What is Embezzlement & How is it Punished?

Although embezzlement and other white collar crimes are not typically classified as violent as other types of crimes, the legal consequences can still be steep. If you’ve ever had access to but not ownership of someone else’s property, then you’ve met the required conditions to commit this crime.

A person can be found guilty of embezzlement if he or she has taken possession of or control over movable property belonging to another person with the intention of depriving him of it. Embezzlement can occur under a variety of circumstances and is most commonly committed by a person in a position of trust such as an experienced company employee or even a family member.

Here Are the Facts

In the state of New Jersey, a person found guilty of embezzlement is punished according to either the value of the property or the type of the property that was stolen. For instance, a person who embezzled $75,000 or more could face having to pay the person embezzled from back the full amount as restitution, pay a fine up to double the amount embezzled, and serve five to ten years in prison.

On the other hand, a person who embezzled below $200 could face paying restitution, a fine of up to $1,000, double the amount embezzled, or both.

The embezzlement of certain types of property is punished a certain way. For example, a person convicted of embezzling a motor vehicle, boat, airplane, horse, or even a pet from another person could face, in addition to restitution and fines, three to five years in prison.

The Newark Law Firm You Can Trust

When it comes right down to it, facing charges of embezzlement can leave a person feeling incredibly anxious about what is to come next. Fortunately, our law firm is staffed by people who care about fighting hard to defend your rights. The thing to remember is that you’re not in this alone. With nearly five decades of experience in defending cases like yours, Robert J. DeGroot is here to lend a helping hand.

No matter what the situation looks like, having experience by your side can make all the difference in the world.  If you need help with your embezzlement charge, contact us! We at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot have decades of experience with white collar crime litigation in Newark.