Top North Charleston, SC Embezzlement Lawyers Near You
5 Exchange Street, Charleston, SC 29401
6 Carriage Lane, Suite A, Charleston, SC 29407
115 Fairchild St, Suite 300, Daniel Island, SC 29492
689 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
75 Port City Landing, Suite 110, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
260 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
15 Middle Atlantic Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
225 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 105, Charleston, SC 29492
105 Carolina Avenue, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
885 Island Park Drive, Suite B, North Charleston, SC 29492
207 East 3rd N. St., Summerville, SC 29483
677 King St, Suite 450, Charleston, SC 29403
56 Society Street, Charleston, SC 29401
4000 Faber Pl Dr, Suite 300, North Charleston, SC 29405
111 Coleman Blvd, Suite 301, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
400 Altman St, Suite E, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
215 East Bay Street, Suite 307, Charleston, SC 29401
815 Savannah Highway, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29407
PO Box 1986, Summerville, SC 29484
880 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Suite 1, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
1668 Old Trolley Rd, Suite 104, Summerville, SC 29485
25 Calhoun St, Suite 250, Charleston, SC 29401
107 W 6th N. St., Suite 100, Summerville, SC 29483
155 King Street, 2nd Floor, Charleston, SC 29401
460 King St, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403
North Charleston Embezzlement Information
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What Is Considered Embezzlement?
If someone is entrusted with property or money, theft of the property or money may be considered embezzlement. Embezzlement is a type of theft, but it differs from ordinary theft because the person stealing something is in a position of trust with the property owner. Embezzlement often refers to theft from an employer or business.
Embezzlement is generally considered a “white-collar crime,” which involves theft for personal gain through non-violent means, including theft or larceny through violation of a position of trust. Embezzlement could include a one-time theft or occur regularly over the course of years with attempts to cover up detection of the theft.
What Are Examples of Embezzlement?
There are several examples of embezzlement, including theft of money, property, or services. Embezzlement could involve taking a couple of hundred dollars worth of office supplies or embezzling millions of dollars from a company over a period of years. Embezzlement can involve:
- Employees
- Independent contractors
- Accountants
- Financial advisor
Misuse of Company Credit Card: A salesperson does a lot of travel for their employer. The salesperson may have a company credit card and has to account for all travel expenses over $50. If the salesperson uses the company card to buy items for personal use that are under $50, it may be considered embezzlement from the company.
Fake Invoices or Vendors: An employee in the accounting department was responsible for processing payments to vendors for the business. If the employee makes payments to their own bank account and covers it up with fake invoices, it may be considered embezzlement of company assets.
Misappropriation of Funds: A financial broker may be charged with managing investment funds for an elderly client. The broker has control over many of the financial assets and the client has entrusted the broker with managing the funds according to their fiduciary duty. If the advisor falsified documents and made unauthorized wire transfers to a personal account, that could be considered embezzlement.
What Are the Penalties For an Embezzlement Conviction?
Embezzlement can be treated like other theft or larceny criminal offenses. The penalties for an embezzlement conviction may depend on a number of factors, including:
- Value of the property or amount of money involved
- Number of victims
- Whether embezzlement was part of a criminal enterprise
- If theft was from a government agency or financial institution
- Defendant’s prior criminal record
As a misdemeanor, the defendant may face jail time for up to a year. As a felony, a conviction for embezzlement can result in more than 1 year in prison, fines, and victim restitution. A felony criminal record can also prevent you from being able to own a gun or make it harder to get a job.
How Do Employers Find Out About Theft?
There are some red flags that can alert employers of possible employee theft or embezzlement. Possible warning signs of embezzlement may include:
- Missing accounting records documents
- Employee working when others are not in the office
- Refusing to take time off
- Suspicious spending habits
- Refusing help from co-workers or outside help
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?
Embezzlement cases may begin with an internal audit or company investigation. If you believe you may be under investigation for embezzlement, a criminal defense attorney may be able to explain your rights and how to respond if you are accused of embezzlement.
If the company reports suspected theft to law enforcement, you may be facing criminal charges. Embezzlement lawyers can represent you in the criminal justice system, explain your rights and legal options, and fight the case in court for the best possible outcome.