Embezzlement in Hoover

In Hoover, embezzlement is a theft crime and can result in serious consequences. The effects of these offenses can mean much more than prison sentences and fines. People who face the charges also facing threats to their freedom and future.

If you are facing these allegations, it is important to speak with a Hoover embezzlement lawyer. An experienced attorney can work to help you understand your rights and determine your next steps.

Embezzlement Definition

Embezzlement is a crime of theft and carries a serious punishment, both criminally and in fines. It is the stealing of funds that belong to another person when that person entrusted those funds to the embezzler.

Often, the people who allegedly embezzle are those with close access to money. To gain access to the amount of money usually embezzled, the person is frequently a trusted employee or funds manager.

The totality of embezzlement occurs over time and the transactions are often hidden for long periods of time. Because of this, one facing charges of embezzlement not only faces criminal charges, they face the loss of job and severe loss of reputation. Some estimates indicate that over $400 billion is stolen annually by employees in the United States.

What a Prosecutor Needs to Prove

It is the prosecutor’s burden to prove the guilt. In Alabama, a prosecutor alleging embezzlement must prove:

• A person willingly and knowingly took another’s property
• The person was given access to that money
• The person was not given legal ownership

A Hoover embezzlement lawyer could provide the necessary defense against the prosecutor. Money is not limited to cash. It can include checks, promissory notes, bonds, stocks, and even written documents such as deeds or contracts.

In Hoover, embezzlement is legally classified as a theft crime, thus the punishments vary according to the degree of theft. First-degree theft occurs when the value of the property taken is greater than $2,500. Second-degree theft occurs when the value of the property taken is greater than $500 but less than $2,500.

Potential Punishments for Embezzlement

If the amount embezzled is greater than $2,500, it is a Class B felony and carries a punishment up to 20 years in prison and up to $30,000 in fines. If the amount embezzled is greater than $500 but less than $2,500, then it is considered a Class C felony and carries a punishment up to 10 years in prison and $15,000 in fines.

How an Experienced Hoover Embezzlement Attorney Can Help

Embezzlement cases are complicated. They usually involve lots of financial documents, paperwork, ledgers, and massive amounts of discovery. An experienced attorney will know how to pull the relevant facts from this complicated process.

If you are facing charges of embezzlement in Hoover, you may need a knowledgeable defense attorney who can work not only to defend against the charges but also to protect you and your professional reputation.

Anyone who is facing embezzlement charges should immediately contact a Hoover embezzlement lawyer, who could analyze their case and advise on the best legal options going forward. An experienced attorney will understand that these options should always include how to protect a person’s reputation, as best as possible, during an embezzlement trial. Call today for a free consultation.

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