Georgia Embezzlement Lawyer
Have you been charged with embezzlement? If so, you need help from an experienced attorney. Wadkins & Wallace knows how to defend you against your embezzlement charge. Located in the Columbus, GA area- this Georgia embezzlement lawyer will put up the best possible defense for your case.
What is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is when a person intentionally steals or misappropriates personal property that was entrusted to him/her. An embezzler first receives control of the property lawfully and then uses the money, property, etc. for some purpose other than what it was intended for. Georgia law recognizes embezzlement as “theft by conversion of property.”
Often, people think about embezzlement in terms of misappropriating money, but the legal definition also encompasses other types of personal property. Theft of currency, however, is the most common form of embezzlement.
Embezzlement in Georgia
Every state has its own laws and penalties regarding embezzlement. If you are facing an embezzlement conviction in the state of Georgia, you need to have the best legal representation possible to defend against this serious charge. You need a Georgia embezzlement lawyer that knows the state’s laws and how to defend you.
Is Embezzlement a Felony or Misdemeanor?
In Georgia, embezzlement can be characterized as a felony or as a misdemeanor- depending on the value of the misappropriated property and what the property is.
If the value is less than $500, it is generally treated as a misdemeanor.
If the value is greater than $500, it may be treated as a felony or misdemeanor (depending on the judge).
There are some types of property that, if embezzled, may result in a felony charge because of the serious nature. These items are:
Anhydrous Ammonia
Car Parts/Cars
(could be treated as a misdemeanor for the first offense, but subsequent offenses are automatically treated as a felony)
Commercial Vehicles
Explosives
Ferrous Materials
Firearms
Embezzlement Penalties in Georgia
Felony embezzlement and misdemeanor embezzlement have different penalties in Georgia.
If you are convicted of misdemeanor embezzlement, you may be sentenced to up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to $1,000.
If you are convicted of felony embezzlement, you may be sentenced to 1 to 10 years in prison.
The specific items mentioned above carry their own penalties:
Anhydrous Ammonia
1 to 15 years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines
Car Parts/Cars
1 to 20 years in prison
Commercial Vehicles
3 to 10 years in prison, fines between $5,000 and $50,000
Explosives
1 to 10 years in prison
Ferrous Materials
1 to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines
Firearms
1 to 10 years in prison
Is Embezzlement a Federal Crime?
Embezzlement has different laws on the federal and state level. Stealing from the US government is considered a federal crime. Whether it is stealing directly from a government-owned institution or stealing from a private entity in which the government has paid for something, you will be prosecuted on the federal level.
Federal Embezzlement — Misdemeanor v.s. Felony
Embezzlement can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony on the federal level- depending on a variety of aspects of the crime. The convictions that result in a $250,000+ fine are considered felonies.
Federal Embezzlement Penalties
The penalties for federal embezzlement convictions vary based on the value of the property stolen and what the property is- just like state law.
If the property is…
Public Money, Records, Property, Other (<$1,000)
up to 1 year in prison, fines up to $100,000
Public Money, Records, Property, Other (>$1,000)
up to 10 years in prison, fines of $250,000
Public Money (<$1,000)
(if public money is embezzled by federal employees)
up to 1 year in prison, fines up to $1,000
Public Money (>$1,000)
(if public money is embezzled by federal employees)
up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000 (or amount stolen)
Counterfeit Materials
up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000
Need a Georgia Embezzlement Lawyer?
Embezzlement is a serious crime that can result in some serious consequences. If you are facing embezzlement charges in Georgia, on the federal or state level, we can help. Hire a Georgia embezzlement lawyer that knows how to defend you. Contact us by calling (706) 221-9451 or by clicking here to contact us for a free consultation.
