Embezzlement

Embezzlement is the fraudulent acquisition and appropriation of money or property, by an individual who is in a position of trust. While money is the most commonly acquired property in embezzlement cases, stocks, bonds, financial records, credit card information and other properties can all be considered under embezzlement. Any misappropriation of funds or property, by employees or individuals in a position of trust and responsibility, for their personal gain can be charged with embezzlement.

Effective Criminal Defense Attorney in Sacramento

Embezzlement is commonly referred to as employee theft or fraud, and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property stolen. In the state of California, Penal Code 503 PC specifically defines embezzlement, however individuals found guilty of embezzlement are penalized as laid out under Penal Code 488 petty theft (if the value of the property is under $950) or Penal Code 487 grand theft (if the value of the property is over $950). Some examples of instances that could be classified as embezzlement include:

• If your job required you to handle money for your company, and you pocket that money instead of putting it into the cash register or safe, you have committed the crime of embezzlement. Even if you only intended to temporarily keep the money, as long as you knowingly deprived the company of the money which was rightfully theirs, you have embezzled.
• If you worked in a retail job and a customer returned a damaged item. You then took the damaged item home rather than reporting it to the company so it could be repaired or disposed of in alignment with company policy. That would be considered embezzlement.
• If you were responsible for funding projects in your company and you intentionally misappropriated funds from one account to another, for your own benefit or reward, that is embezzlement.
• If you work at someone’s home and take personal items, money or property from their home, you could be charged with embezzlement.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with embezzlement, you need to contact a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer at Wise Law Group, PC right away. Embezzlement charges, like other financial crimes, can carry a heavy stigma on your current and future employment. Michael Wise and the criminal defense attorneys at the firm will thoroughly analyze your case, detect and challenge false or misleading statements and evidence, and advise you of the best course of action to pursue.

Fight Your Charges

A petty theft embezzlement conviction could mean up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Conviction of grand theft embezzlement could mean up to one year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor, and between 1-3 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine for a felony. With your freedom and future at stake, building an aggressive criminal defense, with an experienced embezzlement attorney is vital.

Michael Wise has represented clients facing all manner of criminal defense charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. He is BV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has earned his Juris Doctor degree with high honors in trial advocacy. As a former prosecutor, with an extensive criminal law and courtroom litigation background, Mr. Wise has earned himself a reputation as top-notch criminal law litigator, so don’t wait to contact the firm today.