Embezzlement Defense Fresno

Located at 5151 North Palm, Suite 100, Fresno, CA 93704, Crown Law Firm provides sophisticated embezzlement defense in Fresno. Embezzlement charges in Fresno County involve allegations of employee theft and breach of fiduciary duty. Our experienced embezzlement attorney in Fresno protects professionals, business owners, and employees facing embezzlement accusations throughout Central Valley.

Embezzlement Laws in Fresno County

Embezzlement under California Penal Code 503 is the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who has been entrusted with that property. In Fresno County, embezzlement charges typically involve employees, trustees, agents, or other fiduciaries who allegedly stole money or property from their employers, clients, or beneficiaries. Our embezzlement defense attorney in Fresno understands the complex financial and legal issues involved in these white collar cases.

Embezzlement differs from theft because it involves a relationship of trust between the defendant and the victim. The prosecution must prove that you had lawful possession of the property, that you fraudulently converted it to your own use, and that you intended to deprive the owner of the property. Our embezzlement lawyer in Fresno challenges these elements and presents defenses based on good faith, authorization, and lack of intent to steal.

Types of Embezzlement

  • • Employee theft of company funds
  • • Misappropriation of client money
  • • Trustee breach of fiduciary duty
  • • Skimming cash receipts
  • • Unauthorized expense reimbursements
  • • Payroll and timesheet fraud

Penalties by Amount

  • • Under $950: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year jail
  • • $950+: Felony, 16 months to 3 years
  • • $200,000+: Additional 1-4 years
  • • $1.3 million+: Additional 2-5 years
  • • Restitution required

Professional License Consequences of Embezzlement in Fresno

Embezzlement convictions in Fresno County can have devastating consequences for licensed professionals including attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, insurance agents, and healthcare providers. Professional licensing boards often impose discipline including license suspension or revocation for embezzlement convictions involving moral turpitude. Our embezzlement defense attorney in Fresno works to protect both your criminal case and your professional license.

We coordinate with professional licensing defense when appropriate and work to negotiate plea agreements that minimize the impact on professional licenses. In some cases, we can negotiate alternative charges that do not involve moral turpitude or seek deferred prosecution programs that avoid conviction altogether. Our embezzlement lawyer in Fresno understands the collateral consequences of embezzlement charges.

Early intervention is critical in embezzlement cases to preserve both professional licenses and employment opportunities. We work with employers when possible to negotiate civil resolution and restitution agreements that can lead to reduced criminal charges or dismissal. Our embezzlement defense attorney in Fresno has experience handling complex white collar cases involving professional defendants.

Good Faith Defense

Believed you had right to property or authorization

Lack of Intent

No fraudulent intent to permanently deprive owner

Civil Resolution

Negotiate restitution and employer agreements

Evidence in Embezzlement Cases

  • • Financial records and bank statements
  • • Computer records and email communications
  • • Accounting ledgers and bookkeeping records
  • • Witness testimony from coworkers
  • • Forensic accounting analysis
  • • Lifestyle evidence and unexplained wealth

Defense Strategies

  • • Challenge forensic accounting methods
  • • Present evidence of authorization
  • • Demonstrate good faith belief in right to property
  • • Show lack of fraudulent intent
  • • Negotiate civil restitution agreements
  • • Seek alternative sentencing programs

Protect Your Career from Embezzlement Charges in Fresno

Embezzlement accusations threaten your career and freedom. Contact Crown Law Firm today for experienced embezzlement defense in Fresno County.