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Embezzlement is a term often associated with financial scams. The technical definitions of embezzlement and fraud may vary by state; however, in general, fraud involves an individual engaging in dishonesty to perpetrate financially motivated schemes. Dave Albo – Attorney, our Fairfax, VA embezzlement lawyer – is familiar with a wide variety of tactics and methods prosecutors use to obtain convictions. He has represented clients accused of requesting money for a product or service they had no intention of producing. Fraud may involve withholding information or outright lying about an investment, service, or product to obtain money from the victim.
Note: Our lawyers practice in Fairfax and all other counties of Virginia. We have offices in Fairfax, Arlington, and Staunton. We reference Fairfax, VA in this article because it is the largest jurisdiction in Virginia with the most rigid procedures. Work done to Fairfax standards meets or exceeds the standards in every other jurisdiction in the Commonwealth, so it is common to use it as a benchmark.
Fraud is a relatively broad term that can encompass a range of financial scams.
Common forms of fraud that may warrant the help of an embezzlement lawyer may include:
Our Fairfax, VA embezzlement lawyer can help those facing fraud charges pursued in criminal or civil court. Many criminal fraud cases pose felony penalties and must be filed by the prosecutor’s office. If you have been accused or charged with fraud, contact Dave Albo – Attorney, for a consultation to find out how we can help.
When charged with embezzlement or fraud, the impact on your own personal life can be substantial, which is why an embezzlement lawyer is a good way to move forward with your case. Embezzlement is a form of theft in which a person takes another’s property or money for their own gain. If you have been charged with embezzlement, it’s vital that you make efforts to obtain an embezzlement lawyer for legal guidance. Taking action as soon as possible can help you to get ahead of the charges with a Virginia embezzlement lawyer. Having a lawyer by your side may help you gain peace of mind and ensure you are not making mistakes that could be damaging to your case. Here are some tips to consider when facing embezzlement charges,
In our experience, most people charged with embezzlement are those who NEVER thought they would be charged with a crime. Some case examples include:
Many of these people have never broken the law before and never thought they would ever be charged with a crime.
To prove embezzlement, the prosecutor must prove (1) that the defendant wrongfully and fraudulently took property; (2) that the property had been received by the defendant by virtue of his employment; and (3) that the value of the property was $200.00 or more. The maximum punishment is up to 20 years in prison. If the value of the property is below $500.00 (on July 1, 2020 new legislation raises this level to $1,000) the crime is a misdemeanor and the maximum punishment is up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.00.
The prosecutor proves the case by establishing that each element above is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Fairfax, VA embezzlement lawyer can present arguments to the court to discredit the police’s account or to argue that there are reasonable explanations for it.
Typically, it is uncommon to receive prison time for property crimes (e.g., larceny). When the General Assembly eliminated parole in 1994, it established guidelines to keep people out of prison for property crimes. That way, the state would have prison space for violent crime convicts. However, embezzlement can be an exception.
Prosecutors often seek jail or prison when a defendant embezzles money from a person who entrusted him with their money, for example:
Especially in situations like these, you would want to work with an experienced embezzlement attorney. This is because not only is one looking at a felony, but one could also face prison time.
In many embezzlement cases, there will be an opportunity to “settle” the matter without a charge being filed. Working with our Fairfax, VA embezzlement lawyer before being served with charges may help negotiate a deal with the complaining witness (e.g., an employer or charity) without involving law enforcement.
Being accused of embezzlement can have a number of ramifications, especially if you are convicted of the crime. Facing the consequences of an embezzlement conviction can be earth-shattering, altering your life for the long term. Our Fairfax, VA embezzlement lawyer will work closely with you by legally strategizing a defense in efforts to mitigate the consequences, such as:
The impact of embezzlement on you can vary depending on the details of the embezzlement charge. Cases involving embezzlement warrant the help of an experienced attorney. When you obtain a lawyer with experience in this area of practice, you can rest assured that they will develop a strong defense in your case. Working with Attorney Dave Albo can provide you with the clarity and counsel you require to fully understand what the future may hold.
Knowing who to turn to can be challenging when facing embezzlement charges. Embezzlement cases can be complex, making it all the more important to enlist the help of our Fairfax, VA embezzlement lawyer. No person accused of embezzlement should face their case without an experienced embezzlement lawyer by their side. Contact Dave Albo – Attorney for the immediate assistance you deserve should you find yourself facing embezzlement charges.
