Embezzlement is a type of theft crime that does not involve using force or threats to take someone else’s property. Instead, a person whom an employer or organization has trusted with valuable assets unlawfully converts those assets to their own use.
If you have been accused of embezzling funds, our dedicated defense attorneys could help you. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and therefore, are uniquely and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Before you consider a plea, you should talk to a Butler embezzlement lawyer from our firm.
Embezzlement is a form of theft that occurs when someone who is lawfully entrusted with money or property intentionally takes or misuses it for their own benefit. Unlike traditional theft, embezzlement typically involves a person who had legitimate access to funds or assets through their job, position, or relationship. The crime arises when that trust is broken, and the individual diverts property for unauthorized purposes.
Embezzlement can happen in many settings. Employees may be accused of taking money from a cash register, altering financial records, or using company accounts for personal expenses. Bookkeepers and accountants may face accusations of moving funds into their personal accounts or creating false invoices. Caregivers and business partners can be charged with embezzlement if they misuse property placed under their control.
The value of the misappropriated property heavily influences the charges’ severity. Embezzling even a small amount of money can lead to criminal penalties, while embezzling a large sum of money may result in felony charges, restitution orders, and lengthy prison sentences. Because embezzlement cases often involve financial documents, electronic records, and detailed investigations, they can become complicated quickly.
Accusations of this sort can damage your career and reputation long before your case reaches court. Our Butler legal team could respond appropriately to your embezzlement charges and protect your rights.
One of the most important things our attorneys in Butler could do for you is develop a sound defense strategy to fight your embezzlement charges. The right defense will depend on the facts of your case. Below are three possible approaches.
One of the most common defenses against embezzlement is that you were authorized to use the funds or property in question. Many individuals are entrusted with their employers’ assets, including company vehicles and corporate credit cards. If you can establish that you used those resources solely within the boundaries of your employment, your defense may succeed.
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed embezzlement. This is a high burden of proof, and the government is not always capable of meeting it. Our attorneys could defend you by focusing on the weakness of the case against you instead of attempting to build our own theory about what happened.
Embezzlement is a crime of intent. This means you took the property in question with the intention of depriving the rightful owner of it. If you mistakenly commingled funds or wound up with company property, you may not have had the legal intent needed to be guilty of a crime.
If you have been accused of embezzlement, it is important to act right away. The sooner you explore your legal options, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction could be. Our Butler embezzlement lawyer could help you fight these charges. Call us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.