What is the legal definition of embezzlement in Arizona?

Embezzlement occurs when a person has the right to handle money or assets but abuses that right. Misuse of the property or money for financial gain may result in an embezzlement charge under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802.

What are the penalties for embezzlement in Phoenix based on the amount allegedly taken?

Penalties are primarily based on the value of the money or assets allegedly taken. If the amount is $1,000 or less (Class One Misdemeanor), the penalty is up to $2,500 in fines and up to six months in jail. For $1,000 to less than $2,000 (Class Six Felony), penalties include fines up to $150,000 and three months to two years in prison. For $2,000 to less than $3,000 (Class Five Felony), penalties may include a $150,000 fine and six months to 2.5 years in prison. For $3,000 to less than $4,000 (Class Four Felony), penalties include a $150,000 fine and one year to 3.75 years in prison. For $4,000 to under $25,000 (Class Three Felony), penalties may include a $150,000 fine and two years to 8.75 years in prison. For $25,000 or more (Class Two Felony), the maximum fine is $150,000 and a prison sentence ranging from three to 12.5 years.

Why should someone accused of embezzlement contact a Phoenix embezzlement lawyer?

Embezzlement charges must be taken seriously and the facts of each case are unique, requiring a customized defense to protect constitutional rights and freedoms. Working with a Phoenix embezzlement lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of a case.

Phoenix Embezzlement Lawyer

Q: What are common scenarios that could lead to embezzlement charges?

Common scenarios include: stealing money, services, or goods from an employer; transferring money from an employer or other entrusting party to a personal account; altering financial documents to conceal income appropriated by the person; cashing customer checks and keeping them; cashing a relative’s Social Security checks; borrowing from a cash register; stealing office supplies; and accepting bribes.

Q: How do prior felony convictions affect embezzlement sentencing?

The listed penalty ranges assume the defendant has no prior felony convictions. Those with prior convictions may face enhanced penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines, and sentencing will depend significantly on the person’s charges and criminal history.

Phoenix Embezzlement Attorney

Embezzlement charges can come with severe penalties, including significant prison sentences. Allegations of this serious white-collar crime could result in high fines and the loss of various rights, such as the right to serve on a jury, vote, and own a firearm.

If you are accused of misusing property or money, consult the knowledgeable Phoenix fraud lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group about building a strong defense against these charges. Working with a Phoenix embezzlement lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

For a free legal consultation with an embezzlement lawyer serving Phoenix, call 480-400-5555

LEGAL DEFINITION OF EMBEZZLEMENT

Embezzlement occurs when a person has the right to handle money or assets but abuses that right, making it somewhat different from other theft charges. Misuse of the property or money for financial gain may result in an embezzlement charge under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1802.

Common scenarios that could lead to embezzlement charges include:

Stealing money, services, or goods from an employer
Transferring money from an employer or other entrusting party to a personal account
Altering financial documents to conceal income appropriated by the person
Cashing customer checks and keeping them for themselves
Cashing a relative’s Social Security checks
Borrowing from a cash register
Stealing office supplies
Accepting bribes

If a Phoenix resident is accused of these behaviors, it is crucial that they reach out to a persistent embezzlement attorney as soon as possible.

Phoenix Embezzlement Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555

PENALTIES FOR EMBEZZLEMENT IN PHOENIX

Embezzlement is primarily penalized based on the value of the money or assets allegedly taken.

Class One Misdemeanor: If the amount taken is $1,000 or less, the penalty is up to $2,500 in fines and a maximum jail term of six months.
Class Six Felony: For values between $1,000 and less than $2,000, the offense is punishable by a fines of up to $150,000 and three months to two years in prison.
Class Five Felony: For values of $2,000 to less than $3,000, the penalties may include a $150,000 fine and between six months and 2.5 years in prison.
Class Four Felony: For values between $3,000 and less than $4,000, the penalties include a fine of $150,000 and between one year and 3.75 years in prison.
Class Three Felony: For values between $4,000 and under $25,000, the offense may lead to a fine of $150,000 and between two years and 8.75 years in prison.
Class Two Felony: For values of $25,000 or more, the maximum fine is $150,000 and a prison sentence ranging from three to 12.5 years in prison.

These penalty ranges assume that the defendant has no prior felony convictions. Those with prior convictions may face enhanced penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines. Sentencing will depend significantly on the person’s charges and their criminal history. For a full understanding of what they face, a person charged with embezzlement should speak with a dedicated Phoenix criminal defense lawyer at our firm.

Click to contact our White Collar Crime Lawyers in Phoenix today

CONTACT A PHOENIX EMBEZZLEMENT LAWYER FOR LEGAL GUIDANCE

Embezzlement charges must be taken seriously. The facts of your case are unique, requiring a customized defense to protect your constitutional rights and freedoms. If you are accused of misappropriating funds, you have the right to defend yourself with the help of a qualified attorney. Let a Phoenix embezzlement lawyer at Grand Canyon Law Group tirelessly represent you throughout your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation.