Are you facing embezzlement charges in Las Vegas? If so, you must understand what this charge could mean for your future. The criminal defense lawyers at Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law, can help you respond to these charges and navigate your best path forward.
First, you need to understand what embezzlement is and what charges you could face.
Legal Definition of Embezzlement Under Nevada Law
According to Nevada law, embezzlement occurs when a person entrusted with the money or property of another steals or misappropriates that money or property for their own use. This often occurs in employer-employee contexts but can also occur in other situations, such as between business partners, vendors and customers, or politicians and the public.
Embezzlement can involve a range of items of value, including money, cars, equipment, homes, jewelry, financial instruments, and more.
Examples of Embezzlement
Here are some examples of embezzlement under Nevada law:
- Employee theft – An employee at a retail store takes cash from a customer but does not ring it in the cash register as a sale, keeping the money for themselves.
- Corporate embezzlement – An executive at a company diverts company funds into their personal account for their own use without authorization.
- Trustee misappropriation – A trustee who manages a trust fund uses the funds for personal expenses rather than for the benefit of the intended beneficiaries.
- Public official misuse of funds – A public official entrusted with government funds diverts some funds for personal use.
- Elderly financial exploitation – A caregiver entrusted with an older adult’s finances takes money from their accounts for personal expenses.
Charges of embezzlement can involve severe penalties.
Penalties for Embezzlement
The penalty for embezzlement depends on the value of the item allegedly embezzled:
- Less than $1,200 – Embezzlement of money or property valued at less than $1,200 is a misdemeanor, and the punishment could include up to six months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.
- $1,200 to $5,000 – For money or property valued at $1,200 to less than $5,000, the crime is a Category D felony, and punishment could include one to four years in prison and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
- $5,000 to $25,000 – For money or property valued at $5,000 to less than $25,000, the crime is a Category C felony, and punishment could include one to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.
- $25,000 to $100,000– For money or property valued at $25,000 to less than $100,000, the crime is a Category B felony, and punishment could include one to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- $100,000 or more – For money or property valued at $100,000 or more, the crime is a Category B felony, and punishment could include one to 20 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
In all cases, you must also make restitution, or pay back, the alleged victim for their losses.
How Can a Criminal Lawyer Help?
Embezzlement is a serious charge with potentially ruinous punishments. An experienced and skilled criminal lawyer can help you develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your circumstances. They can evaluate the prosecution’s case and identify weaknesses. They can seek a plea deal that minimizes the punishment or even pursue the dismissal of all charges. A criminal defense lawyer will be your advocate from start to finish.
Contact Our Embezzlement Defense Attorneys at Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law
If you’ve been charged with embezzlement under Nevada law, contact Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law today. Our aggressive criminal defense attorneys will fight for your interests and build a strong defense against these charges. When you need a legal team that achieves results, choose Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.