Indianapolis White Collar Crime Attorneys

Embezzlement Defense Lawyers

Embezzlement is a type of white collar crime occurring when a person misappropriates the assets that have been entrusted to him or her. In this type of fraud, the assets are attained lawfully and the embezzler has the right to possess them, but the assets are then used for unintended purposes. Embezzlement is committed by those entrusted with assets. The nature of embezzlement can range from small to large, and embezzling funds can be something as minor as a store clerk pocketing a few dollars from a cash register and as  major as a corporate executive depositing millions of company dollars into their own personal account.  Depending upon the scale of the crime, embezzlement may be punishable by large fines and time in jail.

Public officials, bank employees, and organization officers are just a few occupations that run a high risk of being accused of embezzlement.  Because people in these positions work in close proximity to the finances of their employers, they are more likely to be charged with embezzlement.  Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your embezzlement charges, it is best to speak with an Indianapolis white collar crime lawyer at our firm as soon as possible after discovering you’re under investigation or receiving formal charges.  Some possible defenses to embezzlement that your attorney may use are:

• Insufficient evidence:  If there is insufficient evidence to prosecute, criminal charges may be dismissed. 
• Duress: when a person is situated where he/she truly believes they will be in some danger or harm if they do not participate in the crime.
• Entrapment:  When the government compels an innocent person to commit a crime they would have otherwise not committed.
• Absence of Intent to commit a crime.
• Insanity:  This defense allows you to claim you were either insane at the time of the offense or during trial.
• Incapacity:  If you can show you were somehow mentally incapacitated at the time of committing the embezzlement (on medication).

If you or a loved one has been charged with embezzlement, contact an Indianapolis white collar crime attorney at Schembs Sweeney Law for help!