Fairfax Embezzlement Attorneys
Embezzlement Charges in Virginia
If you have been charged with embezzlement, you may be more concerned with protecting your reputation than if you will be going to jail or not. Make no mistake, however, an embezzlement charge can affect not only your standing in the community but also your freedom and your future. This is why it is so important to have a criminal defense attorney on your side who is cognitive of these concerns and who can help you protect your standing among your family, friends, and business colleagues.
Throughout Virginia, people who are facing embezzlement charges turn to Lawrence, Smith & Gardner because our criminal defense firm offers the resources of a large firm while also providing the constant contact and personal service of a boutique law office. Since we opened our doors more than 40 years ago, we have prided ourselves on making sure clients know they are our top priority, and we are continuously trying to improve our practice to best serve them.
Contact our Fairfax embezzlement attorneys today for a free and confidential consultation; call (703) 382-5840 or submit a secure contact form to get started.
What Is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a type of white-collar crime, meaning it is non-violent and involves fraudulent activities and/or corruption. Embezzlement is defined as the intentional misappropriation of money or funds with which one has been trusted or which belong to one’s employer. Because embezzlement often involves someone taking funds that do not belong to them for their own personal gain, it is often considered a type of theft crime.
Some examples of embezzlement include:
- Taking donations or money from fundraising events meant to benefit a company or cause
- Illegally taking money from a company through its payroll
- Siphoning money from a cash register by voiding or failing to input transactions
- Making a series of fraudulent deposits and withdrawals with different banks
- Falsifying records or changing the allocation of funds to cover up stealing from an entity
- Accepting kickbacks from vendors or suppliers and/or inflating prices
- Falsifying timecards or other records of hours worked to receive extra or overtime pay
It’s important to note that embezzlement is a different crime than employee theft. With embezzlement, the defendant had their employer’s permission to handle company funds or property but took these funds or properties for personal use without the company’s permission. With employee theft, the defendant typically does not have the company’s permission to handle funds or property beyond a certain, often very limited scope.
How Is Embezzlement Charged in Virginia?
In Virginia, embezzlement may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. When the amount embezzled is less than $1,000, the defendant will face misdemeanor charges. This can result in up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500, as well as additional penalties, such as restitution.
When the amount embezzled exceeds $1,000 in value, the defendant will be charged with felony embezzlement. Felonies carry much harsher penalties than misdemeanors; a conviction for felony embezzlement in Virginia can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years, $2,500 in fines, and restitution to the victim(s).
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Lawrence, Smith & Gardner, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Dear Mr. Brillantine and Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
Thank you so much for your time and effort in the past several weeks. I am forever grateful for your help! Thank you. -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
I just wanted to drop you a note to express my thanks and appreciation for your professional and courteous help and service. The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me. -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
We just want to thank you for all your help in our son’s recent traffic case. Things were looking extremely bleak. However, thanks to your knowledge of the law, persistence, ability to talk to people, hard work and grace … What a relief it has been. We also appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff. -
Dear Ron,- Previous Client
I am consumed with awe for your legal maneuvering to assist me in court yesterday. Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life. -
To Ron Smith,- Previous Client
I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you for representing me earlier this month when I went back to court to obtain my restricted license. I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism from you and your staff and under no circumstances hope to ever need your services for a serious matter like that again. -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
Thank you for all your help. Please extend my thanks also to Martin for his patient support of an incoherent client, as well as to Lisa for her many phone calls. Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance. -
Ron,- Previous Client
I can’t thank you enough for everything. If it weren’t for you I would be in a world of hurt today. I owe you so many thanks. If you ever need anything!! Please pass along all my thanks to your staff and co-workers. Please let Lisa I’m so sorry you missed her lunch too. Thanks again Ron you ROCK! -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help with my recent difficult situation. I was amazed at your skill and knowledge of the court system, and appreciative of your insight in these matters. I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.
Why Hire the Embezzlement Defense Attorneys at Lawrence, Smith & Gardner?
Since 1982, we have aggressively represented thousands of clients against all types of criminal charges throughout Northern Virginia. Our embezzlement defense typically focuses on looking into the evidence that law enforcement used to build their case against you. We are familiar with the different rules of evidence used in state and federal courts, as well as how to construct an embezzlement defense that questions vital components of the prosecution’s case.
We can aggressively negotiate for a plea agreement that allows you to avoid jail time and, instead, calls for restitution, community service, or other alternative sentences that may be available. If your case does go to trial, you can rest assured that you are being represented by experienced litigators who will passionately argue for the jury to return a not-guilty verdict.
If you are under investigation for embezzlement or have already been formally charged, we urge you to contact our firm right away to learn how our Fairfax embezzlement defense lawyers can help. We are ready to fight for you, your reputation, and your freedom.
Call (703) 382-5840 or contact us online to request a free consultation.
What Sets Us Apart
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An Accessible Team With Direct Communication
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Free Initial Consultations for All Clients
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Numerous Positive Reviews from Our Clients
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A Diligent Approach to Each Case
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More Than 40 Years Serving Our Community
