Have you been charged with embezzlement? Call us now. We can help.
A conviction for embezzlement is not something you would want to put on your resume. Unfortunately, that, in effect, is what you will do if you plead guilty to such a charge. Employers routinely conduct background checks of prospective employees and will find this on your record.
When your future is at stake, it is important to put your case in the hands of an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible. For more than 25 years, criminal defense attorney Norman Mattar has defended people accused of serious criminal offenses such as embezzlement in Buffalo and Western New York. He offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
What are embezzlement and larceny?
Embezzlement usually involves the unauthorized use of a company credit card or taking funds from an employer’s bank account, cash register or safe. Embezzlement occurs when property or an item is taken from someone who was entrusted to hold it on behalf of the owner. The actual criminal charge is grand larceny, which in New York is theft of property valued at $1,000 or more.
Embezzling money or property valued at more than $1 million is a first-degree grand larceny offense and a Class B felony.
New York uses the term “larceny” to describe theft. Pertaining to larceny, the state defines property as “any money, personal property, real property, computer data, computer program, thing in action, evidence of debt or contract, or any article, substance or thing of value, including any gas, steam, water or electricity, which is provided for a charge or compensation.”
There are many different components when handling an embezzlement or larceny matter, so it’s important to contact an embezzlement lawyer as soon as possible.
Penalty for embezzlement in New York
The potential punishment for grand larceny depends on the amount taken. Since the crime of embezzlement can involve large sums of money taken over time, the potential punishment can be severe.
There are four degrees of grand larceny under New York law:
- First-degree: Property taken exceeds $1 million. Thie is a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
- Second-degree: Property taken is $50,000 to $1 million. This is a Class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Third-degree: Property is $3,000 to $50,000. This is a Class D felony punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Fourth-degree: Property involved is $1,000 to $3,000. This is a Class E felony and could bring up to four years in prison.
An embezzlement lawyer helps those facing embezzlement charges. The punishment for embezzlement or larceny depends on the value of the property taken.
What are defenses against an embezzlement charge in New York?
Potential defenses to embezzlement charges include:
- You did not take the money.
- You had permission or authority to take the money.
Attorney Norman Mattar will build the strongest possible defense based on the facts of your case. Even if the state has a strong case, it may be possible to negotiate a favorable resolution. In some cases, employers are only interested in getting their money back and would be willing to drop the charges if you provide restitution.
Contact a Buffalo embezzlement lawyer
For more information about embezzlement charges in New York, contact us today, at 716-633-4300, to discuss your case with defense lawyer Norman Mattar.