Being charged with embezzlement is a serious circumstance that should merit immediate legal attention. A conviction for this offense could result in time in jail, expensive fines, and the inability to live a normal life. You may also face repercussions regarding your employability and civil freedoms.
If you have been formally charged, it is essential to take legal defensive action as soon as possible. Allow one of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert experienced in these types of cases to represent you so you can focus on repairing your reputation. Call a Tequesta embezzlement Lawyer to begin discussing your case in detail.
When Would Someone Be Charged with Embezzlement?
The Sunshine State classifies embezzlement as a form of theft under Florida Statutes Section 812.014. To obtain an embezzlement conviction, the prosecution must show that the defendant had a financial relationship with the accuser. Known as a fiduciary relationship, this means that the defendant was trusted to handle financial affairs such as overseeing rental properties or business bank accounts. In addition to full-time employees, fiduciary relationships exist between stockbrokers, bankers, and their clients. Lastly, if a person were found to have transferred monies or other assets to themselves or a third party, such as an offshore bank account, they could be convicted of embezzlement.
Different Punishments for Embezzlement Convictions
Embezzlement Attorneys attempt to overturn charges against defendants that range from Misdemeanors to Felonies depending on the supposed amount of money stolen:
First Degree Felony
This Felony charge is for embezzled property worth $100,000 or more, or ship cargo valued at $50,000 or more stole due to a state of emergency. Penalties include 30 years in prison, fines up to $10,000 or both.
Second Degree Felony
An individual could be charged with a second-degree Felony for embezzling property worth more than $20,000 but less than $100,000. Second-degree Felony convictions also apply to those who embezzle emergency medical equipment worth $300 or more. Individuals working with others to steal property worth $3,000 or more may also receive second-degree Felony convictions resulting in fines up to $10,000, 15 years in prison, or both.
Third Degree Felony
A Felony charge in the third degree may be issued to someone who embezzled at least $300 in value but less than $30,000. Third-degree Felonies additionally apply to stealing firearms, fire extinguishers, commercial animals, and more than 2,000 pieces of citrus fruit. Embezzling property valued at $100 or more also falls under the third degree. Felony umbrella and includes $500 fines, 60 days in prison, or both.
First Degree Misdemeanor
A person would be charged with a misdemeanor if they embezzle property worth more than $100 and less than $300. Penalties include as much as 60 days in jail, a fine of $500, or both.
Second Degree Misdemeanor
Florida courts consider any embezzled property not listed under first, second, and third-degree Felonies or first-degree Misdemeanors as second-degree Misdemeanors. The penalties for this type of misdemeanor includes a fine of $500, 60 days in prison, or both.
Speak with a Tequesta Embezzlement Attorney Today
If you were falsely accused of misappropriating funds, schedule a consultation with a Tequesta embezzlement Lawyer. Our attorneys at Leifert & Leifert have the skill and experience necessary to build a solid defense against embezzlement charges to counter the arguments brought forth by the prosecution.
Call today to begin discussing your case in detail. Doing so could have a profound impact on your ability to render a positive result.
