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Arizona Law and Company Embezzlement

March 9, 2015

Employees are expected to perform their duties without taking advantage of their superiors, clients, or fellow employees. Unfortunately, many people can’t resist the temptation to take money from their employers in an unethical manner. If you have been wrongfully accused of embezzlement, it’s important that you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Types of Embezzlement

Every employee and employer should understand the nuances of embezzlement. Company embezzlement is a white-collar crime that involves the misappropriation of funds within a business or organization. There are numerous ways to embezzle—someone might funnel money into phantom accounts that only they have access to, or they might falsify records in such a way that benefits them financially.

Arizona Embezzlement Law

In Arizona, companies do not have to pursue criminal charges against employees who are caught embezzling. Rather, companies can either handle the matter internally or take the case to civil court. Embezzlement is considered a type of theft; however, embezzlement is slightly different in that it involves an employee who abuses their trusted role as money handler.

Consequences of Conviction

Those convicted of embezzlement receive punishment that is proportional to the amount of money they took. For instance, those convicted of embezzling over $25,000 face up to five years in prison, while embezzling less than $1,000 can lead to six months in jail. In a civil case, a judge may simply order the accused to pay back the stolen amount.

Hiring an Attorney

If you’re accused of embezzlement, hiring a criminal defense attorney is your best shot at receiving a positive judgment. A skilled lawyer can argue on your behalf and help the court understand the complexity of the situation. Even if the facts aren’t on your side, an attorney can help you reach a favorable settlement or plea deal.

You deserve a stalwart defense against your accusations. For more information about embezzlement laws in Arizona, contact Tucson criminal defense attorney Janet Altschuler. Altschuler has more than 17 years of experience defending employees in Arizona.

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