Embezzlement: What You Should Know
Embezzlement is a very serious crime in Nevada because not only does it involve stealing property or money, but it involves the theft of property or money that a person has been entrusted to hold or keep safe. Depending on the value of the property or money stolen, embezzlement can be a misdemeanor or a felony. But even a misdemeanor embezzlement charge can result in long lasting complications for people trying to find employment. An embezzlement charge can also hinder or prevent someone from obtaining or maintaining legal immigration status.
Embezzlement occurs when someone trusted with the safekeeping or possession of money, goods, or property converts the money, goods, or property to his or her own use with the intent to steal it or otherwise defraud the rightful owners. In cases involving more than one transaction or occurrence of embezzlement, the value of all the money, goods, or property are added together to determine the total value of the embezzlement, which in turn, determines whether or not you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges.
Embezzlement totaling $650 or less is charged as a misdemeanor and can result in up to six months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and restitution payments to the victim.
Cases involving embezzlement for amounts between $650 and $3,500 are charged as class C felonies and can result in up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000 and restitution payments to the victim.
If the total value of the money, good, or property involved exceeds $3,500, then the charge will be increased to a class B felony and can result in up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $10,000, and payment of restitution.
Small amounts taken over time can still have drastic consequences. In cases involving multiple misdemeanor acts occurring in the same six-month period against the same victim, Nevada law allows a prosecutor to add together these multiple occurrences resulting in felony embezzlement charges. This means that small amounts of money taken over time from the same victim, (for example an employer), can result in felony charges.
If you have been charged with an embezzlement offense, call The Wright Law Group today. Our attorneys have the experience to help you prepare the best possible defense. Don’t wait, let us help you today! Call us now at (702) 405-0001 to arrange a consultation.