Charles City Embezzlement Lawyer
Sometimes, people in Charles City commit embezzlement without really meaning to. They may be borrowing funds to get through a tough time or not even realize that they are taking property unlawfully. However, their actions may be treated as a serious criminal offense.
If you are facing embezzlement charges, it is a good idea to talk to a Charles City embezzlement lawyer who can explain the ramifications and your options for defense. A knowledgeable attorney who understands how local courts handle embezzlement cases could help protect your rights and work to achieve a positive outcome in your case.
How Embezzlement Differs from Other Theft Crimes
State law defines many types of theft crimes. Those involving violence or the threat of violence, such as robbery, may be penalized more severely than basic larceny, which is the unlawful taking of property from another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property.
Embezzlement is often viewed as a more serious offense that larceny but for a different reason. In an embezzlement scenario, a person wrongfully takes property that has been entrusted to their care. The breach of trust aspect has traditionally caused courts to treat this crime as a greater wrong than basic theft. However, a Charles City embezzlement lawyer may be able to use the trust factor to help show that there was no intent to take the property or to deprive the owner of it.
Legal Definition of Embezzlement
Va. Code. Ann. §18.2-111 describes the crime of embezzlement to include:
- Wrongfully and fraudulently
- Using, concealing, embezzling or disposing of
- Money, notes, checks, or any personal property (including intangible property)
- After that property had been received for another person or entity or entrusted by another person or entity
A Charles City embezzlement lawyer may be able to demonstrate that any disposition of property was not fraudulent or wrongful.
The statute specifies that someone found guilty of embezzlement will be treated as if guilty of larceny. Penalties are described as being the same as for larceny, which means that the severity is determined in large part by the value of the property at issue.
Penalties for Embezzlement in Charles City
Because embezzlement is penalized like larceny, it is necessary to refer to the larceny statutes for grand larceny and petit larceny. When the property taken is worth less than $500, the offense is penalized as a Class 1 misdemeanor under Va. Code Ann. §18.2-96. Those convicted face up to 12 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500.
Where the property at issue is valued at $500 or more, then a crime is treated as grand larceny under Va. Code Ann. §18.2-95. This offense carries a minimum sentence of one year in jail with a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment. However, the judge has the discretion to penalize the offense as a misdemeanor, so a Charles City embezzlement lawyer could present evidence to show why more lenient treatment is appropriate under the circumstances.
Consult a Charles City Embezzlement Attorney
Embezzlement is not a crime you want on your record. Even after fines have been paid and terms of probation or imprisonment have ended, the record of embezzlement could make it difficult to obtain employment, preferred housing, or other goals for years to come.
Assistance from an experienced Charles City embezzlement lawyer could help reduce the negative consequences. Moreover, representation from an attorney right at the start could help prevent mistakes that could jeopardize the outcome of your case. In addition, the sooner you begin working with a lawyer, the sooner your legal advisor could begin collecting evidence to defend against the charges. For a free consultation to get started, call now.
