i Chesapeake Embezzlement Arrests | Theft Attorney

Chesapeake Embezzlement Arrests

When people think of white-collar crimes, they often think of them as less severe than other crimes. After all, white-collar crimes are non-violent, so it is easy to assume they do not have a significant impact on their victims. However, white-collar crimes can do far more damage than minor violent crimes. They can strip people of their savings, force older adults back into the workforce, lead to people losing their homes or vehicles, and more.

The Commonwealth recognizes the potential for destruction that comes with white-collar crimes. As a result, these crimes can have severe consequences. They can also be challenging to defend against since many of the factual scenarios that could support an embezzlement charge could also support someone doing their job. This overlap is why you need to contact an attorney when dealing with Chesapeake embezzlement arrests. An embezzlement attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explore the evidence, and develop a defense strategy.

Embezzlement Is a Type of Theft

While embezzlement is a white-collar crime, it is a form of theft. What differentiates it from other types of theft is that the accused has the right to manage or direct the property or money. They use this power or right to misappropriate the money and accomplish the theft.

Virginia Code § 18.2-111 discusses embezzlement as a form of larceny. Any person who uses, disposes, conceals, or embezzles tangible or intangible property from a position of trust commits larceny. The code outlines several ways that they could do so. It describes embezzlement as a way to show that someone has committed larceny.

Embezzlement can only occur when there is a relationship between the accused and the victim, which has given the accused some power over their assets. Without that relationship, there may still be an underlying theft, but it will not be embezzlement.

When people hear of embezzlement, they may think of long and complicated schemes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars of loss. Ponzi schemes are a great example of that type of long-term scheme, but embezzlement does not require a long, involved con. It can be the result of a one-time theft. It can also involve small dollar amounts.

Since employees can have access to and control over assets in various ways, thousands of factual scenarios could support an arrest for embezzlement in Chesapeake. However, some schemes are much more common than others. Examples include bookkeepers faking records, bank tellers or cashiers pocketing money, caretakers misappropriating funds, or brokers using their clients’ money.

Potential Punishment for Embezzlement

Because embezzlement is a form of larceny, the potential punishment is linked to the value of the stolen property. Embezzlement is a crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it may also be a federal crime. The first thing a Chesapeake attorney will do after an embezzlement arrest is check which agency did the arresting and the charging. Federal charges and state charges may carry different potential sentences.

For defendants facing state charges, when the value of the stolen property is less than $200, the potential punishment is up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, and an order to pay restitution to the victim. When the value of the stolen property is $200 or more, the fines and restitution stay the same. The maximum prison sentence increases to 20 years.

The potential penalty for federal charges is much more significant. The potential prison sentence is up to 30 years in federal prison. The potential fine is also much higher—up to $250,000 and can be up to the entire amount embezzled.

Speak to an Attorney About Chesapeake Embezzlement Arrests

Since embezzlement is a non-violent crime, it can be tempting not to take the charges seriously. However, it is often a felony, and any felony conviction can have a dramatic and negative impact on your life and freedom. As a crime of moral turpitude, even a misdemeanor conviction can lead to employment difficulties and more. The potential consequences are too severe to ignore.

Schedule a consultation with a defense attorney from Parks Zeigler, LLC, after Chesapeake embezzlement arrests. We can help you understand the charges, evaluate the case, and advise you about appropriate defenses.

Areas We Serve

With an office near Town Center, Virginia Beach and a second location beside the Chesapeake courthouse, our team provides quality legal representation across the entire Hampton Roads Area.

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Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys At Law

Parks Zeigler, PLLC – Attorneys At Law N/a
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