What is embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a form of white-collar crime. This means it is generally a non-violent offense that typically involves a financial component or a financial or business-related gain. Because embezzlement means the misappropriation, misuse, or taking of property or assets that were entrusted to your care, this offense is both a form of theft and a breach of fiduciary trust.

What are examples of crimes of embezzlement?

It’s common to think of those accused of embezzlement as rich businesspeople, but in reality, the crime of embezzlement and the defendants facing these charges are more varied. Embezzlement can include instances like the following: An investment banker or financial advisor charged with taking money from their clients A business leader or accountant charged with skimming money off of the company’s profits An estate executor accused of helping themselves to assets that aren’t theirs or without following proper procedures A legal guardian charged with misusing money meant for their child An employee accused of intentionally overcharging a customer and keeping the extra money for themselves A business owner or manager depositing vendor checks meant for the company into their own personal account Our Maryland embezzlement lawyers assist clients with all types of white-collar theft and fraud crimes, as well as other criminal matters. We’re prepared to help you fight embezzlement charges and pursue a better outcome.

Is embezzlement a felony or a misdemeanor?

The severity of the charges you’re facing for an embezzlement violation depends on whether you are charged at the state or federal level, the value of the property allegedly stolen, and the specific offenses you’re accused of. Under Maryland law, embezzlement is generally charged as a misdemeanor, but embezzlement of property with a high value could potentially be charged as a felony theft offense. At the federal level, embezzlement of property valued at over $1,000 can constitute felony embezzlement.

When is embezzlement a federal offense?

Embezzlement is most commonly charged as a federal offense when the property stolen or misused is in some way associated with the federal government. For example, you might face federal charges if you’re accused of embezzling money or other property from the U.S. government directly, federal agencies, or private companies or organizations that receive government contracts or taxpayer funding of any kind. You can also be charged with fraud at the federal level if, in the course of embezzling funds from any source, you broke federal laws relating to wire fraud, mail fraud, and the commission of crimes across state lines. Maronick Law LLC’s federal embezzlement defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, can help you defend against both federal and state charges.

Maryland Embezzlement Lawyers | Federal Embezzlement Defense Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD

Federal Embezzlement Defense Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD Delivering Skilled Legal Advocacy in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland

An accusation of embezzlement doesn’t just mean disaster for your professional career. Fines, prison sentences, and a permanent criminal record could be in your future if convicted of this serious crime. With so much at risk, you need the guidance of experienced Maryland embezzlement lawyers you can count on.

Maronick Law LLC defends clients against embezzlement charges and accusations of other white-collar crimes at the state and federal levels. Our comprehensive knowledge of embezzlement cases, potential penalties, and effective defense strategies makes us the embezzlement defense law firm of choice. To get started with a complimentary consultation, contact us today.

Embezzlement Charges in Maryland

The crime of embezzlement is a form of theft, but there’s more to this specific offense. To be charged with embezzling money, valuables, or other assets rather than simply stealing them, you must have been entrusted with the management or safeguarding of these assets. This is sometimes called having a fiduciary duty to the organization for whom you’re managing the assets.

State Embezzlement Charges in MD

Under Section 7-113 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article, it constitutes a misdemeanor embezzlement charge for a fiduciary to:

Willfully and fraudulently appropriate the assets entrusted into their responsibility
Hide or secrete the money or assets entrusted to their care with fraudulent intent

If you’re convicted of a misdemeanor embezzlement offense under state law, you could end up in jail for a minimum of one year and a maximum of five years. However, as state law (under Section 7-102) recognizes embezzlement as a form of theft, it’s possible to face felony theft charges for allegedly embezzling an amount that can constitute a felony.

Maryland law also criminalizes willfully embezzling assets from an estate, along with altering or destroying a will, under Section 8-701 of the Criminal Law Article. This offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a minimum of three years and potentially up to seven years of jail time.

Federal Charges for Embezzlement

Embezzlement crimes can also count as federal offenses. Sections 641 through 670 of Chapter 31 of the U.S. Code establish federal embezzlement laws. These distinct statutes cover a variety of areas relating to federal embezzlement offenses.

Federal charges of embezzlement are often filed when an offense involves embezzling money or assets from:

The United States Government
A federal government agency or program
Any business that has access to any federal government property through contracts
Any private organization that has received taxpayer funds

For federal embezzlement convictions, the grading of the charge and severity of penalties depends on the value of the property stolen. If it amounts to $1,000 or less, this crime can constitute a misdemeanor and result in up to a year of jail time. Being accused of embezzling property valued at more than $1,000 could send you to prison for up to 10 years.

