Queens Embezzlement Lawyer

Queens Embezzlement Attorney

If you are in a position of trust that involves managing money, mishandling those funds could lead to criminal charges under the state’s embezzlement laws. Anyone convicted of this type of white-collar crime could potentially face serious fines, orders to pay restitution, confinement in prison, and other serious penalties. A Queens embezzlement lawyer can represent you in criminal court and fight the charges by scrutinizing the evidence being used against you.

Criminal Defense Representation That Gets Results

Embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime that can tarnish your reputation for life. The Vitaliano Law Firm can help you fight your charges so you do not have to live with the consequences of a criminal conviction. Our lead attorney is a former New York prosecutor who understands the strategies and tactics used by prosecutors to intimidate defendants.

Our founding attorney can closely examine the evidence used against you, gain insight from getting your side of the story, and then take action to secure a favorable outcome to your case. By presenting a more accurate version of events, you can clear your name and put the ordeal behind you.

Understanding Embezzlement Versus Theft Charges

Embezzlement and theft both involve taking someone else’s money or property, but embezzlement is characterized by the position of trust given to the perpetrator of this type of white-collar crime. While a thief may not know the person they steal from, individuals who engage in embezzlement use legitimate business practices to secure assets from victims.

Embezzlement often takes place in financial settings or within large institutions. While theft may be a straightforward offense for prosecutors to prove, embezzlement can be challenging to prove. To prove embezzlement, prosecutors must not only show that money was misappropriated but also that the person who misused the funds did so with criminal intent.

Potential Penalties for an Embezzlement Conviction

Embezzlement charges can be brought as a misdemeanor or felony. The type of charge depends largely on the amount of funds that were misappropriated for personal use. A misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time, fines, and orders to pay restitution to victims. A felony carries the possibility of lengthy prison sentences and very heavy fines.

Beyond the immediate penalties of fines, jail time, or probation, a conviction can tarnish the defendant’s reputation and potentially end their career. A criminal record could lead to job loss and difficulty securing future employment. Given the far-reaching consequences of a conviction, many defendants secure legal representation to prevent a conviction by fighting the charges in court.

Benefits of Legal Representation in Criminal Court

A criminal defense attorney in Queens brings years of experience helping defendants successfully fight their criminal charges. An attorney can examine financial records to see if the prosecution’s version of events is supported by the evidence. If witness statements are contradictory or unreliable, your attorney can push to have your charges reduced or dropped.

Criminal defense attorneys are also skilled negotiators who can emphasize mitigating factors, such as a clean criminal record, when seeking a favorable plea bargain agreement. If prosecutors do not have a strong case, they may offer reduced charges or an alternative sentence. At every step of the way, your attorney in Queens, NY, can provide advice and legal counsel so you understand the potential outcomes of your case.

FAQs

How Much Does an Embezzlement Attorney Cost?

The cost of an embezzlement attorney depends on their hourly rate, the time and resources they put into your case, and their legal experience and success as an attorney. Newer lawyers tend to charge lower rates to attract new clients, while more established criminal defense attorneys charge high rates that reflect their track record of success.

Can Embezzlement Charges Be Reduced?

Yes. Any criminal charge can potentially be reduced to a lesser charge that carries lower penalties. Prosecutors often seek reduced charges when the evidence does not support the current charge. Even when guilt is still a possibility, prosecutors may offer reduced charges as part of the plea bargain agreement process. Having an attorney can improve your chances of having your charges reduced.

How Difficult Is It to Prove Embezzlement?

It can be difficult to prove embezzlement for several reasons. White-collar crimes require prosecutors to understand complicated financial situations and to review large amounts of financial documents. Business deals go bad all the time, and that doesn’t mean that a crime was committed. If prosecutors cannot prove that a crime occurred and that the defendant knew they were breaking the law, the case may not be strong enough to lead to a conviction.

What Are the Most Effective Legal Defenses Against an Embezzlement Charge?

One of the most effective legal defenses against an embezzlement charge is to prove that no crime occurred. Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds from an individual in a position of trust. If the funds were used for a legitimate purpose, the elements of the offense may not have been met. Another effective defense strategy could be to show that the defendant did not act with criminal intent.

Can You Go to Jail for Embezzlement?

Yes. You can go to jail for embezzlement if you are convicted or plead guilty. Depending on the amount of funds that were misused or stolen, the state’s sentencing guidelines may allow for a jail sentence. For first-time offenders, jail can often be avoided by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to defend clients and negotiate plea bargain terms that avoid jail sentences.

Prepare Your Defense By Contacting The Vitaliano Law Firm Today

An embezzlement charge can lead to long-term consequences that can affect your freedom and future job prospects. With legal representation from The Vitaliano Law Firm, you can clear your name of wrongdoing. Our lead attorney brings years of experience helping clients in Brooklyn secure favorable outcomes for their criminal cases.

We can conduct our own independent investigation of the events that led to your arrest to gain a clearer account of the events. Those efforts can uncover evidence that supports your innocence. To start the process, contact our office today to schedule your criminal charge consultation.