Lafayette Embezzlement Lawyer
Home / Lafayette Embezzlement Lawyer
Our Services
Qualified Embezzlement Defense Attorney in Lafayette, LA
Embezzlement is a common type of white collar crime. It can have serious personal and professional consequences for those who are convicted. If you are charged with this crime, you could face invasive investigations, along with social and professional consequences. A conviction for this offense has even more lasting and severe consequences. It’s crucial that you work with a Lafayette embezzlement lawyer to protect your interests against these charges.
Embezzlement Defense From the Dedicated Team at Stockstill Defense Firm
Everyone deserves a strong defense against criminal charges, and it is crucial to find the right legal representation to defend you. Stockstill Defense Firm can support you and build your defense against embezzlement charges. Our Lafayette criminal defense attorneys have over 25 years of experience, and we can leverage this knowledge to better protect your interests and future.
Our firm has a proven history of successful outcomes. This includes acquittals, case dismissals, plea deals, and appeals of the court’s final decisions. Embezzlement offenses can be charged in state or federal courts, and our firm has experience in both. We have supported individuals and companies against white collar charges in the Louisiana communities we serve.
Lafayette criminal cases are handled at the 15th Judicial District Court. The Lafayette Parish Courthouse is at 800 S. Buchanan Street in Lafayette.
What is Embezzlement in Lafayette?
Embezzlement is the misappropriation of money or property by a person or entity that was entrusted to care for it. This misappropriation is typically for personal gain. In Louisiana, embezzlement is charged as theft. Unlike other theft charges, the offender in an embezzlement offense has legal access to the funds, but they then misuse them in a way that makes it illegal.
Often, embezzlement is committed by employees or institutions with direct access to the finances of their company or clients. There were 129 arrests for embezzlement in 2019 in Louisiana and 13,497 arrests in the U.S. Of the nationwide arrests for embezzlement, 1,667 of those were individuals between the ages of 25 and 29, and 1,455 were between the ages of 21 and 24.
Embezzlement can occur when employers, employees, executives, or public officials misappropriate funds, forge documents to access funds, or misreport financial information to hide their taking of funds.
Criminal Penalties for Embezzlement in Lafayette, LA
If you are convicted of embezzlement, the penalties you may receive depend on several factors, including:
- The total amount of money embezzled
- Your prior criminal history of embezzlement and other offenses
- The individual or organization that was stolen from, and how many people were affected
Penalties for embezzlement can include jail or prison time, hundreds or thousands in fines, and the loss of a professional license or certification. A conviction may also require restitution, or payments to the victims to cover the losses they suffered. The court may also require that you do not work in certain fields or types of work, such as those that give you fiduciary responsibility over funds. This can significantly impact your job prospects.
Embezzlement Charges in Federal Court
Embezzlement cases can be handled by state or federal entities. When funds are stolen as part of a commercial transaction or occur online and, therefore, cross state lines, it can lead to an investigation and prosecution at the federal level. If a significant amount of money is embezzled, this can also lead to federal charges.
When your case is prosecuted federally, the consequences of a conviction can be much more serious. You may face both state and federal prosecution, increasing the time and cost of the case while leading to significant penalties. It is even more important that you get legal support in these situations and work with an attorney who is experienced in state and federal courts.
Regardless of whether you committed the crime, experienced legal support is crucial for upholding your rights through the process. A skilled attorney can mitigate or eliminate the worst of the criminal penalties you face.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Does an Embezzlement Attorney Cost in Lafayette, LA?
The cost of an embezzlement defense attorney relies on several specifics, including where the firm is located, the attorney’s experience, and how complex or severe your case is. More serious charges may result in more costly legal representation. Most embezzlement defense cases are charged at an hourly rate, so the costs increase the longer your defense attorney is needed. When your case goes to court, it is likely to be much more costly.
How Do You Win an Embezzlement Case?
The most effective way to win an embezzlement defense case is to work with an experienced embezzlement and white collar crimes defense attorney. They can review your case, examine the specifics of your charges, and determine what options you have for defense. Your attorney can also negotiate with the prosecution on a plea deal.
By working with an attorney, you can better understand the options you have for your case and make informed decisions about your defense.
What Happens If You Tell Your Lawyer You Committed a Crime?
When you hire a lawyer to defend you in a criminal case, any information you tell them is protected, so it cannot be relayed to others without your consent. There are some exceptions, such as if the information must be relayed to prevent bodily harm. It’s important that you talk with your attorney about how much they wish you to disclose. Some attorneys prefer to have all the information, while others do not.
What Elements Must Occur for There to Be a Case of Embezzlement in Louisiana?
Embezzlement is a form of theft, so it must be proven that:
- The person took or misappropriated valuable property in a way they were not authorized to without the consent of the owner.
- The misappropriation was intentional and for their own benefit.
- They intended to permanently deprive the person of the property.
Additionally, embezzlement typically requires an element of fiduciary duty, meaning the offender was responsible for the property they misappropriated.
Navigating an Embezzlement Case in Lafayette, LA
You want to work with a legal team that fights for your interests and treats you with respect. At Stockstill Defense Firm, we can support you, your rights, and your future. We can advocate for the most beneficial outcome, review every aspect of your case, and determine which defenses are relevant to your situation. When you need dedicated and strategic criminal defense, contact Stockstill Defense Firm today.
Schedule a Case Evaluation!
Your First Step Toward Building a Strong Defense.