If you are being investigated or have been charged with embezzlement, it is vital to consult with a lawyer immediately. This is a serious crime that will result in life-changing consequences for those convicted, including possible prison time. At Adams, Luka, & Benton our embezzlement defense lawyers in Orlando provide the legal support and guidance essential to reaching the best possible outcome in your case.
Embezzling involves violating fiduciary responsibility; in other words, money or property is misappropriated intentionally by someone in a position of trust for their own personal gain.
Common Examples of Embezzlement in Central FloridaSomething seemingly minor may be considered embezzlement. For instance, you may be a checker or clerk at a supermarket or convenience store who takes money from the register. Other examples include:
There are more ways than you can imagine that people commit embezzlement and other theft or larceny crimes. Regardless, the penalties for this white-collar crime are serious.
Is Embezzlement a Misdemeanor or Felony?Embezzlement can be either, and depends on the value of the property involved. If an employee were to siphon less than $100 from the cash register, he or she would likely be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. The most serious offenses involve property valued at $100,000 or more, in which case a conviction could result in fines of up to $10,000 along with a maximum of 30 years in prison. Misdemeanor charges are less serious than felony charges, however the punishment is often substantial in either case. Embezzlement is charged as a first- or second-degree misdemeanor or a first-, second-, or third-degree felony depending on the value or type of property stolen and other factors.
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton TodayEven a misdemeanor embezzlement charge can leave you facing up to 60 days in jail along with a $500 fine if found guilty. Considering the most serious felony could result in 30 years behind bars, it is critical to discuss your case with a skilled and capable Orlando embezzlement defense attorney. Regardless of the circumstances in your situation we urge you to contact Adams, Luka, & Benton today for a free case evaluation.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.