Embezzlement is a serious offense, especially when a large amount of money is involved. A conviction could have a devastating impact on your life, freedom, and career. If you are facing these charges, a skilled theft attorney may be able to help you fight back against these allegations.
A thorough investigation and strong strategy will go a long way toward the outcome you deserve. Reach out to a Doraville embezzlement lawyer to get your questions answered and your concerns addressed.
What Is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is one of the most common examples of “white-collar crime.” This non-violent offense is primarily associated with people taking money or property that does not belong to them. While embezzlement charges usually involve cash, any object of value can qualify.
This offense generally involves people who are put in a position of trust by a company or organization, using their position to divert company funds for private purposes. They might be a member of the accounting department working within the business, or a third-party accountant contracted to handle the books.
The facts surrounding these cases are usually complex, especially in the eyes of people without a financial background. Documents play a heavy role in the state’s case, but there is often more to the story than what can be gleaned from a balance sheet or account statement. Given the complex nature of the crime, it is never a good idea to move forward without the help of a knowledgeable embezzlement attorney in Doraville.
Examples of Embezzlement
While embezzlement usually involves someone in a work setting taking property that does not belong to them, there are different ways this might occur. Not every offense is sophisticated. In many situations, the alleged will center on taking money from an account or removing property from the premises without permission.
There are also more complex examples to consider. A person could use bank transactions to make fake payments to contractors who are actually just dummy accounts used as part of the scheme.
In the most complicated cases, there might be manipulated or even forged documents that make it appear that the transactions or withdrawals are approved by the company. These schemes can be a one-time effort, while others could last for years. A Doraville legal professional could help someone accused of embezzlement develop a strong defense strategy, no matter the specifics of the case.
Possible Penalties
Under state law, embezzlement can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The severity of the charge depends on the value of what was taken. The state will treat the offense as a misdemeanor if the property is less than $1,500. For anything with a higher value, it is considered a felony.
A misdemeanor conviction can lead to up to a year in jail. A felony charge brings a jail term of one to 20 years, depending on the circumstances.
Talk to an Embezzlement Attorney in Doraville Today
Facing these allegations on your own can be daunting, especially when they are false. You deserve legal counsel who understands how to navigate complex business records and get to the body of these disputes. Contact a Doraville embezzlement lawyer as soon as possible to learn more.