Embezzlement Lawyer Tampa, FL

Embezzlement is a serious crime in Florida, and if convicted, you could face years—even decades—in prison. Even if the sentence is light, your entire future could be at risk. Employers may shy away from hiring someone who was arrested for embezzlement, and if you hold a professional license, you may lose it. With so much on the line, you need a strong Tampa, FL, embezzlement lawyer by your side to defend you.

Florida law defines embezzlement as the fraudulent appropriation of money or assets by a person entrusted with the security of said assets with the intent of personal gain. For example, if an employer entrusts a clerk or cashier with money handling or gives them responsibility over company funds, and that cashier swipes some of the money or diverts some of the funds to their own bank account, then they can be charged with embezzlement.

Make no mistake – prosecutors in Florida aggressively pursue convictions against people charged with embezzlement, especially if the amount of money involved makes the charge a felony. Don’t try to fight alone. Trust the legal team at Stechschulte Nell to defend your rights and protect you from arrest through trial. Call today for a consultation.

What Does A Tampa Embezzlement Lawyer Do?

Defending against an embezzlement charge can get tricky. Many times, the government will spend countless hours collecting evidence to use against you. We craft our defense based on your circumstances, using our deep knowledge of federal laws to build a strong case on your behalf.

Some of the approaches we have successfully used include:

You were coerced into committing the crime, or you committed the actions under duress
Lack of intent – we establish that you did not intend to defraud the other party or that the misappropriation was due to a mistake or misunderstanding
You were the victim of entrapment or caught up in entrapment in a larger, more complex case
The prosecution has insufficient evidence to charge you with a crime, or there isn’t enough evidence to convict you

We have extensive resources to defend people like you who are accused of embezzlement, including our own forensic accountant and private investigators. We review the prosecutor’s case so we can dismantle it and gather objective evidence to build a strong defense for you.

Our attorneys can also work to minimize the severity of the charges laid against you or negotiate with the prosecutor to arrange a plea bargain for a lesser penalty. We strive to preserve your future, reduce jail time, and defend you against excessive charges.

Do You Need Help After Being Charged With Embezzlement?

If you’re facing embezzlement charges, you know there’s a lot more on the line than just a loss of reputation. You may face years behind bars and be made to pay thousands of dollars in fines and restitution. It’s imperative to act promptly and secure legal counsel. The earlier you call us, the more time the legal team at Stechschulte Nell has to build a strong defense on your behalf. Your Tampa embezzlement lawyer is committed to an aggressive, tenacious pursuit of your interests and defense of your rights. Call today.

The Serious Consequences Of Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a serious crime in Florida, and if convicted, you could face years – even decades – in prison. Even if the sentence is light, your entire future could be at risk. Employers may shy away from hiring someone who was arrested for embezzlement, and if you hold a professional license, you may lose it. With so much on the line, you need a strong Tampa, FL, embezzlement lawyer by your side to defend you.

Understanding The Legal Process For Embezzlement Cases

Navigating the legal process for embezzlement cases involves several key stages, each with its own challenges and requirements. Initially, once charges are filed, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly misappropriated funds or assets for personal gain. This often involves a thorough examination of financial records and communications.

During pre-trial, both sides engage in discovery, where they exchange evidence and build their cases. It’s crucial to understand that the defense has the right to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution and to investigate any inconsistencies or procedural errors.

The trial phase involves presenting evidence and making legal arguments before a judge or jury. In some cases, this may include presenting expert testimony from forensic accountants or financial analysts to explain complex financial transactions.

After the trial, if convicted, the sentencing phase will determine the penalties, which may include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. A conviction can also lead to a probation period with additional conditions.

What Does A Tampa Embezzlement Lawyer Do?

Some of the approaches we have successfully used include:

You were coerced into committing the crime, or you committed the actions under duress
Lack of intent – we establish that you did not intend to defraud the other party or that the misappropriation was due to a mistake or misunderstanding
You were the victim of entrapment or caught up in entrapment in a larger, more complex case
The prosecution has insufficient evidence to charge you with a crime, or there isn’t enough evidence to convict you

The Long-Term Consequences Of An Embezzlement Conviction

Beyond the immediate legal repercussions, a conviction for embezzlement can have lasting effects on your life. A felony record can severely impact your ability to secure future employment. Many employers conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire someone with a conviction for embezzlement, given the trust and integrity required for many positions.

Additionally, your personal and professional relationships may suffer. Friends, family, and colleagues may view you differently, which can strain relationships and affect your social standing. If you hold a professional license, such as in finance or law, a conviction could result in disciplinary action or revocation of your license, further complicating your career prospects.

