Embezzlement
Aggressively Fighting for the Best Possible Outcome
TAMPA EMBEZZLEMENT LAWYERS
Experienced White Collar Crime Defense for Tampa Embezzlement Charges
Securing the right legal representation is vital if you are facing embezzlement charges in Tampa. Experienced Tampa embezzlement lawyers like Andrew Buda know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and can help defend individuals accused of misappropriating funds or assets entrusted to them. When it comes to white-collar crime, our experienced embezzlement attorneys at Buda Law understand all applicable state and federal laws. This knowledge, along with our vast legal resources and insight, allows us to offer tailored strategies that protect your rights and work towards the most favorable outcome possible in your case. Whether you’re dealing with minor discrepancies or major financial accusations, our Tampa criminal defense attorneys are equipped to handle your legal needs with precision and confidentiality.
Call (813) 322-2832 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward securing a powerful defense against your embezzlement charges.
What Does Embezzlement Mean?
Embezzlement is a type of financial fraud where an individual misappropriates or unlawfully takes money or property entrusted to their care, often in a professional setting.
While theft typically refers to the intentional act of taking real property that rightfully belongs to someone else, embezzlement specifically involves the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property by someone in a position of trust. It is considered embezzlement when the person diverts assets for personal gain or financial gain without authorization.
Embezzlement can occur in various forms, from small-scale thefts to large, intricate schemes, and is considered a serious white-collar crime in Florida.
Is Embezzlement a Felony?
Embezzlement is considered a serious offense in Florida and can be classified as a first, second, or third-degree felony depending on the amount of money involved. It can also be classified as a first or second-degree misdemeanor in less severe cases.
For example, embezzling funds exceeding $100,000 results in a first-degree felony in FL, while smaller amounts under $100 may result in a second-degree misdemeanor, leading to far less severe penalties.
Beyond immediate legal repercussions, a felony embezzlement conviction can impact your ability to obtain employment or secure housing and could lead to other consequences in the future. If you are facing felony embezzlement charges, contacting a Tampa felony defense lawyer is essential to help you better understand these charges and protect your future.
Florida Embezzlement Penalties
Under Florida law, there is no specific statute that explicitly addresses embezzlement. Instead, most crimes involving theft, including embezzlement, are prosecuted under Florida’s theft statutes for grand theft or petit theft.
Once again, the penalty for embezzlement in Florida depends on how many dollars worth of funds were stolen or misappropriated. As such, crimes involving embezzlement can result in either misdemeanor charges for smaller amounts or felony charges for larger sums. A felony charge can include years behind bars and, in extreme cases, sometimes even a lifetime prison sentence.
Given the serious nature of these potential penalties, it is important to seek representation from aggressive Tampa embezzlement attorneys. An experienced attorney can provide the defense needed to protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome in your case.
First Degree Felony Embezzlement
When embezzled funds exceed $100,000, the crime is considered a first-degree felony. This classification reflects the severity of the crime, indicating a significant breach of trust and a major financial impact. Individuals accused at this level are often involved in complex schemes or large-scale financial misappropriation, such as accounting fraud.
A first-degree felony for embezzlement carries severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Second Degree Felony Embezzlement
If someone is found guilty of a second-degree felony for embezzlement, they have been involved in misappropriating embezzled funds ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. This offense also carries significant legal consequences, including up to 15 years of prison time and fines of up to $10,000.
Third Degree Felony Embezzlement
A third-degree felony embezzlement charge involves misappropriating funds or property valued between $300 and $20,000. Potential legal consequences include up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
First Degree Misdemeanor Embezzlement
In Florida, a first-degree misdemeanor embezzlement charge applies when the value of the embezzled funds or property is valued at less than $300 but more than $100. Those found guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor embezzlement can face up to one year of jail time, one year of probation, and $1,000 in fines.
Second Degree Misdemeanor Embezzlement
A second-degree misdemeanor embezzlement charge applies when less money is involved, typically under $100. This is considered the least severe form of embezzlement, but it still constitutes a serious criminal offense representing a breach of trust. Those found guilty face potential consequences of up to 60 days in jail, $500 in fines, and six months of probation.
Given the implications, even for smaller amounts, consulting a Tampa misdemeanor attorney is highly encouraged to ensure a fair representation in court.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Embezzlement?
In Florida, if someone has committed embezzlement, they will be prosecuted under the statutes provided for grand theft or petit theft, depending on the value of the stolen property. The statute of limitations for pursuing criminal charges in such cases varies:
- Petit Theft: For embezzlement considered petit theft (typically when the value is less than $300), criminal charges must be brought within 2 years of the offense.
- Grand Theft: For embezzlement classified as grand theft (when the value is $300 or more), the statute of limitations depends on the degree:
- 3 years for third-degree grand theft (property valued between $300 and $20,000).
- 5 years for first-degree and second-degree grand theft, involving larger amounts of money.
These limitations periods dictate the timeframe in which the state must initiate criminal proceedings after the embezzlement has been committed.
Can Embezzlement Charges Be Dropped?
Yes, embezzlement charges can be dropped, and having an experienced embezzlement attorney working on your case significantly increases the chances of this favorable outcome.
Factors such as the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, procedural errors, and opportunities for plea bargains play a major role. For instance, an attorney can file motions to dismiss the charges based on insufficient evidence or procedural missteps.
Additionally, arranging for victim restitution, where the accused agrees to return the embezzled funds or property, can sometimes persuade the victim to request the charges be dropped, though the final decision still lies with the prosecution.
How To Get Out of Embezzlement Charges
Successfully handling embezzlement charges involves strategic legal maneuvers and negotiations. As such, hiring a seasoned Tampa white-collar crimes attorney is necessary for anyone facing these charges.
An experienced attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, possibly leading to reduced charges or even a dismissal. They can also negotiate a plea bargain where you might agree to plead guilty to a lesser offense, which could significantly lessen the penalties if convicted.
Your attorney can also enhance your defense by filing motions to suppress evidence that may have been improperly obtained or to dismiss the case if legal violations occurred during the investigation. This approach ensures that your rights are protected and that all possible legal avenues are explored to improve the outcome of your case.
Why You Need a Skilled Embezzlement Defense Attorney
Aside from a long prison sentence, hefty fines, and a permenent criminal record, the consequences of an embezzlement conviction can significantly impair both your personal and professional life. That’s why having a skilled Tampa criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights in court is crucial.
The attorneys at Buda Law, a reputable law firm based in Tampa, Florida, have a proven track record in white-collar crime defense and related crimes. Our experienced attorneys understand the nuances of such cases and can provide the strong defense necessary to protect your rights and future.
Call the Experienced Tampa Embezzlement Lawyers at Buda Law Today for a Free Consultation
When facing criminal charges for embezzlement, having a skilled Tampa theft crimes attorney is essential to protect your future. Our attorneys at Buda Law are dedicated to providing clients with top-notch criminal defense services.
Serving Pinellas and Hillsborough County and the surrounding Tampa Bay area, Andrew Buda brings extensive experience and a strategic approach to each case, ensuring the best possible outcome for his clients.
Call (813) 322-2832 or contact us online to discuss your case and secure the defense you deserve.