Embezzlement is a white collar crime and a form of theft where someone uses a position of trust or authority to steal property for which they’ve been made responsible. For example, embezzlement could be an employee using an employer’s credit card without authorization, or a financial manager who uses his access to pocket money for himself. In Florida, embezzlement is charged and sentenced using the state’s theft laws.
Embezzlement can either be charged as:
- Petit theft: embezzlement of property worth $300 or less
- Grand theft: embezzlement of property worth more than $300
Like with any theft crime in Florida, the amount of money taken will determine whether a crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Petit theft is a second degree misdemeanor on a first conviction, but will be charged as a first degree misdemeanor on subsequent offenses.
However, grand theft is charged as a felony. Grand theft can be charged as a third degree for property worth between $300 and $20,000, second degree for property worthy between $20,000 and $100,000, and first degree for property worth more than $100,000. Charges may also depend on the nature of the alleged crime ; for instance, theft of a person’s will automatically results in a third degree felony charge, even if the value was less than $300.
The Penalties for Felony Embezzlement
- Grand theft of the third degree: 5 years in prison or 5 years probation and a $5,000 fine
- Grand theft of the second degree: 15 years in prison or 15 years probation and a $10,000 fine
- Grand theft of the first degree: 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Speak with a Florida Embezzlement Lawyer Today
If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, don’t wait until you receive formal charges to defend yourself. At Rudenberg and Glasser, P.A., we provide aggressive and proactive defense for our clients, which has allowed us to successfully resolve thousands of criminal cases on behalf of the accused in Fort Lauderdale and beyond. The lawyers at our firm include some of the most accomplished corporate and criminal defense attorneys in the state, so we have the experience and knowledge to give you a proven defense strategy.
Embezzlement requires the state to prove that your use of the property was unauthorized and illegal; our job will be to tear apart the state’s case, leverage its weaknesses, and show the jury that you did nothing wrong. The strength of our track record could even help us reduce your charges or get your case dismissed before trial even begins. To learn the options available to you, speak with our firm today in a free, confidential consultation.
Call (954) 543-1788 or use our short online form to get started.
