Embezzlement charges may occur when someone takes money or company assets for personal gain. Often considered a “white collar” crime, this offense can occur nearly anytime if money or something of value is taken after it is entrusted to the person. Most commonly, embezzlement is charged as theft by conversion. In these cases, the prosecution must prove that you lawfully obtained funds but converted the funds to your own use in violation of a legal obligation or agreement.

These offenses can be defended against with the assistance of a qualified Newnan embezzlement lawyer. Your reputation and your freedom deserve protection from these charges. Seek out a dedicated theft and fraud attorney to get the help you need.

What is Embezzlement?

These charges occur when a person takes property or money for personal gain when they were entrusted with the care of those particular assets. Unlike other theft crimes—which can occur for any property taken from another—embezzlement comes when the person lawfully obtains property, but then converts it to their own use. For many, this is a person put in charge of another’s money or managing their personal assets.

Embezzling commonly occurs in the business context. For example, an employee in charge of a checking account for their employer may be accused of stealing money from it. They may be accused of transferring funds into their private ownership when they should have kept the funds safe for their employer. A dedicated Newnan attorney understands how these accusations can affect a person’s life and how to defend their embezzlement case.

Penalties for Embezzling in Newnan

The penalties for a charge like this will vary depending on the value of property stolen. The following represents the penalties for many common offenses.

  • $1,500 or less: If the property which was the subject of the theft was $1,500 or less the charge may be a misdemeanor.
  • $1,500.01 – $4,999: by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years and, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor;
  • $5,000 – $24,999 – by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years and, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor;
  • $25,000 and up: by imprisonment for not less than two nor more than 20 years;

For a specific understanding of their case, a person charged with embezzling should speak with a qualified Newnan attorney. There are other penalty ranges for specific types of embezzlement that may apply to their case.

Defending Charges for Embezzling Money

While certain common defenses also exist, a few embezzlement-specific defenses may include the value of the property or money was less than charged, there was no intent to deprive the owner of the property, or that the property was, in fact, not stolen.

These and other defenses could help a person charged with embezzlement in Newnan.

Call a Newnan Embezzlement Lawyer Now

These types of charges are not to be taken lightly. You need to put up a strong defense that protects your constitutional rights. Call our team now to learn how you may be able to win an acquittal or reduce the potential penalties you face. Let an experienced Newnan embezzlement lawyer consult on your case. We are here to help.

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
N/a