Poughkeepsie Embezzlement Lawyer

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges in New York

Embezzlement is a serious criminal offense that can result in severe consequences, including prison time and hefty fines. In addition to the penalties the state can impose, you may also face civil lawsuits from the business you stole from. If you are convicted of embezzlement, you could lose your job, reputation, and right to own a firearm. You will also be placed on the state's list of convicted felons, making it difficult to find employment, housing, loans, and more.

Fortunately, our Poughkeepsie embezzlement defense attorneys at McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC can help you fight these charges. With our experience and dedication, we can help you avoid the consequences of a conviction.

Call McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC today at (845) 209-1355 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our embezzlement attorney in Poughkeepsie.

What is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to an individual's care or management. This crime typically occurs when someone who has been given access to money or assets for legitimate purposes diverts those funds for their personal use or gain without authorization. In essence, embezzlement is a breach of trust between the individual accused and their employer, organization, or entity.

Embezzlement can take various forms, including:

• Misappropriation of Funds: This involves diverting money that was intended for business expenses or other legitimate purposes into one's personal account.
• Manipulating Financial Records: Falsifying financial records, such as altering accounting entries, is another form of embezzlement used to conceal the theft of funds.
• Theft of Company Property: Embezzlement is not limited to money; it can also involve the theft of assets or property owned by the employer.
• Abusing Company Credit Cards: Unauthorized use of company credit cards for personal expenses is a common form of embezzlement.
• Unauthorized Payroll Actions: Altering employee pay rates or hours worked to obtain additional wages is considered embezzlement.

What are the Penalties for Embezzlement in New York?

Embezzlement penalties in New York can vary depending on the value of the funds or property that were involved and the circumstances surrounding the offense. The severity of the punishment increases with the amount embezzled and the presence of any aggravating factors. Some potential penalties for embezzlement in New York include:

• Petit Larceny: When the embezzled property or funds are valued at less than $1,000, the charge may be petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to one year in jail and fines.
• Grand Larceny: Embezzlement of property or funds valued at $1,000 or more may result in a charge of grand larceny, which can range from a Class E felony for amounts between $1,000 and $3,000 to a Class B felony for amounts over $1 million. Felony convictions may lead to significant prison sentences and substantial fines.
• Restitution: In addition to criminal penalties, those convicted of embezzlement may be required to pay restitution to the victim, reimbursing them for the stolen funds or property.
• Permanent Criminal Record: An embezzlement conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which may negatively impact employment, housing, and other aspects of life.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Some individuals facing embezzlement charges, especially those in certain professions, may risk losing their professional licenses, such as a certified public accountant (CPA) or attorney's license.

Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges

Some common defenses against embezzlement charges may include:

• Lack of Intent: Embezzlement charges often require proof of criminal intent. If it can be shown that the accused did not intend to steal or misuse funds, this can be a strong defense.
• Authorization: If the accused had authorization or permission to use the funds or property in the manner in question, this may serve as a viable defense.
• Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence and demonstrating a lack of substantial proof can be a successful defense strategy.
• Mistaken Identity: In some instances, the accused may be wrongly identified as the perpetrator, and proving mistaken identity can lead to an acquittal.
• Entrapment: If the accused was coerced or induced by law enforcement or others to commit the embezzlement, entrapment may be a valid defense.
• Procedural Errors: Identifying errors in the investigation or legal proceedings can lead to the dismissal of charges or the reduction of penalties.

Contact Our Poughkeepsie Embezzlement Attorney Today

The consequences of an embezzlement conviction can be severe, affecting your personal and professional life. At McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC, our Poughkeepsie embezzlement lawyers are dedicated to defending your rights and building a strong defense on your behalf. We understand the complexities of white-collar crime cases and will work diligently to acquire the best possible outcome for you. Do not hesitate to secure the legal representation you deserve. Your future may depend on it.

Contact McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC today to get started with our Poughkeepsie embezzlement lawyer.