There are a lot of embezzlement cases prosecuted at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse because a lot of businesses are associated with downtown Los Angeles.
Also, you have a situation where many of the significant fraud prosecutors are stationed near the downtown courthouse. They have a building there where they prosecute all the major fraud-related offenses.
So, if you or a loved one is charged with embezzlement in the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, you've come to the right place. I've defended people with these types of offenses now for the past 26 years.
I've dealt with significant fraud prosecutors, and I have some pretty good strategies for defending people from embezzlement charges in downtown Los Angeles.
Factors Considered in a Penal Code 503 PC Embezzlement Case
The types of things the prosecutors will look at and evaluate in an embezzlement case are the circumstances of the offense. In other words, were you an employee?
Did you sit in a high-level position with the company? How much was the embezzlement? Do you have a prior criminal record for theft-related offenses? There are many factors that prosecutors and judges will consider in an embezzlement defense.
Some defenses related to embezzlement have to do with whether or not the prosecutors and police can get evidence together and prove that you stole money that didn't belong to you.
They will have to present that to a judge at a preliminary hearing in downtown Los Angeles and ultimately to a jury in the downtown LA courthouse.
So, if they can't show the evidence proving you are guilty of embezzlement, they won't be able to demonstrate a case against you.
Negotiating with Prosecutor on PC 503 Embezzlement Charges
That's something you and I will discuss once I have all the evidence the prosecutors have. I pass that evidence along to you so you can review it, and then we'll sit down and meet and decide.
We will decide whether your case makes sense to fight in front of a jury at a jury trial or whether this is the type of case we should be negotiating and trying to resolve.
One of the concerns that I'm sure you have, like most of my clients, is the following: Will you go to jail? Obviously, if we can get the money back to the alleged victim for a first-time embezzlement case, that puts us in a pretty strong position to try to avoid jail time. However, it's important to understand that the outcome of your case will depend on various factors, including the amount embezzled, your criminal history, and the strength of the evidence against you.
The second question that people are thinking about is whether I will end up with a felony conviction on my record.
Sometimes, the prosecutors want a felony conviction; other times, we can get a straight misdemeanor if all of the money can be paid back up front, the person has no criminal record, and several other factors are present with the case.
Other times, I've worked out a deal where a person can earn a misdemeanor. In other words, pay the restitution off, the person pleads to a felony, and the case is put over for some time.
They remain free from any new criminal charges and do whatever the terms of the probation are — many times, the prosecutors will agree to reduce the case to a misdemeanor.
Reduce Felony Embezzlement Case to a Misdemeanor
Sometimes, the prosecutors want you to get convicted of a felony, and later on, after a year and a half, they say they won't object as long as you don't pick up any new cases to the case being reduced to a misdemeanor.
So, many different angles can be used to reduce your case to a misdemeanor, even dismissed, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
Your active participation is crucial. We'll sit down and discuss everything, and it's a back and forth because ultimately, I'm going to end up having to speak to the prosecutor or even the judge.
Your input is crucial in this process, and I will keep you informed every step of the way. I need to see their position, then get back to you again, and we'll talk about what they have to say. Your understanding and cooperation will greatly contribute to the success of your defense.
With my 26 years of experience and connections, having worked for the District Attorney's office and a Superior Court judge, you can rest assured that you're in capable hands.
So, you've come to the right place if you or a loved one is charged with embezzlement in the downtown Los Angeles court. Don't hesitate. Call us and ask to set up a meeting with Ron Hedding. We're here, ready and committed to helping you.
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