Alpharetta Embezzlement Lawyer

Embezzlement is a criminal offense that involves the theft of money or property a person was entrusted with overseeing or managing but did not own. Being accused of embezzlement could result in arrest, criminal charges, and prosecution with the potential for imprisonment if convicted. If you are under investigation for embezzlement, it is best to retain legal counsel to represent you before speaking with authorities.

An Alpharetta embezzlement lawyer could safeguard your constitutional rights during questioning or interrogation by detectives or other law enforcement officials. A detail-oriented fraud attorney could prepare an appropriate legal defense to the charges and fight to secure an optimal outcome to your case.

What is Embezzlement in Alpharetta?

Embezzlement, or theft by conversion, occurs when a person is given lawful access to property or funds belonging to another person or business entity under an agreement to apply the property or funds in a specified manner but, instead, knowingly converts the property or funds to his or her own use without authorization. An Alpharetta embezzlement attorney could explain embezzlement laws in more detail and answer questions about what constitutes embezzlement.

Examples of Offenses Involving Embezzlement

Embezzlement offenses are often categorized as white-collar crimes and are often committed by individuals working in white-collar professions, such as financial institutions or large corporations. Embezzlement may also be committed by individuals who hold public offices.

An example of embezzlement could involve an individual entrusted with managing monetary donations for a fundraising event sponsored by the corporation for which that individual worked. Embezzlement would have occurred if the individual entrusted with managing the donations was responsible for ensuring the funds raised were all transferred to the appropriate charity but funneled a portion of those funds to his or her personal bank account.

Penalties for Embezzlement Offenses

O.C.G.A § 16-8-12 of the state code outlines the penalties for embezzlement offenses in Alpharetta. Offenses involving the embezzlement of $500 or less are usually charged as misdemeanors and are punishable by a $1,000 fine and a maximum of 12 months in jail. Individuals with at least two prior convictions for embezzlement who are convicted for a third or subsequent time are deemed guilty of a felony under the law and can be sentenced to prison for one to five years.

More severe penalties are imposed for embezzling larger amounts of money. For example, embezzling an amount between $1,500 and $5,000 is punishable by a prison sentence between one and five years, while the penalty for embezzling more than $5,000 is between one and ten years in prison. An embezzlement lawyer in Alpharetta could answer questions about the penalties for specific embezzlement offenses.

Contact an Embezzlement Attorney in Alpharetta

Attempting to fight embezzlement charges on your own is not advisable. It is best to have an Alpharetta embezzlement lawyer on your side who could safeguard your constitutional rights and defend you against all charges.

An attorney could review the details of your case to determine if there are legal grounds for filing a motion to dismiss the charges. In general, an attorney could fight to secure the best possible resolution to your situation. Contact an embezzlement attorney in Alpharetta to discuss your case.