La Mirada Embezzlement Attorney
You may feel like your entire world is collapsing if you’ve been accused of embezzlement. Whether the accusations are false, you made an honest accounting mistake, or you got wrapped up in a misunderstanding, you could face fines, time in person, and damage to your reputation. If you’re under investigation or facing charges, a skilled La Mirada embezzlement lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can help you mount a successful defense.
At Shield Law, APC, our knowledgeable legal team is aware that not all financial discrepancies in bookkeeping or transactions should lead to a criminal conviction. No matter what the circumstances of your case are, a persuasive attorney from our firm can help make sure the prosecution, judge, and jury understand your side. We are eager to help you safeguard your rights and fight to clear your name.
Understanding Embezzlement Charges
Under California’s Penal Code, embezzlement is defined as the fraudulent taking of assets, money, or property that an individual or organization entrusted to you for management or guarding. Embezzlement cases are different from standard theft cases because they involve the initial legal acquisition of assets and accusations of diversion or misuse of these assets for personal financial advantage.
Examples of embezzlement include an employee making false expense reports to use a company’s funds or a financial advisor or trustee using client funds for unauthorized means. A worker who takes money from a business cash register or transfers their business’s money to their own personal accounts may also be charged with embezzlement.
Embezzlement crimes may be classified under the following categories:
- Petty theft embezzlement. If the amount involved has a value of less than $950, embezzlement could be classified as a misdemeanor.
- Grand theft embezzlement. Embezzlement cases involving assets valued at $950 or more could be charged as felonies.
- Aggravated cases. If a significantly large amount of money is involved or if the defendant was in a particular position of trust, their penalties could be increased significantly.
Penalties for embezzlement are dependent on the value of the property or money involved in the crime, whether the case was classified as grand theft or petty theft, and the defendant’s criminal history. An attorney from our firm can help you understand the specific penalties you may be facing based on your charges.
Defense Strategies a La Mirada Embezzlement Lawyer Can Help You Leverage
Fortunately, even if you are facing charges for an investment crime, it does not automatically mean that you will be convicted. A fierce and empathetic criminal defense attorney from Shield Law, APC, can help you take concrete steps to safeguard your interests and explore your legal options to defend your case.
Depending on your case details, it may be optimal to show that you did not intentionally permanently take any property or money, highlight that funds were misplaced due to misunderstandings or financial mistakes, or state that there is not sufficient evidence to lead to your conviction.
From negotiating on your behalf to fighting for you in the courtroom, we are prepared to do what it takes for your freedom.
FAQs
Embezzlement is different from theft because it involves an individual who is legally entrusted to handle money or asset transferring, and abusing the assets for personal gain. Cases of theft do not involve a prior entrustment of an individual with the victim’s property or assets. An experienced lawyer can help you understand how your embezzlement charges are different from traditional theft charges and how they could affect your case.
Common examples of embezzlement include nonprofits using charitable funds for personal gain or benefit, a cashier taking money from a register, a financial manager using a client’s investments maliciously, a trustee or executor pocketing money from a trust or estate, and a worker moving company funds into their personal bank account. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand whether your case actually warrants charges of embezzlement.
In California, embezzlement can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor as a function of the value of the property that was taken. If the amount of property stolen was valued to be under $950, this typically constitutes petty theft embezzlement charges, being classified as a misdemeanor with potential penalties of fines and jail time. Stolen amounts valued at greater than $950, grand theft embezzlement may be charged, classifying the crime as a felony.
The penalties for an embezzlement conviction may include incarceration, probation, thousands in fines and restitution to the victims, and a permanent criminal record. Collateral consequences can involve a loss of professional license, such as for business professionals, accountants, or financial advisors. A dedicated attorney can help you understand the charges you’re facing and the potential penalties that can come with them, working to get them minimized.
A La Mirada embezzlement lawyer can help you by analyzing the evidence brought against you and looking for any inconsistencies or insufficiencies in the prosecution’s argument. If necessary, they may negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf to minimize or dismiss your charges. If your case goes to trial, they can defend you in a court of law, bringing forward optimal legal arguments and evidence to fight for a positive case outcome.
Secure Fierce Legal Representation Against Your Embezzlement Charges – Contact Us Today
If you are facing charges for embezzlement in La Mirada or surrounding areas, this is an extremely serious matter. An embezzlement lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can assist you right away with understanding your charges, taking immediate steps to protect your rights, and building a strong criminal defense strategy on your behalf.
Reach out to our firm to schedule a consultation as soon as possible. An experienced attorney from our firm can review the details of your case and determine an appropriate defense approach that can work in your favor.