Miami Embezzlement Lawyer

Fighting Allegations Of Embezzling Assets

Embezzlement occurs when someone misuses assets entrusted to them. In many cases, the offense falls under federal jurisdiction. Anyone found guilty of embezzlement can face years of imprisonment and/or thousands of dollars in fines. However, the criminal penalties are not the only ones the accused could face. Several collateral consequences can arise from having a conviction on a person’s record. For instance, they can be denied specialized licenses or employment opportunities. Additionally, their personal and professional relationships can be tarnished. However, merely being charged with the crime does not mean the person is guilty. They have the right to challenge the accusations against them and seek to avoid or minimize penalties.

If you need legal help fighting your charge, reach out to a skilled Miami embezzlement attorney as soon as possible. My firm can provide the aggressive representation you need. I am attorney JONATHAN B. BLECHER, and I have more than three decades of experience and have handled thousands of complex criminal cases. As a former Florida prosecutor, I know what it takes to go up against the opposition. I can use my legal insight to develop a defense that anticipates the other side’s moves and counters their arguments.

Defend your good name with the help of a skilled embezzlement lawyer in Miami by contacting me at 305-321-3237 today.

What Is Considered Embezzlement?

In business and government settings, typically, a fiduciary is entrusted with protecting the assets of the institution they work for and using them only for intended purposes. Unfortunately, situations may arise when the fiduciary breaches their responsibilities. In other words, the individual entrusted with assets unlawfully uses them for their own or another’s gain. Doing such is considered embezzlement.

Many cases of embezzlement involve money and conduct such as the following:

  • Taking small amounts of money over long periods so the act goes largely unnoticed
  • Taking large amounts of money in one setting and fleeing to avoid being caught
  • Underreporting finances and keeping the difference to make it appear as
    if nothing is amiss

It must be noted that anything of value can be embezzled – not just money.

Although embezzlement appears similar to theft, it is a separate offense. With theft, a person takes another’s property without having any lawful interest in it. In contrast, with embezzlement, the alleged embezzler lawfully had control over the assets but used them for unintended purposes.

What Is The Federal Law On Embezzlement?

As noted above, the basic conduct of embezzlement includes a fiduciary misappropriating asset they had the duty to protect. Yet, various settings exist in which this can occur, and the types of assets involved can differ for each offense. As such, the federal government does not have just one law concerning embezzlement. It has multiple. The statutes can be found in Chapter 31 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

A few of these statutes include, but are not limited to:

  • 18 U.S.C. § 641: This law concerns embezzling anything of value under the control of the United States Government or one of its agencies or departments.
  • 18 U.S.C. § 643: If an officer or employee of the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or departments receives public funds that are not for their salary, they must account for it. Otherwise, they can be prosecuted under this law.
  • 18 U.S.C. § 644: This statute concerns situations where a banker who receives public money uses the funds unlawfully.
  • 18 U.S.C. § 656: Bank officers of Federal Reserve banks, national banks, insured banks, and other specified financial institutions can be charged under this law for embezzling money, funds, or credits under the institution’s control.
  • 18 U.S.C. § 664: Prohibited conduct under this law includes embezzling money, funds, securities, or other assets from an employee welfare benefit or pension plan.

If you have been charged with any of the offenses listed above or others not mentioned, speak with me, about your case. As a skilled Miami embezzlement lawyer, I will review all financial records and relevant documents to better understand the situation. I will also listen to your side of the story to get a complete picture.

What Are The Conviction Penalties For Embezzlement?

The length of imprisonment and the amount of fine imposed for embezzlement are tied to the nature of the offense.

Examples of punishments for specific crimes include:

  • Embezzling a record, voucher, or thing of value from the U.S. Government:
    • Up to 10 years of imprisonment and/or
    • A fine
  • A U.S. Government officer or employee embezzling public funds:
    • Up to 10 years of imprisonment and/or
    • A fine
  • A banker embezzling public money:
    • Up to 10 years of imprisonment and/or
    • A fine
  • A bank officer or employee embezzling institution assets:
    • Up to 30 years of imprisonment and/or
    • Up to $1,000,000 in fines
  • Embezzling from an employee benefit or pension plan:
    • Up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or
    • A fine

When your entire future is on the line, leaving your case in the hands of an inexperienced attorney can be a mistake. I have an extensive understanding of the federal criminal justice system and can provide the sound guidance and counsel you need.

Call My Firm For Embezzlement Defense

Embezzlement cases are complex. They often involve mounds of financial records and documents that must be carefully reviewed. I am extremely detail-oriented and follow every paper trail to uncover the facts. I will fight hard toward a favorable outcome in your case.

Speak with an experienced Miami embezzlement lawyer by contacting me at 305-321-3237.

Criminal Defense