Tampa Embezzlement Defense Attorneys
Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Tampa Bay since 1997
Embezzlement is classified as a white collar crime in Florida. And while the crime may be nonviolent in nature, it is no less serious and you can be penalized by a lifetime prison sentence, amongst other consequences. If you are facing embezzlement charges in Hillsborough County, it is imperative to contact an experienced Tampa criminal defense attorney, before speaking with law enforcement. Furthermore, attempting to defend yourself against charges on your own, or simply pleading guilty without understanding your options, rights, or the potential penalties, is not advised.
What Is Embezzlement?
In the state of Florida, embezzlement is classified as a type of theft, and is penalized as such. However, while theft typically refers to the taking of property that rightfully belongs to another person, embezzlement in Florida is theft that occurs as a result of the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property (note: there is no specific statute under Florida law that explicitly addresses embezzlement).
How Is Embezzlement Penalized in Florida?
As with most crimes involving theft, exploitation, or fraud, how the crime of embezzlement in penalized in Florida depends upon the amount of money involved. As found in Florida statute, embezzlement may be classified as a first, second, or third degree felony depending upon the amount of money involved (the greater the amount of money, the more serious the offense), and may be punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 30 years in prison. Crimes involving less money are obviously penalized less harshly. For example, a crime that involves only a couple hundred dollars’ worth of embezzled funds would not result in a $10,000 fine and 30 years in prison, but could result in small fine and a couple months in jail.
Why You Need an Experienced Embezzlement Attorney Working for You
Being charged with embezzlement is serious, especially because an embezzlement charge typically involves tens of thousands–if not hundreds of thousands–of dollars. If you are convicted of embezzlement, you may not only be required to pay a large fine, but you may also have to spend the best years of your life behind bars. Even if a long prison sentence is not required, your ability to obtain employment in the future, secure housing or education, volunteer, and more may all be significantly impaired regardless.
When you work with an attorney you improve your chances of securing the best outcome possible. An attorney can file motions to protect your rights, including filing motions to have evidence against you withheld from court. An attorney also helps you to understand all of your options, such as negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution. Of course, if you are innocent and wish to defend yourself against charges, an attorney can represent you in standing up to the prosecution.
Contact Our Experienced Tampa Embezzlement Lawyers Today
At the law offices of All Criminal Defense Law Group, P.A., our aggressive Tampa, Florida embezzlement defense attorneys have represented clients in Tampa and the surrounding areas of Hillsborough County since 1997. We have a history of success and our attorneys will represent you diligently when you are facing embezzlement charges. To schedule your free consultation, please contact our law offices today. You can write us a message using our online form, or just call us directly at 813-672-1900 to get started.
