The crime of embezzlement occurs when a person, who has been entrusted with the personal property or money of another person, takes that personal property or money. While embezzlement is often alleged in the workplace, typically against executives working for large companies, it may also occur in everyday situations where a person is entrusted with the personal property of another that they allegedly take.

A strong and common defense to an embezzlement charge is that the property or money allegedly taken by a person actually belonged to that person – one cannot embezzle their own property. Embezzlement charges are in some cases based on entirely false allegations.

Embezzlement may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Punishments for embezzlement may include jail or prison time, supervised or unsupervised probation, fines and community service or labor.

Embezzlement is commonly referred to as a “white collar crime,” which also includes crimes such as fraud, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft and forgery, among other crimes. “White Collar Crime” defense is a specialized area of criminal law, and anyone charged with embezzlement or a similar offense should retain a criminal defense attorney with significant experience defending individuals against such allegations. A vigorous defense often requires a comprehensive understanding of complex financial records and business transactions.

The Weinrieb Law Firm vigorously defends individuals charged with embezzlement and other white collar crimes. People are often wrongfully accused of embezzlement based on false allegations, their participation in a complex but legal financial transaction, or simply poor record keeping which is not criminal. The Weinrieb Law Firm always evaluates every potential defense to an embezzlement charge in order to vigorously protect our clients’ rights.