Embezzlement is typically classified as a “white collar” crime, which can lead some
people to think that it is not a serious offense. However, embezzlement charges can be
very serious. In fact, embezzlement can be charged as a felony by the state or federal
government, potentially subjecting you to a lengthy term of imprisonment, if convicted.
If you have been charged with embezzlement or have reason to believe you are the
target of an embezzlement investigation, it is very important to consult with an
experienced Orlando federal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your
rights, your freedom, and your future.

Allegations of embezzlement can be factually and legally complex, often causing
innocent parties to be implicated in a financial embezzlement scheme. When that
happens, it is crucial to have an experienced defense attorney on your side to advocate
for you.

As a former state and federal prosecuting attorney, David Haas has the knowledge and
skills to aggressively defend you and protect your rights when you are the target of an
investigation or have been formally charged with embezzlement. Contact the team at
Haas Law at 407-392-9299, chat with us online, or submit the “Tell Us What Happened”
form on our website today so we can get started protecting you and your future.
Federal and State Embezzlement Crimes

Because we operate under a federalist form of government, most criminal offenses can
be investigated and prosecuted by either the federal government, the state government,
or both. In the case of embezzlement, 18 U.S. Code § 656 governs the offense at the
federal level. The State of Florida does not have a separate embezzlement crime.
Instead, allegations of embezzlement are prosecuted as theft under Florida Statute
812.014.

Under Florida law, allegations of embezzlement fall under the general theft statute,
which makes it a crime when someone “knowingly obtains or uses, or endeavors to
obtain or to use, the property of another with intent to, either temporarily or permanently
appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person not entitled to
the use of the property.”

While embezzlement does involve the theft of property (usually money), it is
distinguished from basic theft by the initial relationship the defendant had with the owner
of the property. Embezzlement occurs when the defendant initially had a fiduciary
relationship with the owner of the property, meaning that the property was originally
entrusted to the defendant, after which the defendant misappropriated or fraudulently
converted the property.

For example, imagine that your job involves collecting rent payments, meaning your
employer has authorized you to accept cash or money orders from renters and deposit
the funds into the employer’s bank account. If you keep the cash or deposit the funds in
your account instead of into your employer’s account, that would be embezzlement.
To be convicted of embezzlement in federal court, the prosecution must prove each of
the following elements:
1. There was a trust or fiduciary relationship between you and the private
organization or state or local government agency.
2. The property came into your possession or care by virtue of your employment.
3. Your dealings with the property constituted a fraudulent conversion or
appropriation of it for your own use.
4. You acted with the intent to deprive the owner of the use of this property.
Orlando defense attorney David Haas has years of experience in both state and federal
court, with a focus on financial crimes. He knows how to navigate the system and will
put his experience as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney to work protecting your
rights and building a powerful defense for you.

If you are the target of an embezzlement investigation or have been charged with
embezzlement, call us at 407-392-9299 or fill in our “Tell Us What Happened” form
as soon as possible.

What Is the Potential Punishment for Embezzlement?

Although embezzlement is considered a “white collar” crime, meaning a non-violent,
financially motivated crime, the punishment for a conviction can be harsh. At the federal
level, embezzlement involving more than $1,000 is charged as a felony and is
punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million. If less than
$1,000 in cash or property was involved, embezzlement is charged as a misdemeanor,
punishable by up to one year in jail.

If you are convicted of embezzlement under Florida’s theft statute, you could be
charged with a first-degree felony and face up to 30 years in prison if the value of the
property exceeds $100,000. If the value of the property was more than $20,000 but less
than $100,000, you may be charged with a second-degree felony, which carries up to
15 years in prison. If the property was valued at more than $750 but less than $20,000,
you could be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in
prison.

Knowing that allegations of embezzlement could lead to conviction of a serious felony,
the need for excellent legal representation should be apparent. Attorney David Haas
has extensive experience prosecuting and defending even the most complex financial
crimes. When your freedom and your future are at stake, you need attorney David Haas
on your side. Contact Haas Law at 407-392-9299, chat with us online, or submit our
online form today.

How an Experienced Former Federal Prosecutor Can Help Fight Embezzlement
and Other Charges

A mere accusation of embezzlement can have a significant negative impact on your
immediate employment as well as on future career prospects. A conviction can lead to a
permanent criminal record, hefty fines, and a lengthy term of imprisonment. The
moment you have reason to believe you are being investigated for embezzlement
should be the moment you contact the experienced embezzlement defense team at
Haas Law.

Attorney David Haas has a proven track record defending against serious federal and
state crimes. He will fight to protect your rights throughout the investigation of your case
and to prevent charges from being filed against you. If criminal charges are filed, he will
put his years of trial experience as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney to work
defending you throughout the prosecution of your case.

For the best possible outcome for your embezzlement case, contact attorney
David Haas day or night at 407-392-9299 or fill in our “Tell Us What Happened”
today.

Fight Embezzlement Charges with the Aggressive Advocacy and Experience of
Haas Law

If you have been accused of embezzlement at the state or federal level, you need an
experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to protect your rights and your
future. Attorney David Haas is a former state and federal prosecutor who now uses his
experience and skills to help level the playing field for people just like you who are
facing criminal charges. Let attorney David Haas and the team at Haas Law get started
protecting and defending you today.

Call us at 407-392-9299, chat with us online, or submit our online form today. We
know that time is of the essence when law enforcement authorities are investigating or
charging you with a criminal offense, so our calls are answered 24 hours a day.