Embezzlement occurs when an individual misappropriates entrusted property or funds for personal gain. As a form of white-collar crime, it involves fraud or corruption and is often classified as theft. If you face such charges, securing an experienced theft attorney is essential to protecting your rights and building a strong defense. An embezzlement charge can have serious consequences, impacting reputation, freedom, and future opportunities.
Embezzlement can be complex to understand, with consequences varying based on factors such as the accused’s criminal history and the value of the alleged theft. At Robert James Trial Attorneys, our DeKalb County embezzlement lawyers provide strong representation for clients facing fraud charges, ensuring they do not confront the prosecutor’s office alone.
The Most Common Types of Embezzlement
Embezzlement most commonly occurs in workplaces, volunteer organizations, and non-profits, but it can happen anywhere. Common examples include:
- Check fraud
- Payroll fraud
- Outright funds theft
- Credit card or debit card fraud
- Investment brokers who fail to invest client money and keep it instead
- Taking donations or money from fundraising events meant to benefit a company or cause
- Accepting kickbacks from vendors or suppliers and/or inflating prices
- Someone who is in charge of a family member’s accounts and takes money without consent for their own use
- Ponzi schemes, which is when brokers pay investors with money from new investors and then take the profits
These kinds of cases usually unfold over an extended period of time with elaborate cover-ups. Every fraud lawsuit has different circumstances, so it is important to hire a DeKalb County embezzlement attorney with an extensive record of winning cases like yours.
What the Law Says About Embezzlement
State law does not explicitly define embezzlement but instead uses the broader term conversion, which is a more general term referring to the unauthorized use or control of another person’s property. However, one of the elements of the crime under local law is the initially lawful receipt of the stolen property, referring back to embezzlement. Regardless of the term used, it all comes down to someone in a trusted position misusing the property entrusted to them.
The value and nature of the property, along with other factors, influence the charges a person may face. Embezzling property worth $500 or less is typically a misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. If the amount exceeds $500, the offense becomes a felony with more severe consequences.
Individuals accused of embezzlement may face charges in both criminal and civil court. Many financial fraud cases are prosecuted at the federal level rather than the state level. Given the severity of these charges, it is vital to have a skilled Dekalb County criminal defense attorney fight your embezzlement charges.
Contact a DeKalb County Embezzlement Attorney Today
Allegations of financial wrongdoing can permanently alter a person’s life, making it difficult to restore a professional reputation after a conviction. If you are under investigation or facing accusations of financial fraud, consulting a DeKalb County embezzlement lawyer is crucial. A skilled attorney can navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome through negotiation, a plea bargain, or trial. Our team at Robert James Trial Attorneys diligently fights to defend our client’s rights. Call us today to discuss your case.