If you’ve been accused of employee theft—even if charges have not been formally filed—or even if you suspect that you are under investigation, you need a top embezzlement defense attorney NOW.
Whether you ever had any intent to take anything or not, or you are being falsely accused by someone with a grudge, or are the little guy taking the blame, you are going through a scary, stressful time. But you don’t need to go through it alone!
Why you need to call Dan Chambers NOW
Don’t delay just because you think it will look bad to have an attorney, get an expert to help you learn what you need to know to defend yourself.
Having an attorney to help you while you are being investigated and questioned will help your peace of mind. Investigations can drag on for a long time before any charges are filed. An experienced embezzlement defense attorney can help you understand the process and come up with the best defense based on your situation. Call my office TODAY to set up a free 60-minute consultation.
What’s the difference between embezzling and theft?
Embezzlement (also known as employee theft or employee fraud) is a white collar crime which is different from ordinary theft. With theft or larceny, the person accused of stealing has no right to take or use the victim’s property. In embezzlement situations, the accused person had the right to access money or use property for certain things—just not for their own personal gain. For example, an office manager could have the authority to write checks to pay bills for her employer, but not to pay for her own medical bills.
Unfortunately, in California, even an intent to temporarily deprive the rightful owner of his or her property can be considered embezzling. So even if the office manager intended to pay back the money, she might still be accused of embezzlement.
Charges
If you are charged with embezzlement in California, you could be facing multiple misdemeanor or felony convictions. Each separate act of embezzlement can be prosecuted as separate crime. Penalties for each conviction are stackable, and can add up fast.
If cash or property was worth less than $950, the penalties are the same as petty theft: up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Larger amounts will be considered grand theft and may be treated either as a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties range from one to three years in prison and fines of $1,000 to $10,000. In some cases, jail time can be avoided by paying restitution (paying back the amount that was taken).
Defenses
Possible defenses to embezzlement include situations where you had a good faith belief that you were doing what your employer had entrusted you to do, or that you never intended to deprive the owner of anything. But the most important thing is to get the very best criminal defense attorney you can get, as soon as possible!
A lot is at stake for you and your family, so you need a top Southern California defense attorney to help you make your case. Make an appointment with Dan Chambers today by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or sending an online message via the Chat box at the bottom right of this page.
