Embezzlement Attorney In Los Angeles
Employee Fraud or Stealing
Simply put, embezzlement or employee theft is stealing from your employer. This is a serious white collar crime carried out by employees who are familiar with the organization and exploit that knowledge for illegal gain. If you are charged with it, you need an experienced
Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.
By definition, embezzlement is the "illegal transfer of money or property for personal use." Common types of embezzlement are credit card fraud, false records (invoices or accounts) to conceal a theft, stealing small amounts of money or property over time and theft involving a large amount of money at once.
Under state law, employee fraud or an embezzlement theft crime can be serious depending on the value of the property stolen and/or the criminal record of the defendant. An embezzlement crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Los Angeles Embezzlement Lawyer
Embezzlement sentencing can have life-changing consequences, including jail, prison, fines, counseling and restitution to the victim. The penalties will vary depending on many factors. In most cases, first offenses involving less than $400 are punishable by a small fine, community service, restitution and 3 years of informal probation. A second offense is a much more serious matter. It can be charged as felony theft (also called petty theft with a prior) and is punishable by a year in county jail or even 16 months to 3 years in state prison.
When a person steals goods worth over $400 or money exceeding $400, it is a serious Grand Theft offense and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. With grand theft, you could be facing:
- At least 16 months in state prison
- Probation or parole
- Restitution (paying back victims for their loss)
- Court-ordered counseling
- Fines
An embezzlement charge can also carry consequences regardless of the guilt or innocence of the defendant because accusations are embarrassing and can carry a lasting social stigma and limit future employment opportunities.
It is important to retain an attorney with experience in embezzlement cases in order to get an ideal result. There is no doubt that an attorney who is not as familiar with embezzlement law may miss an important opportunity for dropped or reduced charges, or even acquittal ("not guilty"/case dismissed). In some cases an attorney can negotiate restitution (by way of a payment schedule) with the victim prior to formal criminal charges being filed.
If you have been arrested for embezzlement, contact a Los Angeles embezzlement attorneyat our office now for a free initial consultation on the facts of your case.