Orlando Embezzlement Charges Attorney
Being accused of embezzlement is a serious matter which could result in your imprisonment, loss of your professional reputation, removal from your job, forfeiture of assets and imprisonment. Florida Statute § 812.014 defines embezzlement as when someone in a position of trust intentionally misappropriates another person or company’s money or property for their own personal gain. Judges may hand out a harsh sentence because the crime involves the abuse of a fiduciary. Embezzlement is classified as a first, second, or third degree felony or first or second degree misdemeanor, depending upon the value of the property or money allegedly involved, the type of business where the offense occurred and whether other crimes were committed with the stolen money. If a person is found to have stolen more than $100,000 or more, he or she can face a 30 year jail sentence and a fine up $10,000. A person charged with second degree misdemeanor embezzlement only faces 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Examples of embezzlement in Florida state court:
- A HOA treasurer takes money from an account for personal use
- A bookkeeper alters records in order to steal money
- A money manager diverts clients funds without their knowledge
- An employee creates phony invoices and has funds deposited into a secret bank account
- A lawyer misappropriates funds from his client’s trust account
- An employee falsifies time records or expenses
- A little league parent steals money meant to buy uniforms or pay entry fees
In the federal system, Title 29 U.S.C. § 501(c) prohibits the embezzlement and theft of property from a labor organization covered by the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) (29 U.S.C. § 401, et seq.). Title 18 U.S.C. § 664 prohibits the embezzlement and theft of property by any person from an employee pension or welfare benefit plan subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1001, et seq, or a fund connected to such a plan.
If you have been accused of embezzlement, it’s important to hire an experienced lawyer right away. I can help you defend yourself by thoroughly investigating the facts, documents, and witness against you. This could result in a lesser charge or no charges being filed.
Leverage an Experienced Orlando Embezzlement Defense Attorney
When you are facing federal criminal charges, it is important to have a criminal defense attorney with years of experience in federal court. At Dan Eckhart Law, we have tried dozens and dozens of cases in federal court, always fighting aggressively for clients’ rights and freedom.
Attorney Dan Eckhart leverages his experience as a federal prosecutor to help build the strongest strategic defense possible for his clients. He will fight relentlessly to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome for your future. Call us at 407.276.0500 or use the form on our website to contact us and get started on your defense.