Contact Us for a Free Consultation (213) 542-0979

Embezzlement Charges

Federal Embezzlement Defense Lawyer

Federal Embezzlement can take many different forms. This type of federal crime usually occurs when someone working for a business or company in a position of trust diverts funds into their bank account.

I wonder why people do this.  It usually gets uncovered when the business conducts an audit and finds that the money is going into an employee or manager's account, and they're not entitled to that money.  Then, they call the FBI or the feds, investigate the case, or arrest the person.

When facing federal embezzlement charges, many factors affect the outcome, including a person's criminal record, the amount of money taken, its value, and the means used to take the money.

These will all determine enhancements that apply to federal sentencing and guidelines, and some of these enhancements could mean years in federal prison.

If you face a federal embezzlement charge, the most advisable course of action is to refrain from discussing the matter with anyone in your company or law enforcement. Instead, seek the immediate assistance of a federal criminal defense attorney. This caution can help you avoid potential risks and protect your legal rights.  

Be transparent with them,  share what happened and your involvement, and allow them to advocate on your behalf.

Let them strategize the case.  Let them figure out exactly what you'll and won't say.  Let them reach out to law enforcement, and hopefully, if there's a prosecutor on the case who is the other side of the equation for the government — the attorney that will be dealing with the case — let them reach out to that person and talk to them and see what that person has to say about the case. 

Your federal criminal defense attorney will be your unwavering advocate, representing your best interests and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will strategize your defense, negotiate with the prosecutor, and represent you in court, working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Developing a Defense Strategy

Then, you'll sit with your advocate and decide on your game plan. This is always the best way to handle things. With a strong defense strategy in place, you can approach your case with hope and optimism, knowing that you're doing everything possible to secure a favorable outcome. 

I very rarely see people talking to the government, giving them information, trying to cooperate with their employer, and ending up with a good result because both those entities — the government and your employer — in a federal embezzlement case are looking to get you to say something incriminating so they can later use that against you, and that's usually the best evidence they have — something from your mouth.

They often twist what you say, warp it, and you say no, I didn't say it; no, I didn't mean it that way. Too late.  They've already got a statement from you, and they're trying to use it against you in conjunction with whatever other evidence they've brought against you.

In my experience, early legal intervention is not just important; it's crucial in federal embezzlement cases. It's never a good idea to talk to law enforcement, your work, or anybody from the government if you're being investigated. The sooner you get an attorney, the sooner they can start building your defense and guide you through the process, potentially leading to a more favorable outcome. This proactive approach can provide you with a sense of reassurance during this challenging time.

Restitution in Embezzlement Cases

One of the biggest things that can help you in a federal embezzlement case is paying the money back; unfortunately, I repeatedly see people can't pay the money back. 

Do you question what they did with the money?  Where did it go?  But regardless, if you can't pay the money back, you put yourself in a challenging position. If you're unable to make restitution, this could significantly impact the outcome of your case, potentially leading to a more severe sentence, including a longer prison term or higher fines.

If you have the money or can sell or borrow a house, you're in a much stronger position to put the alleged victims back in the place they were before you embezzled the money. This can significantly influence the federal prosecutor and the judge when it comes time to decide your charges, admissions, losses, restitutions, and ultimately, your sentence. It's a hopeful and optimistic strategy in a challenging situation.

It's important to understand that federal sentences are very serious because you have to serve 85% of the time, versus many state courts, where you can serve less of the time, depending on how crowded the jail or prison population is. This awareness can help you make cautious decisions in your case.

So, pick up the phone now. Make the call. Over the last twenty-five years, I've handled many federal embezzlement cases. I can guide you to the best resolution in your federal criminal embezzlement matter.

Related Content: 

Menu