6 Qualities to Look for in Embezzlement Defense Lawyers

In Texas, people who embezzle money or assets might face hefty fines and even imprisonment. However, there are ways of defending yourself against criminal charges, especially if you have a competent embezzlement defense lawyer well-versed in embezzlement prevention strategies. The best attorneys have good qualifications, a lot of experience, connections in the legal field, excellent communication skills, and compassion. They are honest and upfront, which is why they come highly recommended.

6 Qualities to Look for in an Embezzlement Defense Lawyer

1. Good Qualifications and a High Level of Experience 

Always choose a lawyer who has the appropriate qualifications and who has worked in the legal field for more than a few years. While young attorneys can be aggressive and motivated, they are unlikely to have the experience necessary to protect you from embezzlement charges. The state and federal laws surrounding this crime are complex, and coming up with an appropriate defense is challenging. 

To get started, you can look at the biographies of local lawyers online. Check their educational background to see whether they attended reputable institutions, such as the Boston College Law School or the University of Houston Law Center, and find out whether they belong to reputable professional organizations.

2. Connections to Other Lawyers in the Local Area

When you start your search, look for a firm with multiple lawyers. If several people work as a team, it's more likely that they each have a specialization, so you'll receive the targeted advice you need. What's more, the attorneys can help each other, so if your lawyer has a question or needs advice, they can turn to their colleagues.

3. Good Communication Skills 

There are several ways you can defend yourself against embezzlement charges. For example, your lawyer might argue that you did not intend to conceal income or alter your books or that you had the owner's permission when accessing the property. To make sure your arguments are strong, your lawyer has to be an excellent communicator, and they must know how to negotiate exceptionally well. 

You can easily find out whether an attorney is a good communicator by analyzing the way they interact with you during the initial consultation. Are they able to explain complex concepts in a way you can understand? Are they friendly and convincing? If the lawyer appears sincere and makes good arguments, they will likely be able to negotiate well on your behalf.

4. Honest and Upfront 

On average, a criminal defense attorney costs $200 per hour, and the more experienced lawyers can cost even more. If your case is complex, this can quickly add up to many thousands of dollars. To make sure you're not overpaying, check the fee structure with your attorney in advance. They might ask you to pay them by the hour, or they might agree to a flat fee for the case.

Either way, you must select a lawyer who is honest and upfront about their prices and what you can expect from them. Don't choose someone who sugarcoats the situation. Instead, go with a lawyer who is kind but honest about the cost of legal defense and your chances of success.

5. Compassionate 

Just because a lawyer is honest doesn't mean they have to be impolite. Facing embezzlement charges can be scary, and you might be worried about how your life will change if your defense is unsuccessful. For this reason, you'll need an attorney who is aggressive with the plaintiff but kind and compassionate with you. 


The best lawyers know how to make you feel at ease. They will show you early on how they can defend you and have the charges brought against you dropped. What's more, they will answer all your questions and guide you through the legal process. At every stage, they will let you know what you can expect and show you how to best conduct yourself, so you make a good impression and increase your chances of success. 

6. Recommendations from Past Clients and Professional Bodies

Although most embezzlement defense lawyers in Houston, TX appear professional and motivated, it's hard to tell how good they are until you've had first-hand experience working with them. A great way of getting extra insight is through customer reviews and testimonials. The people who have worked with the attorneys can tell you whether communication was smooth, the fee structure was fair, and the outcome was positive. 

Reading through the online reviews is a good start, but if you want to find out even more, you can speak to previous clients directly. Don't be afraid to ask your attorneys for the contact details of people they have worked with. If the lawyers are reputable, they'll be happy to pass on their clients' details.

Finding a good white-collar crime defense lawyer in Texas doesn't have to be hard. The best way to start is to browse local firms' websites, check the reviews and testimonials, and contact the ones that could be a good fit. Ideally, your lawyer should have good qualifications, experience in the local area, excellent communication skills, integrity, and compassion for your situation.