Embezzlement Charges in New Jersey

Morris County Criminal Defense Attorney

Embezzlement occurs when an individual who is control of funds or property owned by another person in a fiduciary relationship fraudulently appropriates them. It is a unique type of property theft crime where the victim was in a special position of trust, such as an employee or beneficiary. If you are convicted of embezzlement in Morris County, you may face serious penalties that depend on the amount of money and the property involved in your case. A Morris County criminal lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher G. Porreca, P.C. can fight to protect your freedom if you have been arrested and charged with a white collar crime like embezzlement.

Penalties for Embezzlement in New Jersey

If you are convicted of embezzling less than $200, you may be required to pay a fine of up to $1,000, double the amount embezzled or both. If you are convicted of embezzling $200 to $500, you may be forced to pay $10,000 in fines or up to double the amount embezzled. You may also face an 18-month prison sentence. If you are convicted of embezzling $500 to less than $75,000, you may face a fine of $150,000 or double the amount embezzled. You may also face three to five years in prison.

This category of punishment also includes the theft of certain property, including guns, cars, boats, horses and public records. If you are convicted of embezzling $75,000 or more, you may be forced to pay $150,000 in fines or double the amount embezzled as well as a 5 to 10-year prison sentence. Regardless of the amount of money or property stolen, you may have to pay restitution to the victim.

Seek Representation From a Criminal Defense Attorney in Morris County

If you have been arrested and accused of embezzlement, it is important to seek legal assistance as quickly as possible. I was selected for inclusion in Thomson Reuters' list of Super Lawyers® "Rising Stars" in New Jersey for lawyers under the age of 40 from 2006 – 2011.