Tacoma Embezzlement Lawyers
At Vindicate Criminal Law Group, our embezzlement defense lawyers have what it takes to defend against wrongful charges of embezzlement. We have decades of experience protecting folks who have been unfairly accused of misusing or misappropriating resources that did not belong to them. Continue reading for a brief guide to building defenses against unjust embezzlement charges.
Embezzlement Explained
To the untrained eye, cases of embezzlement might seem like regular old theft – but theft and embezzlement are entirely different crimes. Embezzlement cases involve someone with lawful possession of another party’s property, keeping or converting the property for personal gain. In other words, it’s like using a company credit card to buy your family groceries.
What Are The Four Elements Of Embezzlement?
- Fiduciary Relationship (or Mutual Trust) Between Two Parties
- Property Acquired Directly Through Fiduciary Relationship
- Defendant Takes or Transfers Ownership of Property Without Permission
- The Defendant’s Actions Must Have Been Deliberate
Who Commits Embezzlement?
Our embezzlement defense attorneys know from experience that large corporations and government agencies are the biggest breeding grounds for crimes of embezzlement. This has created many stereotypes about people who work in those sectors, which is why so many innocent people are wrongfully accused and require defense against embezzlement. The list below details a few common examples of job titles that have a reputation for fostering embezzlement:
- Bank tellers
- Accountants
- Stockbrokers
- Financial managers
- Office managers
- Store clerks
Do you see your job title on this list? Have you been stereotyped and accused of misusing resources because of the actions of a few bad apples in your field? Reach out to our embezzlement defense lawyers for the help you need to get through this.
What Are Possible Consequences Of An Embezzlement Conviction In Tacoma, Washington?
Being accused of committing embezzlement is a severe allegation that can lead to long-term complications and time behind bars. However, the severity of the possible repercussions and whether or not you will face misdemeanor or felony charges will vary depending on the amount of money that was misappropriated.
Washington residents who have allegedly embezzled funds valued below $750, will most likely be charged with a gross misdemeanor. This category of offense can carry a maximum fine of $5,000 and a jail sentence of no more than 364 days. Individuals accused of embezzling money valued at less than $5,000 but more than $750 could face class C felony charges, be fined a maximum of $10,000, and spend up to five years in prison potentially. Lastly, people who have misappropriated over $5,000 will likely be charged with a class B felony, which carries a potential prison sentence of ten years and face fines ranging upwards of $20,000.
Real-World Embezzlement Example
Bernie Madoff orchestrated the most infamous Ponzi scheme of all time. As a wealthy financier who controlled massive amounts of money that did not belong to him, Madoff had access to incredible resources. The scam went as follows: Madoff took money from new “investors” and used it to pay “returns” to his existing “investors.” Of course, he took some off the top for himself, too
Contact Vindicate Criminal Law Group For Embezzlement Defense
Our experienced embezzlement defense lawyers are ready to fight on your behalf. With a proven track record of success in dealing with these cases, Vindicate Criminal Law Group’s embezzlement defense attorneys have the expertise you need to get your charges dismissed. For more information on how you can get your life back now, contact us today for your confidential case evaluation or 855-898-2542.