Embezzlement occurs when someone steals money or property entrusted to them by the owner. A person convicted of embezzlement is often subject to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. If you’re facing embezzlement charges in Nevada, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights and freedom.
What Is Considered Embezzlement?
Under Nevada law, embezzlement is when a person entrusted with money or property converts those assets for their own use with the intent to steal them or defraud the owner. Embezzlement may also occur when they use it for any purpose other than for why the owner deposited or entrusted the property.
A conviction for embezzlement results in a punishment equal to the penalties set by state law for stealing property of the same kind. Embezzling any property belonging to the United States government may result in a federal embezzlement charge.
What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement?
Penalties for an embezzlement conviction will depend on the value of the stolen or misused property or money:
- Up to $1,200 – Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
- $1,200 to $5,000 – 1 to 4 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $5,000
- $5,000 to $25,000 – 1 to 5 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
- $25,000 to $100,000 – 1 to 10 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000
- $100,000 or more – 1 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000
In addition to incarceration and fines, a court can order a defendant to pay restitution to reimburse the victim for their financial loss.
Common Defenses to Embezzlement Charges
For an embezzlement conviction, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant converted, stole, or misused money or property entrusted to them by the owner. To fight the charges, the accused might present one of the following defenses:
- They did not have a fiduciary relationship with the owner or possession of the property through a fiduciary relationship.
- They did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of possession of their property.
- They had the owner’s permission to take or use the property.
- They acted under duress or coercion from another party.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
If you were arrested for embezzlement, a criminal defense attorney could help you seek a favorable resolution to your criminal charges by:
- Thoroughly investigating your case to secure all available evidence, including financial records and witness testimony
- Evaluating your legal options and potential defenses to your charges
- Explaining the possible outcomes in your case and preparing you for what to expect in the criminal justice process
- Challenging the state’s case by moving to exclude improperly obtained or inadmissible evidence
- Working tirelessly to reduce or dismiss your charges for the best possible result
- Negotiating a favorable plea deal with the prosecution, if appropriate
- Preparing and presenting a persuasive defense at trial if you choose to contest your charges
Contact an Embezzlement Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested and charged with embezzlement in Nevada, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and future. Contact Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law today for a free, confidential consultation with an embezzlement defense lawyer.
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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.