Embezzlement Lawyer in Media, Pennsylvania, PA
Embezzlement & Theft Defense for Clients Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
An embezzlement conviction can have life-altering consequences, including severe fines, prison time, loss of a professional license, and decreased future employment opportunities. Under Pennsylvania law, embezzlement falls under the general category of theft. It is only one type of theft covered by state law and, depending on the circumstances, may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. In order to be convicted of this offense, it must be proven that you took money or property belonging to someone else for your own financial gain.
Because of the serious consequences of any embezzlement or theft conviction, it is crucial that you seek trusted legal representation. You should not face such a charge without a competent criminal defense attorney in your corner as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Arthur Thomas Donato Jr., our skilled attorney knows how design a defense that protects your rights and can minimize the negative impact a conviction will have on your life. With more than 40 years of experience, Arthur Thomas Donato begins by conducting a thorough investigation and analysis of your situation in order to achieve the most favorable result possible.
Reach out to The Law Offices of Arthur Thomas Donato Jr. at (610) 565-4747 or message us online to arrange for a confidential consultation about your case.
Theft & Embezzlement Charges & Penalties
At its most basic level, embezzlement is theft. More specifically, embezzlement occurs when an individual or group entrusted with property for one purpose uses it for another purpose without the owner's consent.
From one-time allegations involving a small quantity of assets to large-scale sophisticated, ongoing schemes, embezzlement can include misusing funds in many ways, including:
- Unauthorized spending of funds from client accounts
- Fraudulent altering of receipts or account information
- Underreporting profits
- Fraudulent billing from a false vendor account
- Fraudulent payment of phantom employees
While this white collar crime is often associated with executives, embezzlement charges can be filed against anyone who handles and is entrusted with cash, checks, money transfers, or financial data. Bookkeepers, cashiers, employees or volunteers may also be accused of misappropriation of funds, skimming or theft from an employer, municipality, charity, or nonprofit organization.
Embezzlement can also be called a breach of fiduciary duty due to the fact that the entrusted personnel betrayed that trust. Those who owe this duty to others can include estate trustees, investment managers, corporate management, and bank employees. In these circumstances, embezzlement may also be part of a larger scheme to defraud victims which would then lead to multiple charges. As a crime, embezzlement can fall under both state and federal law; it is listed as a federal offense under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Penalties
Embezzlement is punished according to the value of the funds or property stolen or misappropriated. In cases involving $50 or less, it carries up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 as a third-degree misdemeanor charge. For property valued between $50 up to $200, it carries up to two years of jail time and a fine of up to $5,000 as a second-degree misdemeanor charge. For property valued between $200 and $2,000, it carries up to five years of jail time and a fine of up to $10,000 as a first-degree misdemeanor charge.
For property valued above $2,000, it is charged as a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000. When the property is valued at $500,000 or more, it is charged as a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
Get Outstanding Legal Help from Our Media, Pennsylvania Embezzlement Attorney
Large, complex embezzlement schemes are often extensively investigated before any charges are brought. Arthur Thomas Donato can begin working with you as soon as you suspect an investigation has begun. This allows us the best opportunity to protect your rights and to craft a successful argument in your defense. Our proactive approach has been instrumental in establishing a track record of success in complex white collar cases.
Contact us at (610) 565-4747 to schedule your case evaluation today.
