You can begin building a defense today if you are accused of embezzlement in Lancaster, CA. The team at the Simmrin Law Group understands what it takes to successfully resolve embezzlement charges. We’re ready to:
- Investigate your case
- Suppress evidence against you
- Take steps to get your charges reduced or dismissed
- Stand up for you in the courtroom
Start getting the assistance you deserve right now by contacting our embezzlement lawyers in Lancaster. We can defend you if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for embezzlement.
Defining the Act of Embezzlement in Lancaster
It’s natural to want to understand the charges you are facing when you are accused of a criminal act in Lancaster. Let’s go over the legal definition of embezzlement in California. Penal Code Section 503 describes embezzlement as:
- Using someone else’s property for personal benefit AFTER
- The property’s rightful owner entrusted you with that property AND
- With the intent of stopping the property owner from benefiting from their property
Embezzlement technically involves taking someone else’s money or property to misuse them. However, this charge is unique because individuals are willingly given the funds or property that is then taken and misused.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Lancaster, call (310) 896-2723
Focusing on Examples of Embezzlement Charges
You may have an easier time understanding embezzlement charges if we go over a few examples. White-collar workers are often charged with embezzlement. For example, embezzlement occurs if:
- A financial expert moves money entrusted to him from a client into his personal account
- An accountant falsely reports debts to a client’s account and removes money
However, embezzlement can also occur in other situations. A cashier who takes money from the cash register while working could face embezzlement charges. Individuals who use a family member’s bank account for their own purposes could also be accused of embezzlement in Lancaster.
A criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster can help you if you are accused of embezzlement for any reason.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Connecting Embezzlement to Petty Theft and Grand Theft
As we mentioned earlier, embezzlement can be prosecuted under PC 503 in California. However, it is important that you understand that embezzlement is often handled much like petty theft and grand theft by the court system.
If you are accused of embezzling property or money valued at under $950, you could face charges like petty theft. In this situation, you will always face misdemeanor charges.
Individuals who are accused of embezzling more than $950 can face charges similar to grand theft. Grand theft charges in Lancaster may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, leading to harsher penalties.
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Considering the Penalties for Embezzlement in Lancaster
Embezzlement is considered a serious crime in the court system in Lancaster. As we discussed, you can face several different charges for embezzlement, depending upon the amount of money that was embezzled. Let’s go over each of these charges now:
Penalties for Petty Theft Embezzlement
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to six months of incarceration
Penalties for Misdemeanor Grand Theft Embezzlement
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to one year of incarceration
Penalties for Felony Grand Theft Embezzlement
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to three years of incarceration
Additional Penalties for Embezzlement
You should be aware that you can face sentencing enhancements in some embezzlement cases. This means that the court system can add time to your sentence if you are accused of:
- Embezzling amounts of money over $65,000
- Embezzling from a senior citizen
- Embezzling from someone under your care
- Embezzling a firearm
You can get the professional advice you need to handle any embezzlement charges you are facing by reaching out to a white-collar crime lawyer in Lancaster. Improve your odds of resolving these charges in your favor by getting legal assistance now.
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Building Your Defense for Lancaster Embezzlement Charges
You can count on the team at the Simmrin Law Group to help if you are accused of embezzlement in Lancaster. Depending upon your situation, we may be able to show that:
- You were wrongfully accused of embezzlement
- You did not intend to commit embezzlement
- You were attempting to use another person’s property in good faith
Let us begin investigating the charges you are facing today. We’re here to handle all aspects of your legal case so you can move forward with confidence.
A Lancaster Embezzlement Lawyer Can Defend You
Take proactive steps if you are accused of embezzlement in Lancaster by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group. We are ready to begin constructing a strong defense for you. We can begin by going over your legal options with a FREE initial case evaluation.
Contact our embezzlement lawyers in Lancaster by calling (310) 896-2723 or completing our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form