Youngstown Embezzlement Defense Attorney

Assisting Youngstown Residents Facing Financial Misconduct Allegations

When people think of embezzlement, they often picture elaborate schemes to steal massive amounts of money from huge corporations. However, financial misconduct can happen in much smaller, everyday situations and can lead to serious legal trouble in Youngstown. Being convicted can mean going to jail, paying heavy fines, and facing other harsh penalties that can impact your future for a long time.

Are you dealing with accusations of financial theft? The experienced legal team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group focuses on defending against financial crimes and is ready to handle your case. We provide strong representation at every step of the court process to make sure your rights are defended. Call us today at 412.387.6901 or contact us online to see how a Youngstown criminal lawyer can help fight these charges.

What Constitutes Embezzlement?

Even though embezzlement falls under the category of theft crimes, it has specific traits that set it apart from standard stealing. It involves someone taking money or property they were trusted to handle or keep safe, without the owner’s permission.

To prove an embezzlement charge, the prosecution needs to show three things:

• The legal owner gave you authority or trust over their assets, property, or valuables.
• You did not have legal ownership or the right to keep that money or property.
• You took the assets or money to use for your own benefit.

Examples of this crime can range from a store clerk taking cash from the register to more complicated actions like changing overtime records, faking payroll documents, or creating false invoices. Being involved in a Ponzi scheme is also frequently charged as embezzlement. A Youngstown DUI attorney from our group can explain how these specific laws apply to your situation, even if your case doesn’t involve driving, as our team handles a broad spectrum of criminal defense.

Penalties for an Embezzlement Conviction

If you are found guilty of financial misconduct, you could face a variety of legal and personal consequences. In Ohio, this offense is treated as a type of theft, and the punishment usually depends on how much was stolen. When deciding on a sentence, judges in Mahoning County may also look at whether you have a past criminal record.

Certain factors can make the sentence worse. For example, if the victim was an elderly person, a disabled individual, an active-duty military member, or a military spouse, the judge might hand down a tougher punishment.

Here are the potential penalties based on the value of the property involved:

• Value under $1,000: You could face up to 180 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,000.
• Value between $1,000 and $7,500: You could face up to one year in jail and/or fines up to $2,000.
• Value between $7,500 and $150,000: You could face six to 18 months in jail and/or fines up to $5,000.
• Value between $150,000 and $750,000: You could face nine to 36 months in jail and/or fines up to $10,000.

Cases involving protected classes of people are treated with special seriousness, often resulting in fifth-degree felony charges. If you are convicted in Youngstown, a Youngstown criminal lawyer from Youngstown Criminal Law Group can stand by you during sentencing to argue for the lightest possible penalty.

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges in Youngstown

Being accused of stealing funds can be terrifying. However, building a solid defense strategy for your trial could lead to the charges being dropped or the case being dismissed by the judge. In Youngstown, several common defenses are used to challenge these accusations:

• Lack of Intent: Proving you didn’t mean to steal or commit a crime when the alleged incident happened.
• Good Faith Belief: Showing you genuinely believed, based on past conversations or actions, that the property or money belonged to you.
• Duress: Proving you were forced to commit the act because someone threatened to hurt or kill you if you didn’t.
• Entrapment: Arguing that law enforcement pressured or tricked you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have done otherwise.
• Constitutional Violations: Showing your rights were violated during the investigation, such as an illegal search and seizure (Fourth Amendment) or being forced to incriminate yourself (Fifth Amendment).

It is vital to have a skilled Youngstown DUI attorney—who is also adept at criminal defense—review the facts of your arrest to identify if any of these defenses apply to your unique circumstances.

Contact a Youngstown Lawyer for Embezzlement Defense

The fallout from a conviction for financial crimes in Youngstown is serious, with consequences that can follow you for years. If you are facing these allegations, it is critical to get help from a legal professional right away.

The team at Youngstown Criminal Law Group understands how high the stakes are in these cases—we know your freedom is on the line. Our dedicated staff is committed to helping you make smart choices about your defense and fighting for the best possible result. For a complete, free case evaluation and consultation with a Youngstown criminal lawyer, call us at 412.387.6901 or contact us online to learn how we can support you.