How To Approach A Potential Plea Deal

In some cases, negotiating a plea deal may be a viable option. A plea deal involves agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receiving a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperating with the prosecution. While accepting a plea deal may seem like an easy way out, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits and consequences carefully.

A knowledgeable embezzlement lawyer can help you understand the terms of any plea deal and advise you on whether it is in your best interest. They can also negotiate on your behalf to ensure that the terms are as favorable as possible and that you fully understand the long-term implications of accepting a deal.

The Role Of Financial Forensics In Embezzlement Cases

In embezzlement cases, financial forensics play a critical role. Forensic accountants are specialists who analyze financial records and transactions to uncover discrepancies and trace the flow of funds. They can provide expert testimony regarding the financial evidence, which can be pivotal in establishing your innocence or mitigating your liability.

If the embezzlement charge involves complex financial transactions, the insights of a forensic accountant can be invaluable. They can identify patterns, detect anomalies, and provide clarity on financial matters that may be crucial to your defense.

Protecting Your Rights Throughout The Legal Process

Throughout the legal process, you have to make sure that your rights are protected. From the initial investigation through trial, there are numerous opportunities for the prosecution to make errors or overlook crucial details. Your lawyer will scrutinize every aspect of the case to certify that evidence is obtained lawfully and that your constitutional rights are upheld.

If you’re facing embezzlement charges, secure legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will guide you through each stage of the legal process, advocating on your behalf and working to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Do You Need Help After Being Charged With Embezzlement?

The earlier you call us, the more time the legal team at Stechschulte Nell has to build a strong defense on your behalf. Your Tampa embezzlement lawyer is committed to an aggressive, tenacious pursuit of your interests and defense of your rights. Call today.

Top Legal Defenses Used By Embezzlement Lawyers

Embezzlement is a serious financial crime involving the theft or misappropriation of funds that were entrusted to someone’s care, typically in a business or corporate setting. If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, you may be facing severe penalties, including fines, restitution, and imprisonment. However, with the right legal strategy, a Tampa, FL embezzlement lawyer can help build a strong defense and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges. Here are some of the top legal defenses commonly used by embezzlement lawyers.

1. Lack Of Intent

One of the primary defenses used in embezzlement cases is the argument that the defendant did not have the intent to commit a crime. For an embezzlement charge to stick, the prosecution must prove that the accused intentionally took or misused funds for personal gain. If your lawyer can show that you had no intent to steal or misappropriate the money, the case against you could weaken significantly.

For example, a person could have mistakenly handled funds due to confusion or misunderstanding of company policies, but without any malicious intent. In such cases, demonstrating that the mismanagement of funds was accidental, rather than deliberate, can be an effective defense.

2. Consent Or Authorization

Another common defense in embezzlement cases is that the accused had consent or authorization to use the funds in question. If you can prove that you had permission from your employer or another party to handle the money in the manner you did, the charges of embezzlement may be dismissed.

For instance, if you are accused of embezzling company funds but can show that you were authorized to make certain transactions or expenses, your lawyer can argue that you were acting within your rights. This defense hinges on the ability to provide evidence, such as emails, contracts, or verbal agreements, that demonstrate consent.

3. Lack Of Evidence

In any criminal case, the prosecution bears the burden of proof. This means that they must present clear and convincing evidence that you committed the crime of embezzlement. In some cases, there may be insufficient evidence to prove that you were responsible for the alleged theft or misappropriation of funds.

A skilled embezzlement lawyer will scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence and challenge its validity. They may argue that the evidence is circumstantial or that it fails to directly link you to the crime. In cases where the evidence is weak, your lawyer could file a motion to dismiss the case altogether.

4. Duress Or Coercion

If you were forced or pressured into misappropriating funds by someone else, your lawyer may use the defense of duress or coercion. This means that you did not act of your own free will but were compelled to commit the crime due to threats or intimidation from another party.

For example, if a superior or colleague threatened you with harm or job loss unless you participated in embezzlement, you may be able to argue that you were not acting voluntarily. This defense requires proving that you were under immediate and significant pressure when the crime occurred.

Conclusion

Facing embezzlement charges can be overwhelming, but with a skilled lawyer and the right defense strategy, you have options. From proving a lack of intent to challenging the evidence, a Tampa embezzlement lawyer from Stechschulte Nell can craft a defense that protects your rights and potentially mitigates the penalties you face.