Embezzlement is a crime that involves the alleged misappropriation, misuse or unlawful disposal of goods or funds that have been entrusted to someone in either a professional or personal sense. Something like a cashier slipping a dollar bill from the till to cover the cost of a pack of gum from a vending machine could be prosecuted as embezzlement, as could something like skimming thousands of dollars off of an elderly relative’s bank account for personal use. Anyone who is facing embezzlement charges is encouraged to speak to a legal professional who specializes in defending embezzlement cases. Contact an embezzlement defense lawyer at Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your rights under the law as a defendant. We have offices located throughout Los Angeles county staffed by qualified defense attorneys ready to take on your case.
Although the offense of embezzlement itself is described under California Penal Code Sections 503 through 515, when it comes to sentencing, it is treated as a form of theft. Theft is defined under California Penal Code Section 484, and any form of theft is further classified as either petit theft (where funds or goods involved in the alleged crime are valued at less than 950 dollars) or grand theft (where funds or goods are valued at 950 dollars or more).
If being prosecuted as petit theft, the embezzlement offense is treated as either an infraction or as a misdemeanor, and it carries a penalty of up to one year in a local jail if convicted. If charged as grand theft, however, the embezzlement is may be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, such as the amount of funds embezzled and whether or not the accused is a first-time offender. If convicted, embezzlement charged as grand theft could result in steep fines and a sentence of incarceration in a state correctional facility as penalties.
At Okabe and Haushalter, we know that each case is different, and our attorneys can help to customize a solid defense for your unique case in court based on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. We can fight to get charges reduced with a plea bargain if appropriate, resulting in reduced charges and sentences, and may even be able to get the charges thrown out altogether.
If you are in need of an embezzlement defense lawyer in Hawthorne or anywhere else in the greater L.A. area, the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter can assist with your case. We have several offices throughout Los Angeles county staffed by knowledgeable defense attorneys eager to take on your case. Our team consists of some of the best criminal defense lawyers in the region, and we have a reputation for providing our clients with courtroom excellence. We will stand up for you in court and fight the charges against you, keeping you informed every step of the way. Call or click now for a free case evaluation.
