Charges
Embezzlement generally means the taking of funds for personal use from a a company or organization for which you are entrusted to manage the money. But that is not necessarily a specific criminal statute. The specific laws and citations that constitute embezzlement vary from state to state, or can also be prosecuted under federal jurisdiction.
An embezzlement offense may mean any or several of the following criminal charges, depending on your state laws.
- Aggravated Theft
- Bank Fraud
- Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Embezzlement by a Public Official
- Grand Larceny
- Grand Theft
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Larceny
- Theft
- Wire Fraud
The nature of the specific charges can make a big difference in how you prepare a defense if you are accused of financial fraud charges.
The greater the amount of money or value of property stolen, the more serious the charges and potential penalties will be. It depends on the theft laws of your state, but typical thresholds that make embezzlement a felony may be greater than $300, $400, or $1000. Felony embezzlement can result in penalties of more than 1 year in prison.
Other factors that can enhance embezzlement charges include being a public official. Many states have stricter laws for public officials, who are keepers of the public trust and manage public funds.
As with any criminal charge, you need to speak to an experienced local attorney who is familiar with the laws that apply in your case, to determine how to best protect your rights.
