Michigan Embezzlement Lawyers

MICHIGAN EMBEZZLEMENT CHARGES

Our Michigan criminal defense attorneys have achieved great results for our clients charged with misdemeanor and felony embezzlement.  Our results include ‘not guilty’ verdicts, substantial charge reductions and plea agreements that spared our clients from having Michigan embezzlement convictions on their records.

Michigan Embezzlement Defense Attorneys

Being charged with embezzlement doesn’t mean you must have a conviction for embezzlement. Embezzlement cases frequently involve complex situations, financial transactions that have non-fraudulent purposes and circumstantial evidence. Our attorneys will fight to prove your innocence by meticulously reviewing all relevant financial records, witness statements and security procedures to find the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.

Many embezzlement investigations start with an employer questioning an employee about allegedly fraudulent transactions. More often than not, an employee gives an incriminating statement in the hopes of keeping their job. If you find yourself being investigated by your employer, it is best to consult with an experienced embezzlement defense attorney before making any statements. Remember: anything you say can and will be used against you.

Even in those situations where an embezzlement charge is based upon solid evidence, it may be possible to avoid charges altogether or arrange a plea agreement to keep the conviction off of your record. Paying restitution to the victim can go a long way in such situations, but making those arrangements needs to be done through an attorney in order to avoid incriminating yourself and to maximize the potential benefit to your case.

What is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement occurs when a person (the agent), who was entrusted to manage someone’s (the principal’s) money or property, steals or converts to their own use some or all of the principal’s money or property for personal gain without the consent of the principal. The most common circumstance for an embezzlement charge involves an employee allegedly taking money or property that belongs to their employer.

Michigan Misdemeanor Embezzlement Charges: Criminal Penalties

Under Michigan law, misdemeanor embezzlement is punishable by either 93 days in jail or up to one year in jail:

If the money or personal property embezzled has a value of less than $200.00, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.00 (or 3 times the value of the money embezzled, whichever is greater).

If any of the following apply, it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.00 (or 3xs value whichever is >):

a)    The money or personal property embezzled has a value of $200.00 or more but less than $1,000.00.

b)    The value is less than $200.00, but the defendant has a prior embezzlement conviction.

c)    The value is less than $200.00 and the victim is a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization under federal law or the laws of this state.

Michigan Felony Embezzlement: Criminal Penalties

If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine (or 3xs value whichever is >):

a)    The money or personal property embezzled has a value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $20,000.00.

b)    The value is $200.00 or more but less than $1,000.00 and the defendant has a prior embezzlement conviction.

c)    The value is $200.00 or more but less than $1,000.00 and the victim is a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization under federal law or the laws of this state.

If any of the following apply, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $15,000.00 fine or (or 3xs value whichever is >):

a)    The money or personal property embezzled has a value of $20,000.00 or more but less than $50,000.00.

b)    The value is value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $20,000.00 and the defendant has 2 prior embezzlement convictions.

c)    The value is value of $1,000.00 or more but less than $20,000.00 and the victim is a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization under federal law or the laws of this state.

d) If the money or personal property embezzled has a value of $50,000.00 or more but less than $100,000.00, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $25,000.00 fine (or 3xs value whichever is >).

e) If the money or personal property embezzled has a value of $100,000.00 or more, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.00 (or 3xs value whichever is >).

Other Michigan Felony Embezzlement Charges:

• Embezzlement by Public Official of more than $50
• Embezzlement By An Administrator, Executor Or Guardian
• Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult
• Embezzling Jointly Held Property
• Embezzlement by Financial Institution

The Best Michigan Embezzlement Lawyer for Oakland, Wayne, Macomb & Livingston Counties

An embezzlement conviction can result in the loss of your freedom, your reputation and your job. Our attorneys have been able help many people avoid these harsh consequences.

If you’d like to speak with an experienced Michigan embezzlement defense attorney, call Jeffrey Buehner for a phone consultation at (248) 865-9640 or fill out our consultation form.