Kalamazoo Embezzlement Attorney

Have You Been Accused of Embezzlement? We Can Help!

Embezzlement is a white-collar crime that involves the misappropriation of funds or assets entrusted to a person's care but owned by someone else. Since this offense is also a federal crime, a conviction can result in harsh criminal penalties, such as lengthy federal prison sentences and fines worth hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars. At Levine & Levine, our team of attorneys is experienced in defending those who have been accused of embezzlement.

Our attorneys are committed to helping you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. We understand that good people sometimes make mistakes, and we believe that a single mistake shouldn't ruin your life. If you have been charged with embezzlement, we can help.

Call (269) 218-8880 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Kalamazoo embezzlement attorneys today.

What is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a form of theft. However, unlike traditional theft, embezzlement typically involves the theft of assets that were entrusted to the care of the accused. It is often referred to as a "white-collar" crime because it is typically committed by people in positions of power, such as accountants or corporate officers. However, anyone can be accused of embezzlement.

Embezzlement can involve the theft of:

• Money
• Property
• Documents
• Or any other assets

Embezzlement can occur in any industry and can involve the theft of any amount of money or assets. However, most embezzlement charges involve significant sums of money or valuable assets. For example, a bank teller may be accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from the bank, or a corporate officer may be accused of embezzling company stock.

What Are the Consequences of Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a serious crime and is aggressively prosecuted in the state of Michigan. The penalties for embezzlement depend on the value of the stolen assets and can be quite severe. If you have been charged with embezzlement, you may be facing prison time, steep fines, and long-lasting damage to your personal and professional reputation.

Under Michigan law, the penalties for embezzlement include:

• Assets valued at less than $200 - Embezzlement of assets valued at less than $200 is a misdemeanor in Michigan. The maximum penalties for a conviction are 93 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
• Assets valued at $200 to $1,000 - Embezzlement of assets valued between $200 and $1,000 is a misdemeanor in Michigan. The maximum penalties for a conviction are 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• Assets valued at $1,000 to $20,000 - Embezzlement of assets valued between $1,000 and $20,000 is a felony in Michigan. The maximum penalties for a conviction are 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• Assets valued at $20,000 to $50,000 - Embezzlement of assets valued between $20,000 and $50,000 is a felony in Michigan. The maximum penalties for a conviction are 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.
• Assets valued at $50,000 to $100,000 - Embezzlement of assets valued between $50,000 and $100,000 is a felony in Michigan. The maximum penalties for a conviction are 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000.
• Assets valued at more than $100,000 - Embezzlement of assets valued at more than $100,000 is a felony in Michigan. The maximum penalties for a conviction are 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.

Federal penalties for embezzlement typically include the following:

• Imprisonment: The length of imprisonment depends on the amount embezzled and the specific circumstances of the case. Under 18 U.S.C. § 641, if the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,000, the penalty can be up to 10 years in federal prison. If the value is $1,000 or less, the penalty may be up to 1 year in prison. Under 18 U.S.C. § 656, bank embezzlement can result in up to 30 years of imprisonment, regardless of the amount stolen. Under 18 U.S.C. § 664, embezzlement from an employee benefit plan can lead to up to 5 years in prison.
• Fines: Fines for embezzlement can be substantial and are often imposed in addition to imprisonment. For example, under 18 U.S.C. § 641, fines can reach up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 656, fines can be as high as $1,000,000.
• Restitution: Courts often require the convicted person to pay restitution, which means compensating the victim for the amount embezzled. Restitution is separate from fines and is mandatory in federal criminal cases involving financial loss to victims.

These penalties are in addition to the long-lasting damage a conviction can have on your personal and professional life. If you have been charged with embezzlement, you need an experienced attorney on your side who can help you fight the charges and protect your future.

What Are Common Embezzlement Defenses?

If you have been charged with embezzlement, you have the right to defend yourself in court. There are several defense strategies that can be used to fight embezzlement charges. Our attorneys will thoroughly review the facts of your case and help you build a strong defense.

Common defenses to embezzlement charges include:

• Consent - Embezzlement requires the theft of assets that were entrusted to the care of the accused. If the owner of the assets gave the accused permission to use the assets, then there is no embezzlement.
• Mistake - Embezzlement requires intent. If the accused took the assets by mistake, then it is not embezzlement.
• False accusation - In some cases, a person may be falsely accused of embezzlement by a coworker or employer who wishes to harm the accused's reputation or professional standing.

Why Choose Levine & Levine?

When you hire our firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the facts of your case. We will work with financial experts, forensic accountants, and other professionals to help us build a strong defense.

Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and experienced trial attorneys. We will work tirelessly to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case, whether that is a dismissal of the charges, a reduction in the charges, or an acquittal at trial. When you hire our firm, you can be confident that your case is in good hands.

To request a case evaluation with our team, call (269) 218-8880 or contact us online today.