Allendale NJ Embezzlement Defense Attorneys 

Criminal Defense Lawyers with Offices in Hackensack, New Jersey

Taking money that doesn’t belong to you is generally considered stealing. However, taking money that has been entrusted to you is unique because it constitutes a violation of a special position of trust. Embezzlement is a property theft crime that can result in significant jail time in New Jersey. A person who has been entrusted to manage or monitor property for a certain period of time commits embezzlement when he or she converts the property for his or her own use before giving it back. The key distinction is “legal access” to property versus “legal ownership” of property. Embezzlement typically occurs in the context of employer-employee relationships, with an employee stealing funds from his or her employer. Bankers, lawyers, accountants, and cashiers may be in a position to embezzle. If you have been charged with embezzlement in New Jersey, you could be sentenced to as many as ten (10) years in state prison, in addition to the other penalties outlined below.

At the Tormey Law Firm, our seasoned defense attorneys have been handling cases involving embezzlement, credit card fraud, and check fraud throughout New Jersey for years, including in Lodi, Allendale, and Garfield. In fact, Mr. Tormey was featured in the Daily Record in Morris County regarding shoplifting charges, the immigration consequences, and other potential penalties for those convicted. In addition, some of our lawyers have prosecuted these charges on behalf of the State and now use their training and expertise to defend our clients in court. Call us today at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your case, and please continue reading this page for more information about embezzlement charges in New Jersey.

 

Embezzlement Charges in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3

New Jersey does not have a distinct embezzlement statute. Instead, embezzlement offenses are subsumed under New Jersey’s general theft statute: N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3. The statute prohibits the fraudulent conversion of another person’s personal property by someone who is temporarily in lawful possession of the property.

The penalties for embezzlement vary, depending on the amount involved. If a person embezzles money or property worth more than $75,000.00, it is a second degree crime and a felony level indictable offense, punishable by up to ten (10) years in New Jersey State Prison and a fine of up to $150,000.00 or up to double the amount embezzled (whichever is greater). If the amount embezzled is between $500.00 and $75,000.00, it is a third degree crime, which can result in a term of incarceration of between three (3) and five (5) years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.00. Embezzling money or property worth between $200.00 and $500.00 is a fourth degree offense, punishable by a term of imprisonment of 18 months and a fine of $10,000.00. Finally, embezzling less than $200.00 is a disorderly persons offense, subjecting the offender to up to six (6) months in county jail and a $1,000.00 fine.

There are defenses available to an embezzlement charge. Because intent is a required element of the offense, one defense is that you did not purposefully embezzle the funds or property. However, any defense is best left to an experienced attorney who is familiar with courtroom procedure in New Jersey and can construct a comprehensive argument on your behalf.

 

Speak with a Bergen County NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer about Your Embezzlement Charges

We know how to fight your embezzlement charge because we have years of experience defending clients charged with theft offenses and white collar crimes in New Jersey. With experienced criminal defense attorneys AND an active New Jersey prosecutor on staff, we employ our effective strategies that can help you get a win in the courtroom to achieve victories in courtrooms across the state. Call our Hackensack office today at (201)-330-4979 for a free consultation about your case.


NJ CRIMINAL LAW VIDEO LIBRARY

If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense, disorderly persons offense, or traffic / DWI violation, you have the right to an attorney who will defend you against your charges and fight for your best interests. To learn more about how your attorney can fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced, click a link below to see our video library of legal defenses and strategies.