DC Federal Embezzlement Lawyer
Embezzlement is considered a theft crime, yet it differs from theft in that the defendant is alleged to have stolen money he or she was entrusted with managing or monitoring. Anything of value can be embezzled, including goods. In the private sector, embezzlement is usually handled by state courts and prosecutors. However, theft from the federal government is prosecuted by the Department of Justice pursuant to federal embezzlement laws. Federal embezzlement can also include theft by employees of certain private institutions like banks. If you are being charged or investigated for violations of federal embezzlement laws, having a DC federal criminal attorney who understands your case and the local federal court system is essential. Which is why you soon contact a DC federal embezzlement lawyer as soon as possible to help with your criminal case.
Types of Embezzlement
The law identifies many different types of actions that would count as federal embezzlement and may need attention from a DC federal embezzlement lawyer, including the following:
- Stealing money, goods, or records from the US government is a crime, but the statutes under which someone can be charged are vary according to whether someone is a federal employee or not. If the value of what is stolen is up to $1,000, the crime is a misdemeanor, and the sentence can be a fine of up to $100,000, a year in jail, or both. If what is stolen is worth more than $1,000, the charge is a felony, meaning a possible penalty of a $250,000 fine and 10 years in prison.
- Stealing any item meant to be used for counterfeiting, such as a plate used for printing currency, or a date stamp from a federal court, is a felony, regardless of the actual value of what was stolen. This means a potential maximum penalty of $250,000 in fines and 10 years in prison.
- Any employee of a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that is insured by the FDIC who steals money from their employer also could face federal embezzlement charges. Embezzling more than $1,000 from such an institution could result in a fine of up to $1,000,000 and 30 years in prison.
- Stealing from a program that receives more than $10,000 a year in federal funds can also result in a federal embezzlement charge. If the amount stolen is over $5,000, the penalty can be up to $250,000 and 10 years in prison.
- Health care fraud can also bring a federal embezzlement charge. Any amount over $100 stolen can mean a $250,000 fine and 10 years in prison.
This does not constitute a comprehensive list of what would be covered under the federal embezzlement laws. Other actions that may be considered federal embezzlement could include stealing from employee investment accounts, stealing livestock, or even stealing artwork. Therefore if you want more information on the specific charges and punishments you are facing contact a DC federal embezzlement lawyer today.
Finding A DC Federal Embezzlement Attorney
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding federal embezzlement charges and the alleged amount stolen, the consequences can be severe, and you need an experienced legal team to handle your case. The DC federal embezzlement lawyers at our firm understand these charges and what the potential outcome of your case may be, and can help you determine your options. Call us and schedule your free initial consultation today.