Santa Clara County Embezzlement Defense Attorney

Lawyer Representing Defendants Charged with Financial Fraud in San Jose

The Fuller Law Firm represents clients who have been charged with embezzlement. If you are facing embezzlement charges, we will do everything we can to build the strongest possible defense so that you have the best chance of a favorable outcome.

Attorney Cory Fuller and his team realize that good people sometimes make poor choices, and sometimes, those choices lead to criminal charges. We believe that you are much more than the name on your case file or a criminal complaint. You are a real person with real concerns and real needs. With this approach, we will help prosecutors and judges understand that you are committed to making the most of a second chance. However, if you have been falsely accused of embezzlement or any other financial crime, we will work to protect your rights and your future.

Understanding the Crime of Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a type of financial fraud in which someone with lawful control of another person's property or money converts or takes that property for himself or herself. Embezzlement is a type of theft which differs from traditional larceny or stealing. In old English law, in order for someone to be convicted of theft, they must have trespassed. Of course, modern-day theft can occur without trespassing, so the crime of embezzlement was created to fill in this legal loophole. If someone holds money or property for someone else and either does not return this property or uses it for an unauthorized purpose, they may be committing embezzlement.

Embezzlement Can Be Classified as a Misdemeanor or Felony in California

The seriousness of an embezzlement charge in California depends on the circumstances of the individual case. When property valued at $950 or less is misappropriated, the alleged crime is considered a misdemeanor. If an embezzlement suspect is alleged to have taken property or funds of more than $950, the crime is prosecuted as a felony offense. A misdemeanor embezzlement conviction is punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and fines as high as $1,000. A defendant convicted of embezzlement may also be required to pay back the victim. A felony embezzlement conviction can result in up to three years' imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000, plus restitution.

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges

Embezzlement is usually much more complex than a person simply stealing money from a cash register. Like many other white-collar crimes today, embezzlement often occurs through the use of computers and the internet. A person suspected of embezzlement may be accused of using special codes or passwords to access funds belonging to a company or an organization.

Under California law, embezzlement is a type of theft. This crime differs from ordinary theft in that the accused has permission from the owner of the funds to access or manage these funds. When these funds are misappropriated or stolen, the manager of the funds crosses the line into criminal activity.

Attorney Cory Fuller has over ten years of experience successfully handling criminal defense cases, including embezzlement cases. He and the experienced staff at the Fuller Law Firm know what to expect when it comes to fraud-related crimes, and we are capable of providing a zealous and competent defense.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Case

An embezzlement conviction can rob you of your reputation, career, and freedom. Do not face embezzlement charges alone. Contact the experienced team at the Fuller Law Firm to discuss your case. Schedule a completely confidential consultation today by calling 408-234-7563 today. The Fuller Law Firm serves clients accused of embezzlement in Palo Alto, Gilroy, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, and the neighboring areas.