Embezzlement Defense Lawyers in Orlando

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.

Something 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:

• Investors or advisors diverting client funds into hidden accounts
• Employees who are paid hourly may falsify overtime records, collecting wages for time they did not actually work
• Under reporting of profits by a CEO or other administrative staff
• An accountant alters expense reports or journal entries
• Bank tellers who steal cash from teller drawers or bank vaults and cover the theft by creating fraudulent vault balancing sheets
• Ponzi schemes or fraudulent investment operations such as Bernie Madoff was involved in

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.

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.

Even 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.