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Florida law defines embezzlement as a crime of theft

Anyone who diverts another’s funds into their own possession can be prosecuted for embezzlement. Although many people think of embezzlement as only a business crime in Jacksonville, it in fact belongs in the more general category of theft, robbery and related crimes under Florida statutes. You don’t have to be a business to embezzle funds or property — even spouses can embezzle funds from each other. As a corporate crime, embezzlement comes in many forms, including the following:

• Clerks or cashiers who routinely handle cash in their jobs may pocket cash after a transaction.
• Corporate employees with security access that enables them to enter computerized cash transactions may direct customer funds to his or her own personal accounts.
• Accountants may alter clients’ books to gain access to funds.

Embezzlement convictions carry serious penalties

Penalties for conviction on embezzlement fall in the same ranges as those that apply to other types of Florida theft crimes and depend on the degree of the theft charge. While penalties for conviction on relatively minor charges may involve fines of $500 or less and up to 60 days in prison, conviction for embezzlement charged as grand theft in the first degree, a felony can result in fines up to $10,000 and up to 30 years in prison.

With the right security access, people can systematically embezzle funds from others. However those with the expertise to do so also are clever enough to make it appear that someone else committed the crime. As a result, innocent people sometimes face charges of corporate crime in Jacksonville. Because defense against charges of embezzlement in Florida requires a solid understanding of the complexities of financial issues, it is particularly important to retain a white-collar business crimes attorney in Jacksonville who has specific experience in embezzlement defense.

Seek immediate support from an experienced Florida business crimes defense attorney

White-collar crime prosecutions are becoming more frequent in Jacksonville in these troubled times. If you face investigation or charges of allegedly embezzling funds, you need a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer with specific experience in corporate crimes to represent you and protect your rights — immediately. Fallgatter Catlin & Varon, P.A. has extensive experience in federal and state criminal cases, along with years of federal prosecutorial experience. We understand the intricate investigation strategies used by federal agencies to indict and convict people for white-collar crimes.

Contact us online or call our office today at (904) 353-5800 to schedule a consultation at no cost or obligation to discuss your concerns.