Dublin

Embezzlement Lawyer

Though embezzlement is often associated specifically with money, any type of property could be illegally embezzled. Under California law, embezzlement is any non-violent theft that occurs when the property is taken by someone with legal access to it.

If you were charged with — or fear possible accusations of — embezzlement, you may wish to consult a Dublin embezzlement lawyer about your legal options. Criminal charges could have a significant impact on your life, affecting your financial, personal, and professional security. Along with explaining the law as it relates to your case, a well-versed fraud attorney could work to build a strong defense to protect your rights.

The Law Regarding Embezzlement

While embezzlement is legally a form of theft, it is a unique charge that separates it from traditional theft charges. Under California Penal Code § 503, embezzlement is defined as “the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.”

This means — for embezzlement to occur — the accused individual must have been granted legal access to the property or money by the owner. Many different acts of embezzlement are outlined under Cal Pen Code §504 – §507, which could be explained in-depth by a knowledgeable Dublin embezzlement attorney. Common examples include:

• Taking money or property held by a public office (Cal Pen Code 504)
• Keeping leased property (Cal Pen Code 504a)
• Selling property under a security agreement (Cal Pen Code 504b)
• Taking property that is being shipped (Cal Pen Code 505)
• Taking property held in trust for another (Cal Pen Code 506)
• Selling property for another and keeping the proceeds (Cal Pen Code 507)

Potential Penalties in Dublin

Embezzlement is a form of theft, which means charges essentially carry the same potential penalties. Generally, if the property that is alleged to be taken was worth less than $50, individuals might instead face charges of petty theft. In Dublin, a conviction for petty theft carries a penalty of a fine up to $250, as outlined in Cal Pen Code §490.1.

However, if embezzlement amounts to grand theft, the court might sentence someone to a year or more in jail. Some common charges of grand theft embezzlement are related to real estate contracts, for example, and might carry fines of up to $10,000 and a jail sentence of one year — as detailed in Cal Pen Code § 506b. Furthermore, the misappropriation of public property is another form of embezzlement that is considered a felony and might bar anyone convicted from holding public office in California.

In many cases, a meticulous embezzlement lawyer in Dublin could examine a defendant’s situation and advise him or her on what actions to take in order to establish a defense. For example, under Cal Pen Code §513, the court may choose to mitigate punishment if the property is voluntarily returned.

Work with a Dublin Embezzlement Attorney

When you are facing charges of embezzlement, going through the criminal proceedings alone could seem daunting. Fortunately, a Dublin attorney could stand by your side throughout the legal entire process. Charges of embezzlement might have both short- and long-term effects on your life — potentially impacting your employment opportunities, threatening your financial security, and impacting your criminal record.

No matter the circumstances of your charges, a Dublin embezzlement lawyer could fight to protect your rights and defend your reputation. For more information about how an adaptive theft attorney might benefit you, call today.