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Embezzlement, Fraud & White Collar Property Crimes in Houston, TX
Understanding White Collar Property Crimes in Texas
Not all property crimes involve physical theft or burglary. Many are classified as white collar crimes—financial offenses that involve deception, fraud, or abuse of trust to obtain money or property. These offenses often overlap with property crime statutes in Texas Penal Code Chapter 32 (Fraud) and Chapter 31 (Theft).
Because they can involve large sums of money and multiple victims, white collar property crimes are aggressively investigated and prosecuted in Harris County and across Texas.
Common Types of White Collar Property Crimes
- Embezzlement – misappropriating funds entrusted by an employer or business partner
- Check Fraud – altering, forging, or passing bad checks
- Credit/Debit Card Abuse – unauthorized use of another person’s financial card
- Identity Theft – using another’s identifying information to obtain money, credit, or services
- Forgery – creating or altering documents with intent to defraud
- Insurance Fraud – false claims for financial gain
- Securities Fraud – deceptive practices in stock, investment, or business offerings
Penalties for Embezzlement, Fraud & Related Offenses
Value-Based Penalties
Like other property crimes, punishment often depends on the value of the property or money involved:
- Less than $2,500 – misdemeanor theft/fraud penalties
- $2,500–$30,000 – state jail felony (180 days–2 years in state jail, $10,000 fine)
- $30,000–$150,000 – third-degree felony (2–10 years in prison, $10,000 fine)
- $150,000–$300,000 – second-degree felony (2–20 years in prison, $10,000 fine)
- $300,000+ – first-degree felony (5–99 years or life in prison, $10,000 fine)
See Texas Penal Code Chapter 12.
Other Consequences
- Restitution orders requiring repayment to victims
- Loss of professional licenses (financial, legal, medical, real estate)
- Federal investigation if interstate or federal systems are involved
- Severe immigration consequences for non-citizens
Defenses to White Collar Property Crimes
Lack of Intent
Most fraud and embezzlement crimes require proof of intent to defraud. Showing lack of intent, mistake, or miscommunication can be a strong defense.
Ownership & Authorization Issues
In embezzlement cases, disputes often arise over whether a person had permission or authority to use funds.
Insufficient or Complex Evidence
White collar cases often involve financial records, audits, and digital evidence. We challenge the accuracy, interpretation, and handling of this evidence.
Unlawful Investigations
If evidence was obtained through unlawful searches, seizures, or subpoenas, it may be suppressed.
Immediate Steps After Being Accused
- Do not speak to investigators or employers without a lawyer present.
- Preserve records such as financial statements, contracts, emails, and correspondence.
- Avoid destroying documents—doing so can lead to obstruction charges.
- Hire a defense attorney early to control the narrative and manage the investigation.
Why Choose Cory Roth Law Office
Focused White Collar & Property Crime Defense
- Experience in embezzlement, fraud, and financial crime cases
- Detailed review of financial records and forensic evidence
- Strategic defenses tailored to Harris County courts and prosecutors
Related Houston Practice Areas
- Houston Property Crime Attorney
- Houston Theft Defense Attorney
- Houston Burglary Defense Lawyer
- Houston Robbery Defense Attorney
- Houston State Jail Felonies Attorney
Speak with Cory Roth Law Office Today
If you are accused of embezzlement, fraud, or another white collar property crime, your career, reputation, and freedom are at stake. We move quickly to challenge evidence, negotiate where possible, and defend aggressively in court.
Contact Cory Roth Law Office today for a confidential consultation.
When financial crime allegations threaten your future, trust a defense team that combines precision, strategy, and courtroom grit. Start your defense today.
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Preserve financial records, avoid destroying documents, and contact a defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights and shape the response strategy.
Common defenses include lack of intent, consent or authorization, mistaken identity, accounting or valuation errors, and suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence.
Yes. If the conduct involves interstate commerce, banks, securities, or federal programs, federal authorities may pursue separate charges, which often carry harsher penalties.
Penalties range from fines and probation to 5–99 years in prison for first-degree felonies, along with restitution, professional license loss, and reputational damage.
It depends on the amount. Embezzlement is punished according to the value taken—under $2,500 is typically a misdemeanor, while higher amounts can range from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies.
Fraud is using deception or misrepresentation to obtain money, property, or services. It covers offenses like credit card abuse, check fraud, insurance fraud, and securities fraud.
Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with money or property misappropriates it for personal use. It often involves employees or business partners taking company funds without permission.