Virginia Embezzlement Lawyer

A Virginia embezzlement lawyer could guide and defend you through the maze that is our criminal justice system.  If you find yourself charged with embezzlement, an experienced and seasoned defense attorney could help you understand the complex legal concepts of embezzlement and how to best protect your reputation and freedom.

Misappropriation as a Form of Theft

Virginia’s criminal code contains various sections dedicated to defining different forms of theft and its penalties. Generally, theft is any wrongful or fraudulent taking of anything of value, without the owner’s consent, and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the thing of value. The penalties for a conviction under the theft laws are tied to the value of the items involved.

Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor and is charged when the value of the items involved is $500 or less.  By contrast, grand larceny is a felony, and is charged when the value of the items involved is $500 more. A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, either or both. However, a felony larceny is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Embezzlement is a type of theft under Virginia law and is punished the same as larceny. It is defined in Virginia Code §18.2-111, which states that embezzlement occurs when a person is entrusted with items of value of another, and then fraudulently uses, disposes, conceals, or embezzles the said items. A Virginia attorney could explain the concept of embezzlement and its relationship to theft laws.

What are Potential Defenses Against an Embezzlement Charge?

Allegations of embezzlement could have serious ramifications on a person’s personal and professional life. A conviction can result in not just criminal penalties that involve jail time and the payment of a fine, it can also create a permanent criminal record that could make it challenging to find employment, pass a background check, or rent an apartment.

Since embezzlement charges involve accusations that a person has misappropriated the property of another, it commonly occurs as part of a person’s employment.  Examples can include but are not limited to: a worker misusing a company car, a financial advisor shifting client funds into a personal account, or a cashier conducting fraudulent returns and keeping the money.

A Virginia attorney could work to develop defenses against alleged embezzlement charges. This may involve an in-depth investigation, for example, that focuses on a variety of aspects such as whether an owner of property left specific instructions to the defendant, whether the defendant was authorized to use the property in the manner alleged, or whether the alleged embezzlement occurred at all.

Reach Out to a Virginia Embezzlement Attorney for Guidance

If you were accused of misappropriating someone else’s property, a Virginia embezzlement lawyer might be able to help. A knowledgeable defense attorney could explain Virginia’s embezzlement laws and how they interact with larceny statutes. Additionally, an attorney could examine the prosecutor’s case to identify any weaknesses and to employ a defense strategy aimed to obtain the best result possible. Schedule your initial case consultation today to discuss your options.

Virginia Theft Lawyer