Steep fines are part of the consequences of a federal embezzlement offense. Even for a misdemeanor conviction, you could be fined up to $100,000. For a felony conviction, fines of up to $250,000 are possible. The financial impact of an embezzlement conviction, which may also include some form of restitution as well as fines, could be enough to impose a serious financial hardship even without going to jail and having to live the rest of your life with a criminal record.

How to Get Out of Embezzlement Charges

It may be possible to reduce these penalties or avoid them altogether when you choose seasoned federal embezzlement defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, to represent you. Maronick Law LLC has a long history of securing clients results that include:

Getting embezzlement charges dropped or dismissed
Getting charges or sentences reduced
Having evidence that was improperly obtained suppressed
Negotiating a plea bargain, access to a first offender program, alternative sentencing options, or other creative resolutions that benefit our clients
Presenting a strong, effective defense at trial to improve the likelihood of a not-guilty verdict
Pushing for lighter sentences based on mitigating factors in the event of a conviction

Having skilled Maryland embezzlement lawyers who are dedicated to fighting for your best interests provides important advantages in the legal process.

How Maronick Law LLC Can Help

Our Maryland embezzlement lawyers are ready to rise to the challenges of your white-collar crime case. We stand up for the accused, ensuring they are protected throughout criminal legal proceedings and they have the guidance needed to achieve a more favorable outcome.

Our Approach to Fighting Embezzlement Charges

We begin each case with a diligent evaluation of the facts. If you retain our Maryland embezzlement lawyers to assist you, you can count on us to investigate the legal matter, law enforcement’s procedures for gathering evidence, and the circumstances of your arrest. We will use the facts we uncover to build a strong case in your favor and fight to suppress any evidence that was unlawfully obtained against you.

Throughout your case, we advocate for your rights and protect your interests. We’re here for our clients throughout every legal proceeding, ensuring that you’re treated fairly and that the arguments and legal strategy in your favor are as effective as possible. Our goal is always to secure our clients the most beneficial resolution possible in their circumstances, which may mean advocating for charges to be dropped or reduced, negotiating a deal to serve a lighter sentence, or presenting a strong defense in court.

Defenses to Embezzlement Allegations

To achieve the most favorable outcome possible, you need a law firm that considers the full range of possible embezzlement defense strategies and develops individualized arguments based on the specifics of your case. Our Maryland embezzlement lawyers explore all potential lines of legal defense, including the following:

You had rightful legal ownership of the property
There was a lack of intent to commit fraud or theft
You had authorization or permission to use the property
You had a good faith belief in your right to use or take the property
The allegations resulted from a mistaken identity
The allegations are falsified
You embezzled property under duress or coercion, in which someone else threatened or otherwise forced you to commit the crime
The evidence against you was obtained through illegal searches and seizures or other improper procedures

Crafting a strong, strategic defense depends on thoroughly investigating the case and analyzing the facts to ensure the arguments in your favor are as compelling and legally sound as possible.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?

The outcome of your case hinges on ensuring that your rights are protected and your legal strategy and defense arguments are as strong as possible. At Maronick Law LLC, these are our priorities because we know these efforts are critical to securing you a favorable outcome.

An Experienced Team

The team of legal authorities that makes up Maronick Law LLC has more than 80 years of combined experience defending the accused and protecting their rights. We’re constantly committed to our clients’ best interests.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services

Embezzlement charges can be filed at the federal or state level, as misdemeanors or felonies, and alone or in conjunction with other offenses. Our Maryland embezzlement lawyers provide a full array of criminal defense services, so we’re prepared to assist you in embezzlement cases that range from relatively straightforward to legally complex.

Free, Confidential Initial Consultations

We know the impact that being charged with embezzlement can have. To ensure you have the chance to make an informed decision about your case, our federal embezzlement defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, offer complimentary initial consultations. We can help you understand what you’re up against and what our team can do to assist you.

Contact the Maryland Embezzlement Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Evaluation

You don’t have to face charges of embezzlement and the significant consequences they pose on your own. In fact, confronting these legal issues without having a dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side needlessly increases the risk of receiving harsh penalties. It’s essential that you have someone advocating for you to defend your legal rights and develop compelling arguments in your favor.

For help from federal embezzlement defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-351-6657 today.

Maryland Embezzlement Lawyers