Man in a suit smuggling money in his briefcase. The embezzlement attorneys at Hirsch Law Group take pride in defending those accused of fraud.

Embezzlement is theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to an employer or business. If you have been accused of or charged criminally of embezzlement then you need an experienced embezzlement attorney representing you. If you have been contacted by an investigator for embezzlement then early intervention by a criminal defense attorney can be the key to an early resolution to possibly avoid criminal charges.

There are many variables attached to the complexity of an embezzlement case such as the amount of money embezzled and length of time the alleged embezzlement has been going on for. Often, the people accused of embezzlement are executives, employees, high profile individuals, accountants or executors of a trust. There may have been a misunderstanding or lack of evidence that lead to accusations or criminal charges. Hirsch Law Group is experienced in defending clients in 13 counties across Illinois including Chicago from embezzlement criminal charges.

The penalties of a conviction of embezzlement charges can be severe and stay with you for the rest of your life. Hirsch Law Group will fight hard for an acquittal. If a conviction is inevitable based on evidence, then we will work to negotiate a reduced sentence. Evidence in white collar crimes usually includes electronic communications, emails, business documents and computer files. You will need a top rated embezzlement attorney that can analyze this evidence. We will use this data to poke holes and create doubt in the prosecution’s case. Most people accused or charged with embezzlement have their careers and reputations at stake. Hirsch Law Group will do our best to protect your career and good name so CEO’s, doctors, lawyers and accountants so not experience career ending consequences. We are well versed at protecting professionals fight white collar criminal charges and accusations.

Embezzlement Criminal Defenses

  • You mistakenly believed that you were the property owner
  • You are the owner of the property
  • You have been falsely accused
  • You obtained the property by accident
  • Constitutional rights have been violated

Sentences if Convicted of Embezzlement

  • Property valued at $500 or less – Class A misdemeanor – up to one year in jail and up to $2500 in fines.
  • Property valued at $500 – $10,000 – Class 3 felony – 2-5 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Property valued at $10,000 – $100,000 – Class 2 felony – 3 – 7 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Property valued $100,000 – $500,000 – Class 1 felony – 4 – 15 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
  • Property valued at $500,000 – $1,000,000 – Class X felony – 6 – 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Experienced Embezzlement Lawyers in Chicago

In order for criminal embezzlement charges to be filed instead of theft charges, the prosecution needs to prove that the accused has a fiduciary relationship between the alleged embezzler and alleged victim.  A fiduciary relationship is when a person holds a position of confidence, trust, or reliance with the principal person, and through this position, a fiduciary relationship is developed between the two parties. When the person holding the position of trust benefits themselves at the expense of the principal person, the fiduciary relationship is breached.