Embezzlement accusations can strike like a bolt from the blue. Investigators may work behind the scenes until they’re ready to press charges. If you learn you’re under investigation or you’ve been arrested for embezzlement, you need immediate legal representation.
Don’t panic. Instead, invoke your right to remain silent and contact our San Dimas embezzlement lawyers for legal advice. Simmrin Law Group can defend you in any court in California as well as federal court.
During your consultation, we’ll walk you through the legal definition of embezzlement, potential penalties, defense strategies, and the crucial role a skilled embezzlement lawyer can play in your case. Contact our criminal defense lawyers in San Dimas to schedule your free consultation.
What Is Embezzlement Under California Law?
Embezzlement is defined under California Penal Code Section 503. To be charged with embezzlement, four key elements must be present:
- You were entrusted with money or property.
- The property’s owner trusted you to maintain or keep it.
- You fraudulently transferred it to yourself for your own benefit.
- You did so with the intent to deprive the owner of the use or benefit of the property or money.
It’s important to note that even if you intend to return the property or money, you can still be charged with embezzlement. Under California law, using the assets for personal gain, even temporarily, is embezzlement.
For a free legal consultation with an embezzlement lawyer serving San Dimas, call (310) 896-2723
What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement in San Dimas?
The penalties for embezzlement in San Dimas depend on the value of the property or money involved. Embezzlement can be charged as either petty theft or grand theft:
Petty Theft Embezzlement
If the value is $950 or less, you’ll face misdemeanor charges with potential penalties including:
- Up to 6 months in county jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Summary (unsupervised) probation
Grand Theft Embezzlement
For amounts over $950, you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges:
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail, fines up to $1,000, and/or probation
- Felony: 16 months to 3 years in county jail, fines up to $10,000, and formal probation
Additional penalties may apply if the victim was a senior citizen or if the embezzled property was a firearm.
San Dimas Embezzlement Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of an Embezzlement Conviction?
An embezzlement conviction can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond any immediate legal penalties:
Criminal Record
Perhaps the most significant long-term consequence is a permanent criminal record. This can affect various aspects of your life, including:
- Employment opportunities
- Housing applications
- Loan approvals
- Professional licensing
Many employers conduct background checks, and a conviction for a financial crime like embezzlement can severely limit your job prospects, especially in fields involving finance or positions of trust.
Professional Repercussions
If you work in a field that requires professional licensing or certification, an embezzlement conviction could lead to:
- Loss of professional licenses: Many licensing boards view financial crimes as a breach of trust and may revoke your license.
- Difficulty obtaining future certifications: You may face challenges when seeking new certifications or licenses.
- Damage to professional reputation: In many industries, word of an embezzlement conviction can spread, making it difficult to rebuild your career.
Financial Consequences
The financial impact of an embezzlement conviction can be long-lasting:
- Restitution payments: You may be ordered to repay the embezzled funds, which can take years.
- Fines and legal fees: These can lead to significant debt.
- Difficulty obtaining loans or credit: A conviction can negatively impact your credit score and trustworthiness in the eyes of lenders.
Personal and Social Impact
The personal toll of an embezzlement conviction shouldn’t be underestimated:
- Strained relationships: Friends, family, and colleagues may view you differently after a conviction.
- Emotional stress: Dealing with the stigma of a conviction can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
- Loss of privacy: In some cases, embezzlement convictions, especially high-profile ones, can attract media attention.
Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, an embezzlement conviction could have severe immigration consequences:
- Deportation risk: Embezzlement is often considered a crime of moral turpitude, which can lead to deportation proceedings.
- Inadmissibility: It may prevent you from re-entering the U.S. if you leave the country.
- Naturalization obstacles: A conviction could derail your path to citizenship.
Given these serious and long-lasting consequences, it’s crucial to mount a strong defense against embezzlement charges. If you’re facing these charges, speak with our embezzlement attorneys in San Dimas right away.
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What Are Common Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges?
When facing embezzlement charges, our San Dimas embezzlement lawyers may use several defenses depending on the circumstances of your case:
Lack of Criminal Intent
Embezzlement requires intent to deprive the owner of their property. If you can show that your actions were a mistake or misunderstanding rather than intentional fraud, this could be a strong defense.
Good Faith Belief
If you genuinely believed you had the right to use the property or funds, this could serve as a defense. However, it’s crucial to show that this belief was reasonable under the circumstances.
Insufficient Evidence
Embezzlement cases often rely heavily on financial records and witness testimony. If the prosecution lacks solid evidence to prove all elements of the crime, your case might be dismissed or result in an acquittal.
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What Should You Do if You’re Accused of Embezzlement?
If you’re facing embezzlement accusations in San Dimas, here’s what you should do:
- Remain silent: Don’t discuss the allegations with anyone except your attorney. You have the right to remain silent.
- Preserve evidence: Keep all relevant documents and records.
- Don’t return any funds: This could be seen as an admission of guilt.
- Contact an embezzlement lawyer in San Dimas: Embezzlement is a serious charge so you need a lawyer with experience in defending against them like the team at Simmrin Law Group.
Why Choose Simmrin Law Group for Your Embezzlement Defense?
At Simmrin Law Group, we bring decades of legal experience to your defense. Our San Dimas embezzlement attorneys have successfully defended numerous clients against these charges. Our approach is thorough and aggressive.
Defending against white-collar crimes like embezzlement often requires extensive documentary proof. Our firm will thoroughly research your case to obtain all relevant financial documents, videos, texts, and police reports, which will help us build the strongest possible defense.
In some cases, we can negotiate for reduced charges or even case dismissal before trial. If your case goes to trial, we’ll vigorously defend you in court, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and presenting reasons to the jury why you should be found not guilty of embezzlement.
Contact a San Dimas Embezzlement Lawyer Today
Stop worrying about how you’ll defend yourself against an embezzlement charge. The experienced legal team at Simmrin Law Group is ready to stand by your side and fight for your freedom and good name.
Contact our embezzlement attorneys in San Dimas today for a free consultation. You do not have to wait until you are charged or arrested. If you believe you are under investigation for embezzlement, contact us immediately to protect yourself.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form