An embezzlement charge can have long-lasting consequences. By contesting the charge now, you could avoid a conviction that affects you for many years to come. Get started by hiring a Chula Vista embezzlement lawyer.
Simmrin Law Group has decades of experience in criminal litigation. Our criminal defense lawyers serving Chula Vista are available to discuss your case. Request a consultation with our attorneys.
What Is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a financial crime that occurs when a party steals or misappropriates money or property that they have been entrusted to safeguard. There are many types of embezzlement. These include:
Siphoning
This happens if an employee takes some or all of a customer’s payment without accounting for it. For example, an employee overcharges a customer and keeps the difference for themselves. This employee is siphoning money and can receive criminal punishments for their actions.
Check Kiting
If a person is check kiting, they take advantage of the period between when a check is deposited and when it actually clears. During this period, the individual writes and cashes checks from different accounts in the hopes that their bank will not be able to realize what is happening quickly enough. Check kiting is punishable as a misdemeanor or felony.
Payroll Embezzlement
A worker could punch their colleague’s time card when this individual is not present for work, or vice versa. In addition, a worker could add a fake employee to their company’s payroll system and route this individual’s salary into a bank account that they control. These scenarios represent payroll embezzlement.
Ponzi Scheme
In a Ponzi scheme, an individual convinces others to capitalize on an investment opportunity. However, they do not use the money they said they would invest properly. Instead, they seek out new investors and use the money they provide to pay dividends to the original investors.
The legal team at Simmrin Law Group can teach you about these and other forms of embezzlement. If you have been charged, a Chula Vista embezzlement attorney from our team can assist you. Connect with a white collar crime lawyer serving Chula Vista.
For a free legal consultation with an embezzlement lawyer serving Chula Vista, call (310) 896-2723
Embezzlement Penalties in California
Per embezzlement Penal Code 503 in California, you can be charged with petty theft or grand theft. The court will treat your charge as petty theft if it involves less than $950. It will charge you with grand theft if you embezzle more than $950 or a firearm or vehicle.
You can receive a misdemeanor petty theft embezzlement conviction. If this happens, you can get a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. Alternatively, with a grand theft embezzlement conviction, you can receive a fine of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to one year.
For felony grand theft embezzlement, the penalties increase. If convicted, you can receive a fine of up to $10,000 and a jail or prison sentence of up to three years. Rather than risk an embezzlement crime conviction, partner with an embezzlement lawyer serving Chula Vista who can help you dispute the charge against you.
Chula Vista Embezzlement Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Chula Vista Embezzlement Crime
You could be charged under California Penal Code Section 504 or other local laws and have no idea what to do next. At this point, seek legal help. An embezzlement attorney serving Chula Vista can provide legal tips and recommendations on how to contest your charge, including:
Develop a Legal Strategy
If you choose not to address a Ponzi scheme charge or any other embezzlement allegation, you will likely be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Let a lawyer help you prepare a legal strategy. Your attorney will gather evidence and look for ways to prove to the court that you should not be punished.
Be Open to Negotiations with the Prosecutor
Your lawyer can negotiate a plea deal that allows you to agree to a lesser charge in exchange for reduced penalties. They will tell you if they feel it is in your best interests to negotiate a plea agreement. If you accept a plea bargain, you may be able to avoid a jail sentence or other severe penalties.
Communicate and Collaborate with Your Lawyer
Share your legal concerns and questions with your lawyer, and they will address them promptly. Your lawyer wants you to make informed decisions throughout your litigation. At the same time, they will engage with you, helping you prepare an argument and a body of evidence that could lead the court to rule in your favor.
Keep the lines of communication open with your lawyer at each stage of your litigation. As your proceedings move forward, your attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of different legal options. They will make sure you are well-equipped to avoid mistakes.
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Our Chula Vista Embezzlement Lawyers Treat Our Clients Like Family
An embezzlement charge can make you feel lost and confused. If you are struggling to deal with the immediate aftermath of your charge, help is available. An embezzlement lawyer prioritizes your best interests, providing you with the legal services and support you need during this challenging time.
With our extensive legal experience, Simmrin Law Group has handled more than 100 jury trials. We will advocate for you and do everything we can to help you throughout the legal process. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form