If a person is accused of embezzlement, they can face serious consequences. Embezzlement is a crime that happens when a person who has been given access to money or assets takes or converts those items for their own personal benefit.

Often, the accused embezzler is a person who is in a position of trust or authority, like an employee or financial manager, for example.

Embezzlement overview

There are several elements that must be proven to find the accused person guilty of embezzlement. In addition to being entrusted with funds or property and converting them to their own use, the accused person must have had the intent to deprive the owner of the funds or property.

Embezzlement can happen in several settings, including businesses where employees have access to company bank accounts and cash, government agencies where public funds are managed and financial institutions where there is an opportunity to take money from customer accounts.

It can also happen in nonprofit organizations where employees have access to funds meant for charity and in educational settings where staff may misappropriate money meant for students.

Penalties

A convicted person can face fines and penalties. The court may order the convicted person to pay restitution, which means they must repay the victim or the organization they stole from.

They may also be sentenced to jail for a few months or prison, which can last for several years. The penalties may increase depending on certain factors, such as whether vulnerable individuals were involved and how many counts of embezzlement the convicted person is facing.

There is help available to defend against an accusation of embezzlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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