you will still be required to pay back the money you embezzled.

Contact an experienced San Antonio defense attorney for an embezzlement charge

If you are accused of embezzlement, or under investigation, it’s important to get skilled legal help promptly. Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio represents Texans facing these serious charges. Call me at 210-598-8629 or contact me online for a consultation.