If you have been charged with or accused of embezzlement in California, you likely have many questions about what the charges mean and how you can proceed. First, keep reading to get the basic facts. Second, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation. We are here to help you through what we know is a tough situation.
The Definition of Embezzlement
Embezzlement is defined in Penal Code 503 PC as “unlawfully taking property that has been entrusted to you, with the intent of depriving the rightful owner of the use of the property. It can be charged as a felony if the stolen property was worth more than $950 but is otherwise charged as a misdemeanor.
Examples of Embezzlement
It is common for a person who thinks about embezzlement to imagine a white-collar crime in which an accountant siphons off pennies from their billionaire clients. The truth is that it is often much less interesting than that. Examples of standard embezzlement include a cashier at a grocery store taking money from his drawer, a treasurer of a local sports team taking money from the team’s bank, or an investor taking money from a client to pay off their own medical debt.
There Are Several Defense Options for California Embezzlement Charges
The good news for those accused of this crime is that it can be very difficult for the prosecution to prove. Defense options can include showing that you did not use the money or property in question fraudulently. We might work to show that you believed in good faith that you had a right to use the property.
Another option is to show that you did not have the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property or money in question. Of course, it is also possible that you were not involved at all and that the issue was a mistake. It might be that you were not the one to commit a crime or that there was no crime committed at all.
Embezzlement Can Be Charged as a Felony or Misdemeanor in California
Depending on the specifics of the case, a person can be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor for embezzlement. If the property or money allegedly taken was valued at less than $950, then it will be charged as a misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of six months in jail. If the value of the money or property was more than $950, then it is a felony that can result in up to three years in prison.
If you are facing charges related to embezzlement, or you suspect that you will soon face these charges, we invite you to contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to find the best options for you to move forward with your life.
