Allegations of embezzlement, theft, or misappropriation are potentially ruinous for your professional and personal relationships. And convictions can further worsen the situation, essentially costing you most, if not all, the things you hold dear. Don’t let this be your situation.
At The Law Offices of Robert David Malove, our Fort Lauderdale embezzlement lawyers will hear you out to determine your legal options. Whether you have been arrested, accused, or indicted, we can help defend your rights and find alternative solutions in your fight for freedom and acquittal. Contact our respected fraud attorneys to discuss with an attorney.
Understanding Embezzlement Charges in Florida
All prosecutions of embezzlement crimes in Fort Lauderdale are guided by Florida’s general theft statutes. Specifically, it refers to cases where someone in a trusted position “stole” or misappropriated money or property belonging to an employer or other entities.
This not only applies to employees or organization members, but it also applies to contractors or other external persons who were entrusted with the safekeeping of specific properties or assets by the organizations or agencies they work with. Allegations of embezzlement can be particularly damaging to one’s reputation, and and since most people only work or do business with those they trust, it can potentially severely impact the accused’s business.
This is why once a defendant is charged with embezzlement, they need to immediately reach out to an experienced attorney in Fort Lauderdale to explore their legal options and figure out their chances of beating the allegation.
Penalties for Embezzlement Convictions
If found guilty, an accused person can face severe consequences, depending on the value of the property they allegedly misappropriated.
Penalties for embezzlement charges include mandatory restitution, monetary fines of up to $10,000, and a prison sentence of up to 30 years – this particularly applies if the value of the embezzled property exceeds $100,000. In addition to the aforementioned penalties, the accused may also face a civil lawsuit from the plaintiff demanding up to thrice the value of the embezzled amount.
Also, even after serving jail time or paying the fines, people who are subjects of felony convictions due to an embezzlement charge may struggle to enjoy basic liberties like obtaining loans, a mortgage, or even securing a job because of the permanent criminal record.
Life gets very difficult for anyone with these convictions, which is why the accused must procure the legal services of an experienced Fort Lauderdale embezzlement lawyer who can fight aggressively for their rights and protect their interests.
The Basis of an Embezzlement Case in Fort Lauderdale
All embezzlement cases are filed by the state against the defendant. The prosecutor must prove, based on their investigations and available evidence, that the defendant misappropriated or took money or property entrusted in their care for personal gain or benefits.
The prosecution is required to provide concrete or even circumstantial proof of their allegations, along with demonstrable pointers indicating intent. So, depending on the circumstance, a prosecutor’s evidence merely needs to establish that the accused had criminal intent before embezzlement to obtain a conviction.
Therefore, the onus lies on a defendant’s attorney to “punch holes” in the prosecution’s case, specifically by showing that the accused had no criminal intent to engage in fraudulent misappropriation. Another strategy may be to target the means by which the prosecution obtained their evidence or question the accuracy of the financial records they present.
Get Legal Defense From a Fort Lauderdale Embezzlement Lawyer
Every embezzlement case is unique, which means that an experienced Fort Lauderdale lawyer from The Law Offices of Robert David Malove, will adapt our defense strategy to suit your unique situation.
Everyone deserves the right to a fair hearing and an appropriate defense, regardless of the charge. Let us help you protect your rights and fight for your freedom. Call us today to discuss your case.