St. Louis Embezzlement Attorneys

Charged with Embezzlement in Missouri? Call JMH Law

Any employee found to be illegally withholding assets or property of worth from a company for the purpose of conversion can be charged with embezzlement in Missouri.

This crime is a form of financial fraud which is not limited only to the corporate employee scenario. A lawyer could embezzle money from a client just as an accountant or financial advisor can embezzle funds from their client. This type of crime is typically committed by a person of trust who is an insider at the corporation and has access to the funds.

If you are under suspicion of embezzlement, not only can your career be ruined, but your entire future may be at stake. It is in your best interests to speak with a St. Louis embezzlement lawyer at JMH Law immediately following your arrest.

Call us today at (314) 827-6222 or contact us online to get started on your defense. We have decades of collective experience.

What Is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement occurs when an individual, who lawfully has access to someone else’s money or property, wrongfully takes or misuses that money or property for their personal benefit. It differs from other types of theft because the individual initially has legal access to the funds or property but violates that trust by using it illegally.

Examples of embezzlement can include:

• Skimming money from a business or cash register
• Manipulating company financial records to conceal stolen funds
• Misusing company credit cards or bank accounts
• Falsifying expense reports for personal gain

Embezzlement is a severe white-collar crime which carries serious legal consequences, both in the civil and the criminal court systems. The sentence and penalty that you will receive will vary depending on the nature of the offense and the amount of money or total value of stolen property.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Missouri

In Missouri, the penalties for embezzlement depend on the value of the property or money taken. The crime is typically categorized under Missouri’s theft laws, and the severity of the charge hinges on the amount involved.

• Less than $500: If the value of the stolen property or money is less than $500, the charge is usually a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
• $500 to $25,000: If the amount taken is between $500 and $25,000, it is typically charged as a Class C felony, which can result in up to 7 years in prison and fines.
• More than $25,000: If the value exceeds $25,000, the crime is classified as a Class B felony, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison and significant fines.

In addition to the criminal penalties, those convicted of embezzlement may face civil lawsuits to recover the stolen funds, as well as permanent damage to their professional reputation.

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges

If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, it’s important to understand that being charged doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be convicted. There are several defenses that may be available to challenge the charges, including:

• Lack of intent: Embezzlement is an intentional crime, meaning the prosecution must prove that you knowingly took or misused the money or property. If the transfer of funds was accidental or due to miscommunication, this could be a valid defense.
• Consent: In some cases, the owner of the money or property may have given you permission to use it in a way that was later disputed. If you can demonstrate that you had authorization for your actions, the charges may be dismissed.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must provide clear evidence that shows you embezzled funds. If the evidence is weak, unreliable, or circumstantial, it could be challenged in court.
• Mistaken identity: Embezzlement cases often involve multiple employees or complex financial systems. It’s possible that you were falsely accused or that someone else was responsible for the theft.

Facing embezzlement charges in Missouri is a serious matter, and a conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and damage to your professional reputation. Having an experienced defense attorney on your side can make all the difference.

When you work with our team at JMH Law, we can thoroughly investigate the details of your case, gather evidence to build your defense, negotiate with prosecutors to seek a reduction in charges or dismissal, as well as fight for your rights at trial.

If you are under investigation for or have been charged with embezzlement, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact our firm today so we can start building a strong defense and protecting your rights. Together, we’ll explore every option to fight the charges and safeguard your future.

More Than 60 Years of Criminal Defense Experience

Here at JMH Law Firm, LLC, our embezzlement lawyers in St. Louis have more than 60 years of criminal law experience. We know how the prosecution thinks and operates.

The prosecution will fight for the maximum sentence, but as with every criminal charge, they will have to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. One way to prevent this from happening is to demonstrate that you had no specific intent to cause the property to be permanently withheld from the rightful owner or to hold onto the property long enough for it to lose its value.

If we can prove that it was not a premeditated act and there was no explicit intent to conceal your act from others, then we may be able to dismantle the prosecution's case against you.

Our attorneys have credible relationships with some of the judges and prosecuting lawyers in the area, which can level the playing field in the courtroom. For trustworthy legal advice and experience you can count on, contact JMH Law Firm, LLC.