The crime of embezzlement occurs when a person mishandles assets entrusted to them. When it involves automobiles, firearms and property worth more than $950, it may lead to felony charges in California.
A conviction can be life-altering, but other white-collar financial crimes can fall under the embezzlement umbrella. Being informed about the charges you face and potential defenses is vital.
Potentially severe embezzlement-related charges
Generally, embezzlement offenses can take many forms, each with its own methods and repercussions. Here are some examples:
- Cash skimming or siphoning: Taking cash before it is entered into the books
- Check kiting: Writing checks from one account to another without sufficient funds
- Payroll fraud: Manipulating payroll systems to pay non-existent employees or inflate wages
- Taking kickbacks: Accepting unauthorized payments in exchange for facilitating transactions
- Misuse of assets: Accessing and using company property for personal gain
Activities like these are punished severely in California. Penalties can include expensive fines, imprisonment and orders to pay restitution.
Potential defenses against financial crimes
While embezzlement and related charges are certainly serious, a successful defense is possible. There are several strategies to consider, depending on your circumstances:
- Proving lack of intent to commit fraud or theft
- Showing you had authorization to use the assets
- Demonstrating a lack of sufficient evidence to support the charges
- Arguing that the actions you took were due to a mistake
You may have better odds of overcoming your circumstances than you think, especially with solid documentation and other evidence. Someone familiar with California embezzlement laws can help you select an appropriate defense or build one customized around your unique situation.
