Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a big word for theft, plain and simple. Facing criminal charges of embezzlement, however, are anything but simple. When up against charges of this nature, an experienced attorney can help make the most of your situation and ensure your rights are aggressively pursued throughout the process.
Whether you work in retail, the restaurant business, banking, or accounting, it is easy to get caught up in an embezzlement case. It is possible you had a lapse of judgment at a difficult time, and made a mistake. You may have been certain at the time that you would put the money back.
When your employer puts money or assets in your trust, there are many opportunities for error. Perhaps that’s all it is: a mistake, and now you are ready to make it right.
However, maybe you are completely innocent of the charges against you. There are many possible circumstances where you could be falsely accused. It could be the case of a vengeful employer or business partner, and nothing improper took place. Or someone else may have stolen money and made it look like it was you. Our attorneys are here to listen and fight on your behalf.
What is Embezzlement under Ohio Law?
Typically, when charged with embezzlement, the prosecution is alleging you deprived the employer of property or services, or controlled the property or services beyond the scope of their consent. Your employer may have given you permission to handle their money and possibly even make withdrawals on the company account, but they likely didn’t give you consent to borrow some of the money or make transfers to your own benefit.
If convicted of an embezzlement charge, you could be facing serious penalties. Just how serious depends on the value of the goods, property, or services in question.
| Value of Property Embezzled | Potential Embezzlement Charge/Penalty |
| Up to $500 | 1st degree misdemeanor, Up to 6 months in jail |
| $500- $5,000 | 5th degree felony, 6-12 months in prison |
| $5,000- $100,000 | 4th degree felony, 6- 18 months in prison |
| $100,000- $500,000 | 3rd degree felony, 1-5 years in prison |
| $500,000- $1 million | 2nd degree felony, 2-8 years in prison |
| More than $1 million | 1st degree felony, 3- 10 years in prison |
In addition to potentially serious prison terms, you will be required to pay exorbitant fines.
Ref: ORC 2913.02
Consultation on Embezzlement Charges in Ohio
A felony conviction for embezzlement can haunt you forever, making it difficult to get gainful employment in the future. If you are looking at the possibility of doing time for a crime like this, contact me immediately.
We can defend your good name and your reputation in the Ohio criminal courts. Call us today to find discuss your options and how we can defend you against this serious offense.