Citrus Park Embezzlement Lawyer

Embezzlement is one of many forms of theft under state law. These charges are often felonies with mandatory jail sentences. When you face these severe accusations, you must build a strong defense as early as possible.

A Citrus Park embezzlement lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group is prepared to protect you and your way of life. Our dedicated attorneys can explain the concept of embezzlement under the state’s larceny statute. We know how to prepare a robust defense and fight for your rights throughout the legal process.

What Does it Mean to Embezzle Property?

Most theft allegations presume that a person has taken possession of another’s property without permission. However, cases alleging embezzlement are different. A person accused of embezzlement has permission to keep or control property on behalf of its owner.

However, this does not allow the defendant to do whatever they want with the property. Many people entrust their property to others with strict instructions for use. Examples of improper use can include the following:

• An accountant mingling client money and personal funds
• A car repair shop using a vehicle off the lot
• A person borrowing a bicycle with the owner’s permission but never returning it

Each of these examples can result in an arrest and prosecution for larceny. A Citrus Park attorney at our firm can provide more information about the concept of embezzlement under state law.

Penalties for an Embezzlement Conviction in Citrus Park

Embezzlement is an example of larceny under Arizona Revised Statute § 13-1802. At a minimum, larceny is a misdemeanor where convictions can bring up to one year in jail. However, embezzlement is often a felony. The value of the items involved is the main factor in determining the severity of larceny charges.

In the most extreme examples, a larceny conviction can be a class 2 felony for embezzling items valued at over $25,000. An embezzlement conviction where a defendant has no prior felony convictions can bring a minimum prison sentence of three years. If aggravating factors are present in the case, this may extend to as long as 12.5 years.

Defendants need skilled legal counsel to avoid these life-changing penalties. Our local embezzlement lawyers know how to fight against embezzlement allegations to protect a defendant’s rights. Defenses may involve disputing whether the use of the property was outside the owner’s scope of instruction or whether there was a genuine misunderstanding about the property’s true owner.

Let a Citrus Park Embezzlement Attorney Protect Your Future

An embezzlement charge alleges that you had permission to hold another’s property but took unauthorized actions with it. This could include the improper use of money or the misappropriation of a tangible item. These accusations could lead to felony charges for situations involving high-value items.

Contact a Citrus Park embezzlement lawyer now to discuss your case and learn your legal options. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we are ready to provide more information about embezzlement and investigate why you were arrested. With this information, we can prepare a defense that best fits the facts of your case. Reach out to our firm today to get started.