The federal crime of embezzlement is a crime of theft. Specifically, it involves theft from the federal government. Embezzlement is a unique type of theft crime in the way that the person committing the theft must have violated a position of trust that he or she held. The crime occurs when a defendant who was entrusted with federal government property steals all or part of the money or property for personal gain. For federal charges to apply, the property must have belonged to the federal government or a private entity that had the property but the property was paid for by the government pursuant to a contract. Additionally, there must have been an actual intent to commit the theft. The theft must have occurred on purpose and not by a mistake or oversight.
A federal embezzlement charge is very serious and the penalties are severe. You will be up against the full resources of the federal government. They do not take people trying to steal from them lightly and will pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law. You will need the dedicated legal counsel of Attorney Ron Herman by your side. Attorney Herman knows what you will be up against and will mount the most rigorous defense possible to clear you of all charges.
What Are the Punishments for Federal Embezzlement?
The penalties for a federal embezzlement conviction will vary based on the type of money or property that was stolen. The following are some general examples of punishments associated with different types of federal embezzlement:
- If the defendant embezzled more than $1,000 of federal money, records, property, or something else of value, then a fine of $250,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years may apply.
- If the defendant embezzled less than $1,000 or less of federal money, records, property, or something else of value, then a fine up to $100,000 and up to one year in jail may apply.
- If the defendant embezzled tools, stamps, printing devices, or other materials in order to counterfeit of federal documents such as bonds, currency, or postage stamps, then a fine of $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison may apply.
- If the defendant was a federal officer, employee, or agent and embezzled public money of $1,000 or more, then a fine of $250,000 or the amount that was embezzled, whichever is greater, and up to 10 years in prison may apply.
As you can see, while the exact nature of a federal embezzlement charge may vary, punishments are consistently severe.
Helping Combat Serious Federal Crime Charges.
Attorney Ron Herman has the experience working on federal crimes cases to know that these types of cases should be taken very seriously. The potential penalties are overwhelming and the fact that you are up against the federal government may be daunting. Trust knowledgeable and dedicated federal criminal defense attorney Ron Herman to mount the strongest possible defense for you.