Embezzlement

White Collar Crimes

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Embezzlement is one of many types of white collar crimes that can result in severe penalties. This offense is often referred to as employee theft, as the majority occur between employees and their employers. These crimes can also happen in any case where funds are being transferred from one person to another. By definition, embezzlement is the act of taking or withholding money or other assets for personal gain.

If you have been arrested and charged for embezzlement, contact the Law Offices of Grech, Packer & Hanks right away to ensure that you receive outstanding legal representation for your case. When you work with our Riverside embezzlement attorneys, you can retain reliable legal counsel from a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. We know what it takes to win.

To get a skilled legal advocate on your side, call (951) 682-9311 today.

Embezzlement Charges in California

Under California Penal Code 503 PC, embezzlement is considered a form of theft, which means a conviction for this crime could lead to harsh sentencing. To prove that you are guilty of embezzling funds, the prosecution must show that you had a relationship with the alleged victim and that you specifically and knowingly fraudulently received funds. It must also be proved that you were trusted to handle the alleged victim’s money or assets. These charges are incredibly serious, and prosecutors will work hard to pursue a conviction; therefore, your future depends on the strength and experience of your defense team.

California Penalties for Embezzlement

In California, embezzlement is a “wobbler” crime. That means that it can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. The level of offense you’re charged with depends on the amount of money you have been accused of embezzling. If the amount is under $950, the crime will likely be treated as a misdemeanor. However, if the amount is more than $950, it will probably be charged as a felony.

The penalties for embezzlement include:

Misdemeanor embezzlement: a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and/or a fine of up to $1000
Felony embezzlement: a jail sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

If the amount of money involved is less than $50, it may be possible to get the charges dropped to an infraction. In this case, the penalty includes a fine of $250.

Common Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges

When facing embezzlement charges, having a robust defense strategy is crucial. Several common defenses can be used to contest these charges, depending on the specifics of the case:

Lack of Intent: One of the primary elements the prosecution must prove is that the accused had the intent to commit fraud. If the defense can demonstrate that the accused did not intentionally take or withhold assets for personal gain, it may be possible to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Mistake of Fact: This defense argues that there was a misunderstanding or a mistake regarding the ownership or the handling of the assets. For instance, if the accused believed in good faith that they had a right to the property or the money in question, it might negate the fraudulent intent necessary for an embezzlement conviction.
Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must provide sufficient evidence to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense can challenge the adequacy and reliability of the evidence presented, potentially leading to a lesser charge or an acquittal.
Duress or Coercion: If the accused was forced or coerced into committing the alleged embezzlement under threat or harm, this can be used as a defense. The defense would need to prove that the accused was under immediate threat of harm and had no reasonable opportunity to avoid the unlawful act.
Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If it can be shown that the accused was entrapped by authorities or an informant, this may serve as a defense against embezzlement charges.
Absence of a Fiduciary Relationship: The prosecution must establish that a fiduciary relationship existed between the accused and the alleged victim. If the defense can demonstrate that such a relationship did not exist, it may be challenging to secure an embezzlement conviction.

Each case is unique, and the applicability of these defenses can vary. Our Riverside embezzlement attorneys are dedicated to carefully examining the details of your case to determine the most effective defense strategy. With expert legal representation, you can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges

Being accused of embezzlement can have serious consequences, including hefty fines and potential jail time. It is crucial to enlist the help of a skilled defense team to protect your rights and build a strong defense strategy. Our experienced Riverside embezzlement attorneys at Law Offices of Grech, Packer & Hanks have a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing embezzlement charges in California.

When you choose us to represent you, you can expect:

Personalized attention to your case
Thorough investigation and analysis of the evidence
Aggressive representation in and out of the courtroom
Clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process
Strategic defense tactics tailored to your specific situation.

Don’t face embezzlement charges alone. today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with our dedicated legal team.

Enlist a Proven Defense Team in Riverside, CA

Although you may be feeling frustrated and upset at the situation you are facing, you can rely on our trusted Riverside embezzlement attorneys to provide you with quality legal counsel and aggressive defense. There are a number of possible defenses against embezzlement charges, and our team can effectively challenge the allegations made against you.

It is important that after an arrest, you act quickly to retain the representation you deserve. When you choose the Law Offices of Grech, Packer & Hanks, you can rest assured that your case can be aggressively handled by one of our highly experienced criminal defense lawyers.

Contact our firm at (951) 682-9311 today to retain the defense you need with our Riverside embezzlement lawyers.

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