White Collar Crime FYI Defines Embezzlement

The White Collar Crime FYI site offers this definition of embezzlement - as noted, the defining trait of an embezzler is someone who misappropriates an item with which he or she has been legally entrusted.

What is Embezzlement?

What exactly is embezzlement? For the layman, the definition offered in the Wikipedia (free online encyclopedia) is a good place to start.

As the definition explains,  embezzlement is the alleged (i) fraudulent conversion of property by (ii) someone in lawful possession of that property. The latter element is one that distinguishes embezzlement from larceny. That is, with embezzlement, the embezzler must have had the right to possess the item, and allegedly used that position of trust to convert the property. With larceny, the thief was never in lawful possession of the property.

In short, embezzlement involves an alleged abuse of trust.

Choosing an Attorney to Defend Against Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a crime that may carry a lasting social stigma as well as serious legal consequences. In some states, the laws governing this crime have become more rigid, and the punishment for a conviction can often be quite severe. Because of this, it is extremely important that you entrust your case to an attorney with a strong history of winning embezzlement cases. Doing so is the best way to keep yourself out of jail, or even prison.