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Cleveland Embezzlement Lawyer

Serious Charges Require Serious Defense – We Can Provide the Counsel You Need

Embezzlement is a serious federal crime that occurs when a person entrusted with maintaining or managing property or money uses the assets for their own gain. Although it involves elements of theft, it differs slightly from that offense in that the property was at first lawfully obtained but later used for unintended purposes. Conviction penalties for embezzlement are harsh and include imprisonment and/or fines. Because these crimes typically occur in corporate settings, anyone accused may also face repercussions that affect their professional future. If you have been charged, speak with a Cleveland embezzlement attorney who has an in-depth understanding of federal law and can help navigate your case.

At HMW Law, we have a passion for helping people accused of federal crimes and do what it takes to seek favorable results. Our embezzlement defense lawyers in Cleveland know how federal agents and prosecutors develop their cases, which is why we begin thoroughly preparing a defense the moment a client retains our services. When you turn to us, you can be confident that you will be working with a skilled and competent team that genuinely cares about the outcome of your case. We can work extremely hard toward an optimal result on your behalf and zealously advocate for you as we fight to protect your rights and freedom.

Schedule your free consultation by calling our Cleveland embezzlement lawyers at (216) 220-6776 or submitting an online contact form today.

Types of Federal Embezzlement Crimes

As mentioned before, embezzlement occurs when a person has assets entrusted to them and uses them for unintended purposes. The offense can take place in a variety of settings and industries. As such, several statutes prohibit specific conduct considered embezzlement.

A few of the crimes enumerated under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 31 include, but are not limited to:

  • Embezzling public money property or records: This occurs when a person has an object of value, such as records or vouchers, belonging to the U.S. Government or any federal agency and uses it for their own or someone else's gain.
  • Embezzling counterfeiting tools or materials: If a person takes tools, instruments, papers, or other objects used to make stamps, currency, bonds, or other official devices, they could be charged with embezzlement.
  • Receiving unauthorized deposits: If a person works for a bank, receives public money for a deposit, and misuses those funds, they could be imprisoned and/or fined under federal law.
  • Misusing public funds: A disbursing officer of the United States may not use any loans, interest, or deposits in an unauthorized way. Doing such may give rise to federal charges.
  • Misapplying financial institution funds: Any employee of a bank, lending, credit, or insurance institution who receives money, funds, assets, securities, or credits for the institution may not misapply the funds.
  • Embezzling interstate or foreign shipments: It is unlawful for a person to embezzle and use for their own gain any item of value transported across state or country lines by a carrier, such as an aircraft or trailer.
  • Embezzling funds from an employee benefit plan: No person shall take for their own unauthorized use assets belonging to an employee welfare or pension plan.
  • Embezzling health care funds: Any person who takes for their own use funds, property, assets, or anything of value from a health care benefit plan may face federal charges.
  • Embezzling medical products: It is illegal for a person to embezzle medical equipment.

Being charged with embezzlement can be frightening. But know that no matter the offense you've been alleged to have committed, our Cleveland embezzlement attorneys at HMW Law will be by your side to aggressively fight it.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Ohio

Embezzlement carries severe penalties. In many cases involving embezzlement of assets valued at $1,000 or more, a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine. In some instances, if the aggregate total of the property is no more than $1,000, the crime is a misdemeanor punishable by incarceration of up to 1 year and/or a fine.

However, in some cases, the term of imprisonment can be longer than 10 years. For instance, if a bank officer or employee is found guilty of embezzling or misapplying money, funds, or credits, they may be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison. They may also be fined not more than $1,000,000.

If you've been accused of the offense, speak with our Cleveland embezzlement lawyers to learn more about the specific laws and penalties that may apply in your situation and what defenses may be raised.

Retain Legal Services from a Results-Oriented Team

At HMW Law, we relentlessly work on each case we handle, putting in the time and effort needed to build an effective defense. Our team can provide the dedicated counsel and compassionate guidance you need throughout your case.

We are prepared to challenge the accusations made against you. Call our Cleveland embezzlement lawyers at (216) 220-6776 or contact us online.

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