If you find yourself facing embezzlement charges in Beverly Hills, California, seek the legal help of a skilled Beverly Hills embezzlement lawyer. The Simmrin Law Group has managed similar cases for over 19 years and has the track record to prove it.
Embezzlement is a serious offense that carries severe legal penalties, but with the right Beverly Hills criminal defense lawyers backing you, there may be opportunities to mitigate the consequences.
What is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a form of theft where someone misappropriates or misuses property or funds that have been entrusted to them. This may involve an employee stealing money from their employer, a financial advisor siphoning client assets, or a business partner diverting company resources for personal gain.
Under California penal code § 503, embezzlement is defined as the fraudulent appropriation of property or funds by someone to whom they have been entrusted. The key elements that distinguish embezzlement from other types of theft include:
- Lawful Possession: The defendant had lawful possession or control of the property, often through their job or a position of trust.
- Fraudulent Intent: The defendant intentionally and knowingly misused the property for their own benefit rather than for its intended purpose.
- Lack of Owner Consent: The owner of the property did not authorize or consent to the defendant’s actions.
Embezzlement can occur in a wide range of contexts, from small businesses to large corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and more. The amounts stolen can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Similar theft crimes may include:
- Receiving stolen property
- Grand Theft
- Forgery
- Petty Theft
- Burglary
For a free legal consultation with an embezzlement lawyer serving Beverly Hills, call (310) 896-2723
Potential Penalties for Embezzlement in California
The potential penalties for embezzlement in California depend on the value of the property or funds taken:
- Petty Embezzlement: If the value is less than $950, it’s charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Grand Embezzlement: If the value is $950 or more, that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Felony grand embezzlement can result in 16 months to three years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
In addition to potential jail time and fines, a conviction for embezzlement can have severe collateral consequences, including:
- A permanent criminal record that can impact future employment and professional licensing
- Mandatory restitution to the victim for the full amount embezzled
- Seizure of assets and property obtained through the embezzlement
- Difficulty obtaining loans, credit, or renting property in the future
Given the high stakes, it’s critical to have skilled legal representation if you’re facing any type of embezzlement charge in the Beverly Hills area.
Beverly Hills Embezzlement Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Legal Defenses that Work Against California Embezzlement Charges
An experienced Beverly Hills embezzlement attorney will work tirelessly to protect your rights and develop the most effective defense strategy for your unique situation. Some of the key legal defenses and mitigating factors we may argue include:
- Lack of Intent: Embezzlement requires proof of fraudulent intent. We can argue that any misuse of the property was unintentional or the result of a genuine mistake rather than a deliberate scheme.
- Claim of Right: If you believed you had a legitimate ownership claim or permission to use the property, that can serve as a defense against the charges.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proving each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. We’ll closely scrutinize their evidence and find any gaps or weaknesses.
- Duress or Coercion: If you were forced to embezzle under threat of harm, that could provide a legal justification for your actions.
- Restitution and Cooperation: Voluntarily making restitution and cooperating with the investigation may help secure more favorable plea bargaining or sentencing.
Mitigating Factors
Your personal background, lack of criminal history, and other extenuating circumstances could persuade the court to impose a lighter sentence.
Crafting a compelling defense often requires a multi-pronged approach, drawing on both legal arguments and strategic negotiations with prosecutors. As your Beverly Hills embezzlement lawyer, we will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
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Why Hire a Beverly Hills Embezzlement Lawyer?
Embezzlement charges are extremely serious, with the potential for lengthy prison sentences, crippling fines, and lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation. Trying to navigate this alone is simply too risky. Hiring an experienced lawyer provides you with several crucial advantages:
In-Depth Legal Knowledge
Embezzlement laws are complex, with nuances that require experience. We have a deep understanding of the relevant statutes, case law, and legal defenses that can be applied.
Protecting Your Rights
From the moment we get involved, we will ensure your constitutional rights are protected at every stage of the legal process. We won’t let law enforcement or prosecutors take advantage of you.
Thorough Case Preparation
We will conduct a comprehensive investigation, gather all relevant evidence, and build the most robust defense strategy possible. No stone will be left unturned.
Negotiation with Prosecutors
Through our established relationships with local prosecutors, We are often able to negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing arrangements, or even complete dismissals of the case.
Mitigating Penalties
Should a conviction be unavoidable, our firm will fight aggressively to minimize the penalties you face, such as reduced jail time, smaller fines, or probation instead of incarceration.
Proven Track Record of Success
We understand the unique challenges and sensitivities that come with white-collar crimes in this community. We continuously defend individuals charged with embezzlement, building a reputation for tenacious advocacy and creative legal strategies.
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The Simmrin Law Group Provides Free Legal Consultations
Contact the Simmrin Law Group today to speak to a well-versed embezzlement attorney in Beverly Hills, CA. Our connections, combined with our unwavering commitment to our clients’ best interests, have allowed us to achieve consistently favorable outcomes, even in the most challenging embezzlement cases.
If you or a loved one is facing any type of embezzlement charge in Beverly Hills, contact our office right away to discuss your legal options and learn more about us. We are here to help you preserve your freedom and move forward with your life.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form