An embezzlement charge is alarming. You are unsure about whether you should ignore the charge or do everything you can to contest it. Hire a Seal Beach embezzlement lawyer who will help you do the latter, as this choice can benefit you now and in the future.
Simmrin Law Group has been providing legal services and support in Greater Los Angeles for more than 15 years. Let a criminal defense lawyer serving Seal Beach assist you with your litigation. Contact us today to get started.
What Is Embezzlement Exactly?
A white collar crime, embezzlement, refers to the theft or misappropriation of money or property. It happens when someone who has been legally entrusted to care for money or property violates their legal obligation. Embezzlement comes in many forms, including:
Siphoning
A worker charges a customer for a product or service but never actually accounts for it. Instead, the employee keeps the money for themselves, never telling their employer about the transaction. This is siphoning, and a worker convicted of this form of embezzlement could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
Payroll Embezzlement
In a large corporation, a manager can add family members who the company does not employ to the business’s payroll. They can then take the money to pay these family members for themselves. If this occurs, the manager is committing payroll embezzlement and can be punished accordingly.
Overtime Embezzlement
Falsifying overtime records is against the law. An employee can embezzle money through overtime by having a coworker punch in outside of their peer’s standard work shift. Both employees could be punished for these actions.
Ponzi Scheme
With a Ponzi scheme, an individual rewards early investors using money they get from new ones. For example, a person receives money from investors on the grounds that they will use the funds as part of a potentially lucrative business venture. They do not invest the money and give the initial investors dividends based on money provided by future investors.
Check Kiting
When someone kites checks, they make deposits and withdrawals between multiple banks. They take advantage of the window between when a check is deposited and when it is cashed. This enables an individual to scam banks.
If you have been charged with any of these or other types of embezzlement, ask for legal help. Simmrin Law Group can put you in touch with our Seal Beach embezzlement attorney. Speak with our federal crimes lawyer serving Seal Beach.
For a free legal consultation with an embezzlement lawyer serving Seal Beach, call (310) 896-2723
Seal Beach Embezzlement Penalties
You can be punished under embezzlement Penal Code 503 in California. Depending on the severity of a crime, you can be charged with petty theft or grand theft. Petty theft crimes cover less than $950, and grand theft charges involve more than $950 or a vehicle or firearm.
With a conviction, you could receive jail or prison time or fines. Jail or prison time extends up to one year if convicted of a misdemeanor or a maximum of three years for a felony conviction. Fines total up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor conviction or $10,000 if you are found guilty of a felony.
Along with Penal Code 503, you can be charged in accordance with California Penal Code Section 504. An embezzlement lawyer serving Seal Beach can explain in detail the penalties you could face based on your charge. They can prepare an argument to show the court you do not deserve to be punished.
Seal Beach Embezzlement Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Our Seal Beach Embezzlement Attorneys Defend the Charge
An embezzlement attorney serving Seal Beach examines your charge carefully. They develop a strategy tailored to your case. As part of their efforts, your lawyer may consider many legal defenses, including:
Lack of Evidence
The prosecution must provide sufficient evidence to make it clear to the court that you should be convicted. Otherwise, your lawyer can poke holes in the prosecution’s case. If your attorney succeeds, they can prove the prosecution does not have enough proof to warrant a conviction.
No Intent
You embezzle money or property without realizing you are committing a crime. For instance, you are given access to company funds and told you are allowed to use them for personal expenses. If you can prove this point, you could compel the court to drop the embezzlement charge against you.
No Access
Your lawyer can show you never had access to funds or assets that the prosecution claims you stole or misappropriated. They can make it difficult for the prosecution to argue their case. Your attorney’s efforts may even lead to your case’s dismissal.
Dealing with an embezzlement charge on your own can be challenging. Fortunately, a criminal defense attorney handles all aspects of your case. They work diligently to develop an argument that will resonate with the court and make sure you are well-positioned to get a favorable case outcome.
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Our Seal Beach Embezzlement Lawyers Are Dedicated to Helping the Underdog
You are worried about how family members and friends will view you as you deal with your embezzlement charge. Ultimately, the charge can hurt your reputation and damage your relationships with family members and friends. Thankfully, an embezzlement lawyer can contest your charge in the hopes of helping you avoid a conviction.
At Simmrin Law Group, we understand how getting charged with embezzlement can feel like the end of the world. Our criminal defense lawyers treat our clients like members of our family and do everything we can to assist you throughout your legal proceedings. Request a consultation with our attorneys.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form