A mistake has been made. Rather a series of big mistakes. Over several years. Now, criminal charges of embezzlement loom over you. As a long and trusted employee, you pushed the limits on certain job-related privileges. Essentially, you funded a lifestyle built on a foundation of smoke and mirrors. It was only a matter of time before your employer and authorities caught up to you.
Now, you face a lengthy trial. And, if found guilty, you should not expect any sympathy from the judge at sentencing. You will go to prison, likely fined, put on probation and ordered to pay restitution. And who knows what will happen to your personal life as well as professional life? Disgrace. You need more than a sliver of hope. You need a reliable criminal defense attorney.
Median embezzlement amount: $294,000
People charged with embezzlement often have high personal debt, heavy financial losses, poor credit and personal addictions ranging from substance abuse and gambling to shopping and sex. But the biggest factor in embezzlement is greed. Trying to maintain a façade that includes a lavish lifestyle is almost impossible, though.
According to a 2016 study by insurance provider Hiscox, the median loss in employee theft situations is more than $294,000. The methods of embezzlement vary and may include:
- Check forgery
- The personal use of company credit cards
- The gradual dipping into cash deposits
- Overbilling customers
- Cashing out customer checks
- Stealing the credit card data of a customer
- Stealing money during fundraisers
Working with an astute attorney will help you get embezzlement charges reduced or dismissed. Regardless, you will recover, but it will take time and a great amount of patience.