Searching for a Virginia embezzlement lawyer is never easy. One of the most important traits of an attorney that practices in this field is that they have a background as a criminal attorney, licensed to practice law in Virginia. As a former state prosecutor and criminal attorney with a decade of experience, attorney Beau Correll can competently defend individuals either charged or under suspicion of committing embezzlement.
Mr. Correll has also spoken publicly about the various types embezzlement to small business owners.
What is "embezzlement?"
Being criminally charged with embezzlement is a very serious matter. The most relevant section of that charge states, "[i]f any person wrongfully and fraudulently ... embezzle[s] any money ... or any other personal property ... for his employer ... he shall be guilty of embezzlement." Va. Code § 18.2-111.
Mr. Correll has also spoken publicly about the various types embezzlement to small business owners.
What is "embezzlement?"
Being criminally charged with embezzlement is a very serious matter. The most relevant section of that charge states, "[i]f any person wrongfully and fraudulently ... embezzle[s] any money ... or any other personal property ... for his employer ... he shall be guilty of embezzlement." Va. Code § 18.2-111.
If the amount in controversy is for more than $200.00, it is charged as a felony. If the amount is less, it's charged as a misdemeanor. See Va. Code § 18.2-111.
What are the penalties for being convicted of felony embezzlement?
As previously stated, felony embezzlement is a very serious matter. Va. Code § 18.2-95, which governs the penalty-phase of felony embezzlement states that it is, "punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one nor more than twenty years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, be confined in jail for a period not exceeding twelve months or fined not more than $ 2,500, either or both."
EMBEZZLEMENT DEFENSES
There are many types of potential defenses, should the facts support such defenses, to a criminal embezzlement charge.
For example, using moneys and property of employers may be consensual but there may be a geniuine dispute as to the limits of consent. In several cases that we have has experience with, individuals have been accused of embezzlement due to poor corporate internal controls that lead to either accounting or human error. There can obviously be many defenses to embezzlement but those defenses are driven by the facts and must be analyzed by a criminal lawyer.
On a case-by-case basis, Mr. Correll may recommend the services of an expert, such as a forensic accountant. Should this be suggested, options will be discussed with potential clients.
I do hope that this general information proved helpful in learning about a criminal embezzlement charge.
Fill out the form at right and we'll return your inquiry or call us at (540) 535-2005.
Sincerely,
Beau Correll
Winchester Criminal Attorney
Member, Virginia Trial Lawyer's Association
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