Anne Arundel County Embezzlement Lawyer
Embezzlement refers to a wide range of situations, including misappropriating employer funds, misusing a trust account, ringing up fraudulent transactions, taking money out of a cash register, or stealing merchandise.
No matter how an embezzlement charge arises, being convicted of such an offense can result in serious charges. As a result, if you or a loved one faces embezzlement charges, it can prove beneficial to obtain the services of an Anne Arundel County embezzlement lawyer who can help navigate the obstacles that arise in your case. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away to begin your case.
Federal Embezzlement Laws
In addition to state laws, there are also federal laws that prohibit embezzlement. Federal laws specifically address:
- Theft of government money or property
- Theft or embezzlement by a bank employee
- Theft in connection to health care
For the purposes of these laws, government property can relate to the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Disability Insurance, the United States Postal Service, or any other federal government program.
Difference Between Embezzlement and Theft
Embezzlement differs from other theft-related crimes in some important ways. When an individual holds a position of trust in which the person is authorized by the property’s owner to manage money, embezzlement occurs if the entrusted individual takes any amount of the money for their own gain without authorization by the property’s owner.
Provided that a relationship of trust exists, there are many ways in which embezzlement can occur.
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement
There are various penalties that can result from individuals being charged with embezzlement. Individuals can expect to lose their licenses or certifications due to embezzlement charges, in addition to other employment obstacles.
The other penalties that will be assigned by a court of law vary significantly based on the amount that was embezzled. These penalties are broken down in the following manner:
- Amounts Less Than $100. The maximum penalty is 90 days and a $500 fine.
- Amounts Between $100 and $1,000. The maximum penalty is five years and a $5,000 fine.
- Amounts Between $1,000 and $10,000. This crime is a felony that can result in individuals facing up to 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
- Amounts Between $10,000 and $100,000. This offense results in individuals facing 15 years in jail and a $15,000 fine.
- Amounts Greater Than $100,000. This offense results in individuals facing 25 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges
There are several common types of defenses to embezzlement charges that individuals can present, with assistance from an Anne Arundel County embezzlement lawyer. These include:
- Duress. This defense is available when an individual believes that they are in danger of incurring harm by not participating in the act of embezzlement.
- Entrapment. Entrapment refers to situations where a person would not have committed embezzlement except for the involvement of law enforcement.
- Insufficient Evidence. A skilled attorney can argue that there is a lack of sufficient evidence to convict a person of embezzlement.
- No Criminal Intent. The prosecution must establish that a person had criminal intent to satisfy an embezzlement convictions. This intent element must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, which can be a difficult standard to meet.
Contact an Anne Arundel County Embezzlement Attorney
If you face embezzlement charges, it is critical to obtain the assistance of an Anne Arundel County embezzlement lawyer who will create the most robust defense possible for you and ensure that your rights to due process are protected.