To embezzle means to take another's money and property through abuse of an official job or position of trust. Embezzlement can take many forms. An accountant might use sophisticated methods to falsify records and skim profits, while a bank teller might walk home with an extra 20 dollars from his or her drawer. In most embezzlement cases, a central issue is whether the defendant was authorized to use or have the money in question. Embezzlement charges may involve:

• Spending from client funds or accounts
• Altering receipts or account information
• Underreporting profits, sales, equipment or inventory
• Billing from a false vendor account
• Creation of phantom employees
• Creation of phantom expenses
• Credit card fraud
• False records to conceal a theft

Common embezzlement defenses include that the person was in fact authorized to use or have the money in question, that the person did not know their conduct was illegal, and that the person was duped by another person.

Embezzlement of large sums of money can result in felony charges, stiff fines, restitution, and lengthy jail terms. If you are facing investigation, arrest, or criminal charges for embezzlement, please contact Anchor Criminal Defense for a free consultation.