Embezzlement occurs when a person has access to another’s money or property, and steals that property for personal gain. The difference between embezzlement and simple theft is that embezzlement includes violating a position of trust. Examples of this may include money managers who steal a portion of money they were entrusted to invest, family members stealing money from a family member after promising to manage funds, or a company stealing money from investing clients. Embezzlement is a serious offense that is complex and requires an experienced criminal defense attorney. The Little Rock, Arkansas criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of Patrick Benca have experience defending embezzlement charges and are able to assist in such matters. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
Defending Arkansas residents from misdemeanor and felony embezzlement charges
In Arkansas, embezzlement is categorized and punished based on either the type of property that was stolen or its overall value. Our state has four major categories of embezzlement:
- Class A misdemeanors will be charged if the property’s value is less than $1000. Such offenses may result in a one year jail sentence.
- Class D felonies arise in cases where the property’s value is between $1,000-$5,000, or if the theft was committed with a debit card. These offenses are punishable by up to six years in prison.
- Class C felonies will be charged when when the stolen property is valued between $5,000-$25,000. This can result in a ten year prison sentence.
- Class B felony- A Class B felony is the most severe type of felony you can be charged with. Class B felonies are charged when the value of the stolen property is worth more than $25,000 or was utility property. Penalties include a fine of up to $15,000, between five to twenty years in prison, or both.
Embezzlement cases hinge on both the value of the stolen property and the prosecution’s ability to show that the defendant actually committed the theft. Hiring an attorney who understands how to defend these two issues is key to your case.
Our Little Rock criminal defense lawyers are experienced in defending white collar crimes such as embezzlement. Once retained we will use all tools at our disposal. This may include retaining an expert to dispute the value of the stolen property as well as establishing weaknesses in the State’s effort to link the defendant to the theft. We meet with our clients early and often to review all the relevant case issues and to gain a full understanding of the situation so we can adequately defend the rights of the accused. Contact our office online or by telephone today.
Aggressive Little Rock criminal defense lawyers
Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys represent clients in Little Rock and throughout Arkansas. We meet with our clients early in the case and ensure that they are in regular communication throughout. Hiring Patrick Benca ensures that no stone goes unturned in your defense. Contact us online or by telephone today.
We also handle matters in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff and throughout the rest of Arkansas.