Were you recently arrested and charged with embezzlement in West Chester, PA? Do you suspect that you’re under investigation? A conviction for a white collar crime can have serious consequences. Call an experienced West Chester embezzlement lawyer at DiCindio Law, LLC immediately to start building the aggressive defense strategy you deserve.
We have over ten years of experience aggressively defending clients facing criminal charges. Our team is led by a former Chester County prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks – and how to work to have your charges downgraded, or your case dismissed if possible.
To learn more about our criminal law practice areas, contact our law offices in West Chester, Pennsylvania or give us a call at (610) 430-3535 to schedule a free consultation today. Our experienced white collar lawyers are standing by to help.
How DiCindio Law, LLC Can Help if You Were Accused of Embezzlement in West Chester, PA
Embezzlement is a serious criminal offense. If convicted, you could face years in prison and a lasting criminal record. Our West Chester white collar attorneys know that you’re under a great deal of stress. We believe that every client deserves the strongest defense possible – and we know how to build an effective defense strategy for you.
When you hire our West Chester embezzlement attorneys at DiCindio Law, LLC, you’ll have a lawyer in your corner to:
- Conduct an investigation into the allegations
- Obtain and analyze all of the prosecution’s evidence
- Interview witnesses and challenge prosecutorial evidence
- Move to have any illegal evidence excluded from your case
- Help you understand the implications of any plea bargain
- Negotiate to have your charges downgraded or dropped if possible
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to fight this battle alone. Call our experienced West Chester criminal defense lawyers to learn more about how we can stand up and protect your legal rights.
Overview of Embezzlement Laws in Pennsylvania
Embezzlement is a type of theft crime. Like any other theft crime, the prosecution must prove that you took someone else’s money or property. However, embezzlement is different from traditional theft. Although the defendant in an embezzlement case didn’t own the property in question, they did have legal access to what they stole.
In other words, to convict, the prosecution must prove:
- You were entrusted with someone else’s money or property
- You took the property for your own personal use
- You intended to deprive the true owner of the use of their money or property
Examples of situations where embezzlement charges may apply include:
- A corporate director stealing funds from the corporation
- A store cashier taking money from the cash register
- Using a client’s trust funds for personal use
- Stealing from a relative who has given you the legal right to control their finances
- A bookkeeper who forges the books to steal money from their employer
- An employee using a corporate credit card for personal expenses
Like any other theft crime, embezzlement can be a felony or a misdemeanor. If the value of the property stolen was under $2,000, you’ll likely be charged with a misdemeanor. If the property is valued at $2,000 or more, felony charges will likely apply.
Depending on the circumstances, it’s possible that you could also face charges in federal court under the United States Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement in Pennsylvania?
The penalties for embezzlement depend on the circumstances of the offense. Like other theft crimes, the charge will depend heavily on the amount that you’re accused of embezzling.
Embezzlement is a wobbler offense. It can be charged as a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony.
According to the Pennsylvania criminal sentencing guidelines, you could face the following penalties if convicted of embezzlement:
- Summary offense: between zero and 90 days in jail and up to $250 in fines
- Third-degree misdemeanor: 90 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines
- Second-degree misdemeanor: two years in jail and up to $5,000 in fines
- First-degree misdemeanor: five years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines
- Third-degree felony: seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
- Second-degree felony: ten years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
Embezzlement is also a crime of moral turpitude. Like sex crimes or domestic violence, you could face significant collateral consequences if convicted.
Collateral consequences of a criminal conviction may include:
- Loss of professional licenses
- Damage to your reputation
- Inability to find employment
- A lasting criminal record
- Problems with immigration
If you were charged with a crime, it’s important to remember that these punishments aren’t automatic. However, the only way to avoid a conviction is to fight back. Our criminal lawyers will make it as difficult as possible for the prosecution to prove the elements of your case beyond a reasonable doubt. Call today for a free case evaluation.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if You’re Accused of Embezzlement in West Chester, PA?
If you’re accused of embezzlement, it’s important to start building your defense quickly. High-profile embezzlement cases can attract significant media attention. You could face damage to your reputation before you even set foot in a courtroom.
At DiCindio Law, LLC, our West Chester embezzlement attorneys know how to build the effective legal defense you deserve.
Depending on the facts, your defense may include:
- You were falsely accused or mistakenly identified
- You did not intend to take the property
- You mistakenly believed that you had a legal right to the property
- You never intended to deprive the owner of use of the property
- Lack of evidence to prove all elements of the crime
- Constitutional violations, including illegal search and seizure
Our lawyers believe there are always two sides to every story. If you were accused of embezzlement, call our law firm in West Chester to schedule a free case review today. We’ll do everything possible to build the strongest defense available.
Contact Our West Chester Embezzlement Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Were you arrested by law enforcement for embezzlement? Call our West Chester embezzlement lawyers at DiCindio Law, LLC today for legal advice. We represent clients in West Chester, Chester County and across southeastern Pennsylvania. We offer a free initial consultation, so call now to get started.