Being accused of an embezzlement offense is an intimidating circumstance to experience. Due to the severe penalties which could follow a conviction, those who have been accused of this offense should take legal action immediately. Failure to do so could have a disastrous effect on not only your professional life but your personal life as well.
If you have been charged with this offense, it may be wise to seek the consultation of one of our experienced fraud Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. A Hollywood embezzlement Lawyer could sit with you and review the facts of your case in order to construct a convincing defense to be presented in a Court of Law.
Proving an Embezzlement Offense
Embezzlement has three distinct legal elements that prosecutors must prove to obtain an embezzlement conviction. These elements are as follows:
- There was a presence of a financial or fiduciary relationship between the accused individuals and the property owners
- Individuals used their legal access to those funds or property for personal benefit
- The transfer or misappropriation of funds or property belonging to others occurred intentionally
In all embezzlement cases, individuals possessed legal access to or custody of funds or property but had no ownership rights to those funds or property. Individuals who intentionally utilize those funds or property for their financial gain may face embezzlement charges. Considering the seriousness of this offense, a Hollywood embezzlement Attorney may be able to provide you with invaluable legal guidance if you have been accused of committing this crime. Our dedicated attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could fight for you.
Common Examples of Embezzlement
Some common examples of embezzlement may include bank tellers who divert the cash that customers deposit for their use and purposes or financial advisors who misappropriate the funds of clients to their accounts for their usage. Another example of embezzlement might occur if caregivers of elderly persons steal money from them since they have access to their bank accounts.
The shared factor in all these examples is that the individuals had the legal authority to handle, deposit, invest, and otherwise hold the embezzled funds on behalf of their owner. The owners agreed to entrust the funds to them, and the accused intentionally misused the funds.
Penalties for Hollywood Embezzlement
If the embezzled funds or property is worth at least $3,000 and less than $20,000, you would be committing a third-degree Felony grand theft. You could face up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both if convicted. For embezzled funds worth between $20,000 and $100,000, the charge would be considered a second-degree Felony. For this offense, you may face a maximum prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. If the embezzled funds are worth $100,000 or more, then the offense would be charged as a first-degree Felony resulting in a 30-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
Embezzlement may also be charged as a Misdemeanor offense in some circumstances. For instance, the embezzlement of property is a first-degree Misdemeanor if it involves funds worth between $100 and $300. Embezzlement of property worth less than $100 is a second-degree Misdemeanor offense. Given the severity of these penalties, it is recommended to get in touch with a Hollywood embezzlement Lawyer for help with building a defense.
Contact a Hollywood Embezzlement Attorney Today
The consequences of an embezzlement conviction may be harsh. You may be obligated to pay fines, pay for the restitution of the embezzled funds, and even face the possibility of going to jail. Fortunately, various defenses may apply in your case that may reduce or eliminate the charges against you. A Hollywood embezzlement Lawyer may be able to assess the charges against you and decide which defenses may be applicable to your case. Schedule a consultation with one of our Leifert & Leifert Attorneys to get started on your case today.
