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Embezzlement Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is the theft of property that has been entrusted to you. It is a white collar crime that typically involves an employee stealing from an employer.
The three elements of the crime that could result in embezzlement charges are:
- The defendant must have a relationship of trust with the victim
- The victim therefore has entrusted the defendant with access to certain property
- The defendant specifically intended to fraudulently take that property
These types of cases often arise out of misunderstandings such as employees taking property that they believe is rightfully theirs. An accusation of embezzlement can be extremely harmful to your reputation and your career. Even if you are not convicted, it could ruin your reputation hampering your chances of finding a job to support your family. Since the stakes are high in such cases, it is important that you understand your rights and seek the counsel of a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.
California Penal Code 503 - Embezzlement
California Penal Code 503 defines embezzlement as "the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted." The word "entrusted" is what differentiates embezzlement from theft. To be convicted of embezzlement, you must have wrongfully taken property that you legally possessed or had been given the authority to access.
Penalties for Embezzlement
Embezzlement falls under the umbrella of theft. So you may also be charged with grand theft or petty theft in addition embezzlement charges. For example, if the value of the property is over $950, you may be charged with grand theft. The theft of certain specified items are automatically are considered grand theft irrespective of their monetary value. Stealing a car will result in "grand theft auto" charges and stealing a firearm results in "grand theft firearm" charges. If the embezzled property in question is valued under $950, the accused may be charged with petty theft.
Penalties for grand theft embezzlement include:
- Misdemeanor - up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Felony - 16 months or up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Penalties for petty theft embezzlement include:
- Up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- $250 fine may be your only penalty if the value of the property is less then $50.
Employee Fraud and Employee Theft
Embezzlement is commonly known as employee fraud or employee theft because it is a white collar crime that typically involves an employee stealing property from an employer. These charges have life-changing ramifications. Employers may be less likely to hire someone previously convicted of stealing from the company. That is why it is crucial to obtain proper representation to fight any and all embezzlement charges.
The Los Angeles embezzlement attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP understand that your career and future are at stake. We will carefully review the circumstances of your case and aggressively fight to have the charges dropped or lessened. Please call our office today for a no-cost consultation.
If you have been arrested for an embezzlement offense then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844
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