Have you been charged with embezzlement in Kingston, New York? A conviction could lead to severe penalties, but it may not be too late to respond effectively and work toward a favorable outcome. An experienced Kingston embezzlement lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you understand your rights.
Our award-winning legal team has over 50 years of combined experience successfully defending clients across New York against serious criminal charges. Contact our law offices today at (845) 566-5345 to schedule a free initial consultation. At that time, we can provide you with some preliminary legal advice.
How Can Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Help if You’re Facing Embezzlement Charges in Kingston, NY?
Embezzlement charges can arise from complex financial situations, and prosecutors often rely heavily on documentation and digital evidence. Our Kingston white collar crimes lawyers know how to handle these cases from every angle.
When you hire Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Kingston embezzlement lawyers will:
- Investigate the allegations and evidence against you
- Challenge the prosecution’s narrative and expose weaknesses in their case
- Consult with forensic accountants and financial experts as needed
- Identify any procedural violations that may have occurred
- Negotiate with prosecutors to have your charges dismissed if possible under the law
- Represent you at all court appearances, including at trial if necessary
You deserve an attorney who will treat your case with the seriousness it deserves. Contact our criminal defense law firm in Kingston, NY, today to get started with a free consultation.
What Is Embezzlement?
Under New York Penal Law § 155.05, embezzlement falls under the broader category of larceny. This refers to the unlawful taking of property with the intent to deprive another person of it. Embezzlement specifically involves a breach of trust, where someone who had legal access to property or funds uses them for personal gain without permission.
Common examples include:
- Misusing company credit cards and funds for personal expenses
- Diverting business income into a personal account
- Altering accounting records to conceal missing money
- Withholding or misappropriating payroll funds
- Falsifying financial reports and invoices
In other words, embezzlement involves taking money that was entrusted to you rather than being stolen outright.
What Are the Penalties for an Embezzlement Conviction in New York State?
The severity of an embezzlement charge depends primarily on the amount of money or property allegedly taken.
New York classifies theft-related crimes into degrees, each carrying different potential penalties:
- Petit Larceny (under $1,000): Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree ($1,000–$3,000): Class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison.
- Grand Larceny in the Third Degree ($3,000–$50,000): Class D felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
- Grand Larceny in the Second Degree ($50,000–$1,000,000): Class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Grand Larceny in the First Degree (over $1,000,000): Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Other penalties, such as restitution, may also be imposed in some cases. These charges can also lead to serious collateral consequences. For example, it may become significantly more challenging to find housing or employment.
What Defense Can I Raise to Embezzlement Charges in Kingston, New York?
Prosecutors must prove every element of your charges beyond a reasonable doubt in order to secure a conviction.
There are several possible defenses that may apply depending on your situation:
- Lack of intent: You must have acted intentionally to be guilty of embezzlement.
- Insufficient evidence: There may not be enough evidence against you to meet the burden of proof.
- Authorization or consent: If you had permission or believed you did, this can undermine the claim of criminal intent.
- Entrapment or coercion: If you were pressured and/or misled into participating in the alleged act, your attorney can argue that you lacked free will.
- Violation of rights: Law enforcement might have violated your constitutional rights, such as through an illegal search and seizure.
Our criminal defense attorneys will thoroughly analyze your case to determine which defenses are the most likely to succeed.
Contact Our Kingston Embezzlement Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’re being investigated or have already been charged with embezzlement in Kingston, NY, don’t wait to get legal help. The earlier you involve a Kingston embezzlement lawyer, the more options you’ll have to protect yourself.
At Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have over 50 years of combined experience defending clients against financial crimes and other serious charges. We’ll stand by you at every stage of the process, including in the courtroom.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.