White Collar Crimes Lawyer In Gainesville, FL
Any individual who uses their position to steal property or money from their employer or a corporate entity can be charged with embezzlement. While embezzlement is recognized as a white-collar crime, it is charged as a theft crime under Florida law. Additionally, depending on several factors, embezzlement can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Beyond carrying severe legal penalties, being convicted of embezzlement can have a devastating impact on an individual's personal and professional life.
If you believe you are under investigation for the crime of embezzlement or are aware of embezzlement charges that have been raised against you, securing professional assistance from a skilled criminal defense lawyer is a necessity. Contact Stout Defense, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation with our Gainesville criminal defense attorney!
Florida Laws On Embezzlement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) defines embezzlement as "the unlawful misappropriation by an offender to his/her own use or purpose of money, property, or some other thing of value entrusted to his/her care, custody, or control." Therefore, embezzlement involves an employer/employee relationship when an employee deliberately deceives their employer by dishonestly appropriating money or any other valued property entrusted to them for unlawful financial gain.
Legal Penalties For Embezzlement
As there is no specific statute for embezzlement, this offensive is typically charged as either petit theft or grand theft, under Florida Statute §812.014. The penalties for embezzlement will vary depending on the amount embezzled. Specific punishments and penalties for embezzlement charges are outlined below.
- Second-Degree Misdemeanor: Occurs when the property value is less than $100. Punishable by 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
- First-Degree Misdemeanor: Occurs when the property value is more than $100 but less than $300. Punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Third-Degree Felony: Occurs when the property value is more than $300 but less than $20,000. Punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
- Second-Degree Felony: Occurs when the property value is more than $20,000 but less than $100,000. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
- First-Degree Felony: Occurs when the property value is more than $100,000. Punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Additionally, being convicted of embezzlement charges may result in suspending an offender's driver's license.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you are facing embezzlement charges, you should speak to an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Employers and their prosecution teams often seek to make an example of employees they believe to be embezzling funds, aiming for maximum sentencing. Fortunately, our skilled defense lawyer, Adam Stout, has a thorough understanding of the law and years of experience defending clients accused of white-collar crimes. Adam can review the specifics of your case and help accused individuals formulate a compelling and competent defense strategy to have their charges dropped or reduced. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation case consultation!