Embezzlement Law


Find a Law Firm



Law Practice Center

Related Law Guides

Most Requested Guides

Related Attorneys

United States Law

Worldwide Law


Embezzlement Law



Embezzlement Law Firms
Embezzlement is a criminal offense which involves the fraudulent and secret misappropriation of money or assets by an agent to whom the property has been entrusted. This occurs when a person obtains possession of goods or money in a legal, proper manner, but then appropriates them for his/her own use without the rightful owner’s permission.

When a person is given access to someone else’s property or money for the purposes of managing, monitoring, and/or using the assets for the owner’s best interests, but then covertly misappropriates the assets for his/her own personal gain and use, this is an example of embezzlement.

This type of crime is most common in the employment and corporate fields. Some embezzlers simply take a large amount of money at once, while others misappropriate small amounts over a long period of time. The methods used to embezzle can vary greatly and are often surprisingly creative. They can include fraudulent billing, payroll checks to fabricated employees, records falsification, “Ponzi” financial schemes and more.

Embezzlement is a statutory offense. The penalties for an embezzlement conviction can vary greatly from state to state and may include fines, jail time and/or probation. If there is a fine, the amount can range from simply paying back the amount embezzled to upwards of $1.5 million. If there is jail time, it can range from 30 days to a maximum of 30 years. And if there is probation, it can be as short as two months, as long as 25 years and in some jurisdictions, there is lifetime probation.

Embezzlement differs from larceny, mainly because in embezzlement, the offender has legal possession of the property, assets and/or money that is being embezzled; whereas in larceny, the offender merely has custody of the property, and not lawful possession.

To consult State Legislation regarding embezzlement laws and regulations please see the Criminal Code by State page. Visit Us at Google+ Copyright HG.org

Embezzlement Law - US

  • Embezzlement - Definition

    Embezzlement is the act of dishonestly appropriating or secreting assets, usually financial in nature, by one or more individuals to whom such assets have been entrusted. Embezzlement is a kind of financial fraud. For instance, a clerk or cashier handling large sums of money can embezzle cash from his or her employer, a lawyer can embezzle funds from clients' trust accounts, a financial advisor can embezzle funds from investors, or a spouse can embezzle funds from his or her partner. Embezzlement may range from the very minor in nature, involving only small amounts, to the immense, involving large sums and sophisticated schemes.

  • Embezzlement of Public Money, Property or Records

    Whoever embezzles, steals, purloins, or knowingly converts to his use or the use of another, or without authority, sells, conveys or disposes of any record, voucher, money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, or any property made or being made under contract for the United States or any department or agency thereof; or Whoever receives, conceals, or retains the same with intent to convert it to his use or gain, knowing it to have been embezzled, stolen, purloined or converted Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

  • FBI - Financial Crimes

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigates matters relating to fraud, theft, or embezzlement occurring within or against the national and international financial community. These crimes are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence. Such acts are committed by individuals and organizations to obtain personal or business advantage.

  • Theft, Embezzlement or Misapplication by Bank Officers or Employees

    Title 18, Chapter 31 of the U.S. Code contains sections that deal with the various forms of embezzlement and their penalties. For example, Section 656 covers theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee.

Organizations Related to Embezzlement Law

  • Federal Trade Commission - Financial Crimes - Embezzlement

    The FTC deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. It is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers’ interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies.

  • National Consumers League (NCL)

    Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. The National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues. We are the nation's oldest consumer organization.

Publications Related to Embezzlement Law

  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) - Fraud Manual on Employee Embezzlement

    The manual describes a host of common fraud schemes perpetrated by trusted employees within the organization, as well as many important concepts about fraud. While these fraud schemes come from the public sector, the same schemes also occur in the private sector. So, there is plenty of information for everyone. The material is not copyrighted and is provided with the compliments of the author, Joseph R. Dervaes, with the hope that readers will use the information to both deter and detect employee embezzlement fraud in the workplace.

  • WordPress - Embezzlement

    Open source WordPress has been incredibly successful and risen from a handful of users to the most-used blog tool in its category. However, as easy-to-use as we could make the open source package, there was still a barrier in that it requires a hosting account, a database, FTP, and a whole alphabet soup of acronyms that make normal people like you and me dizzy.

Articles on HG.org Related to Embezzlement Law

  • What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
    Our office often defends clients accused of offense, that can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Such an offense is known as a “wobbler.” When the District Attorney’s office decides to bring the case as a felony, our office always considers whether and how we can reclassify the case as a misdemeanor under Penal Code § 17 (b).
  • Accused of Embezzling? Why You Need a Skilled Kansas City Embezzlement Attorney
    When you are accused of or arrested for embezzling (whether innocent or guilty), it can be frightening and stressful. What will happen to you? Who can you turn to for help? An experienced Kansas City embezzlement attorney will answer all of your questions, guide you through what you can expect, and provide you with exceptional legal representation.
  • Types of White Collar Crimes
    White collar crimes are non-violent crimes that usually occur in the business world. If you have been accused of fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering you need to learn as much as you can about the charges you are facing. White collar crimes were given their name due to the fact that they are usually committed by business professionals within their workplace.
  • Court Reverses Felony False Impersonation Conviction Involving Use of Birth Certificate
    California Penal Code § 529 makes it a crime to use a false identity to create or exploit a written instrument. The statute’s intent is to make it illegal for one to create liability for an impersonated person for a financial or legal obligation. The statute is a “wobbler,” meaning it can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor.
  • Kansas City White Collar Crimes, and the Advantages of Having a Skilled Lawyer
    Do you really need a Kansas City white collar crimes lawyer when you have been arrested for or suspect you are being investigated for a crime? Absolutely, unless you would simply rather face the rest of your life with a criminal record, possibly serve time in prison and pay hefty fines.
  • Multiple Convictions for Embezzlement (Grand Theft) from Employer Proper When Takings Distinguishable
    Joyce Jaska was the secretary and treasurer of Barstow Truck Parts and Equipment, Inc., a family business that had survived since the 1950’s. The president of the company fully trusted Jaska, who did the company’s accounting.
  • White Collar Crimes Carry Big Sentences
    Minneapolis criminal defense attorney Carolyn Agin Schmidt discusses how serious white-collar crime is and the big sentences these crimes can carry...
  • UBS Settlement Leads to IRS Scrutiny for Thousands
    As part of its settlement agreement with the U.S. government, Swiss banking giant UBS agreed in August to turn over 4,450 names of account holders assumed to be hiding assets from the IRS.
  • Overview of White Collar Crimes in California
    The term "white collar crime" is generally used to describe any nonviolent crime involving dishonesty or fraud in commercial matters. Put more simply, white collar crimes are financial rather than physical crimes.
  • How a Kansas City Criminal Defense Attorney Will Benefit Your Case
    If you have been charged with a crime and are considering representing yourself, think again. A Kansas City criminal defense attorney can make the difference in whether you spend life in prison, or serve just a few years time, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
  • All Criminal Law Articles

    Articles written by attorneys and experts worldwide discussing legal aspects related to Criminal Law including: arson, assault, battery, bribery, burglary, child abuse, child pornography, computer crime, controlled substances, credit card fraud, criminal defense, criminal law, drugs and narcotics, DUI, DWI, embezzlement, fraud, expungements, felonies, homicide, identity theft, manslaughter, money laundering, murder, perjury, prostitution, rape, RICO, robbery, sex crimes, shoplifting, theft, weapons, white collar crime and wire fraud.

Criminal Law Attorneys