What are the penalties for embezzlement in Maryland?

Embezzlement penalties in Maryland are prosecuted under theft statutes and vary based on the amount taken, ranging from up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines for amounts over $100,000 to lesser sentences for smaller amounts. All convictions require full restitution and result in a permanent criminal record that can severely impact future employment opportunities, especially in financial sectors.

How do prosecutors prove embezzlement in Maryland?

To prove embezzlement in Maryland, prosecutors must demonstrate three key elements: a fiduciary relationship giving legal access to assets, intentional misappropriation of those assets, and fraudulent intent. They build these cases through extensive financial documentation, forensic accounting analysis, and evidence of suspicious spending patterns or lifestyle changes that suggest fraudulent activity.

Can I be charged with embezzlement if I intended to pay the money back?

Yes, the intent to repay doesn't prevent embezzlement charges, as the crime occurs at the moment of misappropriation. Even if you've already returned the funds, you can still face charges if there's evidence you temporarily used them for personal purposes without authorization.

How does an embezzlement investigation typically start?

Most embezzlement investigations begin when employers notice financial discrepancies during audits or when colleagues report suspicious activities. These investigations often start internally before being referred to law enforcement, giving the company time to gather evidence through audits and surveillance.

Will my employer drop charges if I agree to repay the money?

While repayment may influence the prosecutor's approach to your case, once the matter is referred to law enforcement, your employer no longer controls whether charges are pursued. However, cooperation and repayment can sometimes lead to more favorable plea negotiations.

How long do employers have to discover and report embezzlement?

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for embezzlement is typically three years from when the crime is discovered, not when it occurred. However, if the embezzlement scheme was deliberately concealed, the statute of limitations may be extended based on when a reasonable person should have discovered the theft.

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In Maryland, embezzlement charges carry severe consequences that can impact your professional reputation, freedom, and financial stability. Whether you're facing allegations of misappropriating company funds, manipulating financial records, or mishandling client assets, having skilled Maryland embezzlement lawyers on your side is crucial to protecting your rights and future.

Our legal team has the forensic accounting knowledge and investigative resources to thoroughly examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and build aggressive defense strategies tailored to your unique situation. From the moment you retain our services, we work diligently to protect your interests at every stage of the criminal justice process.

What It Means to Be Charged with Embezzlement in Maryland

Embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with money or property fraudulently takes, appropriates, or converts it for their own use. This crime typically involves a breach of fiduciary duty or trust, such as an employee taking company funds, a bank teller misappropriating customer deposits, or a trustee misusing trust assets.

Unlike theft, embezzlement specifically involves someone who had legal access to the assets through their position or relationship. The value of the embezzled property determines the severity of the charges, with amounts over $100,000 constituting felony theft and carrying the most serious penalties.

A Maryland Embezzlement Lawyer Will Fight to Protect Your Future

Beyond potential jail time and fines, embezzlement charges can destroy your career prospects, professional licenses, and reputation in your community. Embezzlement charges can impact your life through:

Potential imprisonment and substantial fines
Mandatory restitution payments
Loss of professional licenses and certifications
Permanent criminal record affecting future employment
Damage to your credit and financial standing
Inability to work in financial or fiduciary positions
Loss of current employment and career opportunities
Strain on personal and family relationships
Asset seizure and forfeiture
Difficulty obtaining housing or loans
Professional reputation damage
Costly legal and court fees

At Maronick Law, our embezzlement lawyers in Maryland understand that embezzlement charges threaten everything you've worked for. With our strategic approach to embezzlement defense, we can help minimize the impact on your life and work to preserve your future opportunities.

Being Charged With Embezzlement Doesn’t Mean You Are Guilty

Our Maryland embezzlement lawyers bring decades of combined experience defending clients against complex financial crime charges. We understand that many embezzlement cases arise from misunderstandings, accounting errors, or false accusations by disgruntled employers or business partners.

The justice system can be overwhelming, especially when facing serious charges like embezzlement. But remember – an accusation is not the same as a conviction, and you have the right to defend yourself against these charges. Maryland law requires prosecutors to prove every element of embezzlement beyond a reasonable doubt, from establishing that you had access to the funds through a position of trust to demonstrating willful intent to defraud.

Defenses Your Maryland Embezzlement Lawyers May Use

Several defense strategies may be available for embezzlement charges, depending on case specifics. Common defenses include lack of intent to permanently deprive (claiming the property was borrowed with intent to return), claim of right (believing one had legitimate authority to use the assets), absence of fiduciary relationship, or accounting errors rather than intentional misappropriation.

Defense attorneys might also challenge the prosecution's evidence, particularly in cases involving complex financial transactions where intent can be difficult to prove. Mental health issues, addiction, or duress might also factor into defense strategies or plea negotiations, though they typically don't provide complete defenses to the charges.

Get Your Consultation With a Maryland Embezzlement Lawyer

If you're facing embezzlement charges in Maryland, your freedom, reputation, and financial future hang in the balance. Don't leave your defense to chance—our Maryland embezzlement lawyers have successfully protected clients against white-collar criminal charges. We have more than 80 years of combined experience, and we know how to help.

We understand the complex financial evidence and legal nuances involved in embezzlement cases and will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your defense options—the sooner you reach out, the more time we have to build a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement in Maryland

Embezzlement penalties in Maryland are prosecuted under theft statutes and vary based on the amount taken, ranging from up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines for amounts over $100,000 to lesser sentences for smaller amounts. All convictions require full restitution and result in a permanent criminal record that can severely impact future employment opportunities, especially in financial sectors.
To prove embezzlement in Maryland, prosecutors must demonstrate three key elements: a fiduciary relationship giving legal access to assets, intentional misappropriation of those assets, and fraudulent intent. They build these cases through extensive financial documentation, forensic accounting analysis, and evidence of suspicious spending patterns or lifestyle changes that suggest fraudulent activity.