Embezzlement may sound like a serious or complex crime, but it's actually just simple form of theft. It is defined as a property theft that occurs when an individual has been trusted with money or goods, but then uses it for their own personal gain. In small cases, stealing from your employer's cash register can be considered embezzlement, but on a large scale, millions of dollars can be illegally siphoned from businesses, corporations, and even government bodies.
Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. knows that these kinds of charges can be particularly damaging. Not only do they carry stiff penalties, but they also carry a poisonous stigma that can follow someone throughout the rest of their life, especially in the professional world. For over 25 years Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. has worked to defend countless clients facing criminal charges, protecting their rights while giving them an clear, assertive voice in both state and federal courts.
If you've been accused of embezzlement, then you can't wait any longer to receive the proven, incisive representation you need to navigate your case. Contact us to speak an experienced New Jersey criminal defense lawyer today!
New Jersey classifies embezzlement several different ways. As with most state-defined theft crimes, they are arranged by severity—the severity based the value of the stolen property.
It is important to note here that New Jersey does not use the traditional "felony" and "misdemeanor" titles for crimes, but that different "degrees" describe serious crimes (like felonies) and "disorderly person offenses" are similar to other states' misdemeanor classifications.
These are also just the broad strokes of these crimes. There are a number of details, specifically the kind of property stolen, that could affect a classification. Penalties for embezzlement crimes vary, but second degree embezzlement can result in up to 10 years in prison. For more information on what kind of penalties you might be facing, reach out to our New Jersey white collar crime attorney today.
Embezzlement charges are some of the most serious theft charges out there, even more so than grand theft, in some cases. If you've been charged, we urge you to call our firm today. Clifford E. Lazzaro, P.C. is a former prosecutor that has lent his unparalleled legal insight to countless white collar trials, including embezzlement cases.
Call our firm for a free consultation today!