Bryan-College Station Employee Theft Defense

In the state of Texas employee theft is generally considered a “white collar crime,” which means it is a crime committed by someone in a professional position or in a position of trust. Unfortunately, because of stereotypes surrounding “white collar criminals,” judges and prosecutors tend to be harsh when it comes to dealing with cases of employee theft in Bryan-College Station. Those who are accused of employee theft, for example, may face more severe penalties than people who are simply accused of shoplifting. Further, diversionary programs that allow you to avoid a permanent record of your criminal conviction may not be available when you’ve been accused of employee theft. So it’s crucial to retain a knowledgeable defense attorney to help you achieve a desirable outcome.

Arrested for Employee Theft in Bryan-College Station, Texas?

The actual consequences that you may face when you’ve been accused of employee theft will vary depending on what you are charged with by the police. There is no Texas law expressly making “employee theft” a crime distinct from other types of theft. As such, you may be charged under other criminal statutes including theft, burglary, forgery, and fraud. You may even be charged with operating or being part of an organized scheme to commit fraud, which can mean very serious penalties.

The amount of money (or property) stolen and the method by which it was taken will play the biggest role in determining which of these charges you face. The value of the stolen goods is also determinative in assessing what your potential sentence might be if convicted. For example, if the property appropriated was worth more than $150,000, the charge is a second degree felony. If the value is between $30,000 and $150,000, it’s a third degree felony theft. Anything worth more than $750, but less than $2,500, is Class A misdemeanor. There are special penalties for stealing firearms or even cattle or sheep.

In addition to jail time, a conviction will likely include an order of restitution to repay the employer for the amount of property stolen. Not only that, but you’d face fines as well – up to $10,000 for an felony degree charge.

Contact an Employee Theft Defense Lawyer!

The consequences of a conviction can be life-changing. This is true, not only because of potential fines and incarceration, but also because a criminal record for employee theft may make it difficult or impossible to get a good job in the future. With the stakes so high, it’s important to consult with a Bryan-College Station  employee theft defense attorney who is experienced in all aspects of criminal defense law.

My Firm can evaluate your case and help you to decide how to proceed. If we decide to accept representation in your case, rest assured you will have an experienced advocate on your side, fully prepared to go the distance to defend your legal rights. If the evidence against you is strong, for example, we may help you negotiate a plea bargain to minimize the penalties. If you allegedly stole goods instead of money, we may also assist in arguing for a lower valuation of the stolen items to reduce the charges you face.

Of course, a Bryan-College Station employee theft attorney can also leverage other tactics to help you avoid conviction altogether. For example, if the search that turned up the stolen property was illegal, the evidence may be thrown out due to a violation of your constitutional rights. Whatever your situation, having an experienced attorney will give you a chance to work toward getting the most positive outcome possible.

Call us today for a consultation so we can discuss how to best approach the charges against you.