Los Angeles Embezzlement Defense | LA Theft Lawyers
Theft is a very broad criminal offense that encompasses a number of many more specific crimes. For example, if you steal a $700 TV from Wal-Mart, you would be arrested and charged with PC 484 – Petty Theft or PC 459.5 – Shoplifting. However, if you steal $700 from your employer, you would be charged with a different crime — PC 503 – Embezzlement.
Is Embezzlement A Felony Or Misdemeanor?
It can be both, and whether it is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony greatly depends on your prior criminal history, the sophistication of the crime, and total amount of the theft. These factors also influence the severity of penalties you face if convicted. The following are a few of the possible consequences of an embezzlement conviction:
- Up to 6 months in county jail – (misdemeanor under $950 theft)
- Up to 1 year in county jail – (misdemeanor over $950 theft)
- Up to 3 years in state prison – (felony)
- Summary (unsuperivised) probation or formal (supervised) probation
- Fines and victim restitution
- Court ordered theft counseling
- Community service or labor
Defending Los Angeles Embezzlement Cases
We have specialized in criminal law and the defense of white-collar crimes in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California since 1987. The 3 decades of embezzlement defense expertise has provided Mr. Takakjian and Mr. Sitkoff with the rare opportunity to have encountered virtually every possible scenario involving crimes of employee theft. While all embezzlement cases have their similarities and differences, the one constant in all embezzlement cases is the importance of proactively consulting with a criminal defense expert as soon as possible. Waiting to seek counsel until after you have already been contacted by a detective or arrested would essentially eliminate any possibility of a civil settlement with your employer to avoid criminal prosecution and the life altering sanctions a theft related conviction carries. Additionally, most employers conduct their own internal investigations prior to filing a police report, and a request for an interview with you is a certainty. It is during this interview that most people, either out of fear or duress, admit guilt thus providing police and prosecutors with enough to proceed with criminal charges. Keep in mind you have the right to remain silent and the right to a criminal defense attorney, regardless of whether you are being interrogated by a police detective or your employer.
Contact Us Now At (888) 579-4844 For A Free Consultation
If you have been arrested or find yourself as a target in an embezzlement investigation, contact us immediately to discuss your case and options. The consultation is free of charge and free from any pressure to retain our services until you are ready. Call us at (888) 579-4844 to schedule your free consultation at our main office in West Los Angeles. We are available 24/7 with additional offices conveniently located in Long Beach, Torrance, Pasadena, West Covina, Glendale, Orange, Newport Beach, Westlake Village, Oxnard, and Rancho Cucamonga.