The definition of embezzlement is fairly simple: It refers to stealing money or property from your place of employment or other entity that entrusts their money to you. It is a serious crime everyone, but especially in California.

A conviction for embezzlement can result in a variety of consequences and the worst ones are reserved for those who are convicted of a felony. This is why we want to work as hard as possible to ensure that you’re not charged with a felony. To learn more about the best way to defend yourself against these charges, reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a consultation.

The possibility of being charged with felony embezzlement

California considers embezzlement to be a theft crime. That said, it differs from theft in that embezzlement can’t involve a random person – it requires that the property or money was entrusted to the person who took it.

Embezzlement is a wobbler offense, which means that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. With many crimes, the prosecution has quite a bit of responsibility in deciding how it will be charged. This is not always the case for embezzlement. With a charge of embezzlement, there’s one factor that determines how it’s charged: The value of the property stolen.

If the money or property stolen was worth less than $950 then it will be a misdemeanor charge. If the amount was equal or greater to $950 then it’s going to be a felony charge. Note that this is not a hard and fast rule. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we can often negotiate with the prosecution to have a felony charged reduced to a misdemeanor. Call us at (949) 585-9055 to learn more about this possibility.

Potential punishments for a conviction of misdemeanor felony embezzlement

If you’re convicted of misdemeanor embezzlement, the punishment will be the same as it would be for petty theft: Up to 364 days in jail and fines of as much as $1,000. In the event the value of the property taken was less than $50, we can likely get the charge reduced to an infraction. This comes with no jail time and a fine of $250.

A felony conviction is much more serious. This can result in one of three sentences: 16 months, two years, or three years in prison. Your fines at this point could be as much as $10,000. As you can see, the goal is to avoid this type of conviction!

Let us help you move forward from this charge

No one wants to be charged with a crime yet it happens to someone every day. If you’re looking at embezzlement charges, reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell. We’ll carefully consider your case and find the best way forward. It may involve working to have the charges reduced, it may involve working to have them dropped entirely. If the case needs to go to a jury then we’ll be there from start to finish. Call us at (949) 585-9055 to get started with a consultation.