Florida Embezzlement Charges Are Considered White Collar Crime In Florida And Come With Serious Consequences If Convicted
If you are facing Florida embezzlement charges, you will require the services of an expert Embezzlement Lawyer. While Florida does not have a specific embezzlement law or statute, this crime type is a crime of property theft, and the penalties and conviction for this “white-collar crime” are especially harsh. A highly seasoned criminal defense lawyer is the best defense for your case.
What Is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement occurs when someone steals money or property from an employer or business partner who typically trusted the person with the property or finances. Embezzlement is different than fraud in that the embezzler has been given permission to handle the property, but not to steal it. The person uses the trust of the property owner and deceives them by taking it. Examples can range from low level theft such as stealing from the cash register or more extreme instances such as in a Ponzi scheme.
What is Required to Prove Florida Embezzlement Charges?
- There must be a trust relationship between the defendant and the agency or owner stating the crime
- The defendant owned the property by an association of employment
- The defendant’s handling of the property established a fraudulent use for his gain
- The defendant acted with intent to defraud the owner of the property
A prosecutor must prove all four elements of the embezzlement charge to be convicted. Proving each factor against the defendant may be difficult for the prosecution, mainly if an experienced embezzlement defense lawyer handles the case.
Why is Embezzlement Called a White-Collar Crime?
Embezzlement or a white-collar crime is the theft of personal property or assets of another person, such as a person in banking or retail. They may be crimes described as deceit or violation of trust without violence. Embezzlement, theft-after-trust, or white-collar crime all describe a similar crime.
What Are The Penalties For A Florida Embezzlement Charges Conviction?
In Florida, the charges and penalties for embezzlement are determined based on the amount of the property stolen. Embezzlement can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. Some examples include:
- Embezzlement charges of $300 to $19,999 may be considered a third-degree felony offense
- Embezzlement charges of $20,000 to $99,999 may be considered a second-degree felony. This offense can also result in significant jail time.
- Embezzlement charges of more than $100,000 may be considered a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony is a severe offense — the maximum punishment is up to 30 years in prison.
Hiring An Experienced Embezzlement Attorney Can Help Your Case. Call Us Today For A Consultation.
Hiring a skilled local Embezzlement Defense Lawyer to fight your white-collar crime charge aggressively is key to your best outcome. If you or someone you know is facing Florida embezzlement charges, don’t hesitate to contact the team at William B Bennett, P.A. Call us at (727) 821-8000 or contact us on our website today for a confidential consultation.
Tagged with: Criminal Law, Embezzlement, Theft, White Collar Crime
Posted in: Criminal Defense Law, Embezzlement, Theft