Palm Desert Embezzlement Lawyers of Coachella Valley
Embezzlement is known as a white collar crime and is referred to as employee theft or fraud in an employment situation. California Penal Code 503PC states, “Unlawfully taking something from another that has been entrusted to you.” In order to be convicted of embezzlement, you must have legally possessed the property or had authorization to access it.
California considers embezzlement a serious theft crime. The trust that someone has given you is betrayed in an illegal manner. According to California criminal statute, embezzlement is defined as, “The fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.”
Embezzlement charges can stem from:
- Use of employer’s checks for personal reasons
- Stealing cash
- Hiding assets to defraud
- Using employer’s property for another purpose
Penalties
Embezzlement penalties depend on the value of the embezzled property. If it is more than $400, it is considered grand theft and punishment falls under California Penal Code 487. If it is less than $400, it is petty theft and falls under California Penal Code 488. Embezzlement can result in either a misdemeanor or felony charge.
With grand theft embezzlement as a misdemeanor, the individual can face up to one year in a county jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. A felony conviction can result in 16 months to three years in the California State Prison and a maximum of a $10,000 fine.
Petty theft embezzlement comes with county jail time of up to six months and a maximum $1,000 fine. If the property is valued at less than $50 and this is a first conviction, the charge could be reduced to an infraction with a maximum $250 fine.
The penalties get more severe depending on prior convictions, if any.
Facing embezzlement charges is a serious matter. It requires the quality representation of an experienced Palm Springs embezzlement Attorney like the attorneys in The Law Office of Dale Gribow. Call today and find out how you can fight an embezzlement charge.