Embezzlement
Embezzlement Attorney in Santa Ana
When we say we are on your side in the face of criminal charges, we mean that Glew & Kim stands behind your constitutional rights if you are accused of any common or serious criminal offense.
Fast Action. Focused Defense. Protecting Your Reputation.
Being accused of embezzlement can damage more than just your record — it can threaten your career, your reputation, and your future. These cases often involve complex paper trails, misunderstandings, or financial discrepancies that get interpreted as criminal intent. Once an employer or investigator raises a claim, prosecutors may move fast to file charges before the full story is known. That’s why early intervention by an experienced white-collar defense attorney can make the difference between dismissal and conviction. At Glew & Kim, we act immediately to preserve evidence, open dialogue with investigators, and protect your professional credibility while the facts are still forming.
Understanding Embezzlement in California
Embezzlement is charged under California Penal Code §503, and refers to the fraudulent appropriation of property by someone who has been entrusted with it. In simple terms — it means the prosecution must prove there was trust, access, and intent to deprive.
This charge often appears in both corporate and individual contexts, including:
Employee embezzlement — diverting funds, falsifying receipts, or misusing company cards.
Accounting or payroll fraud — manipulating records or deposits.
Partnership or investor disputes — misuse of shared business assets.
Nonprofit or fiduciary mismanagement — mishandling donations or client accounts.
Because financial systems are complex, innocent mistakes in reporting, bookkeeping, or internal transfers can easily be misinterpreted as deliberate theft.
Common Defense Themes
Lack of intent: Mistakes in accounting, transfers, or reporting are not crimes.
Insufficient evidence: Paper trails can be incomplete or misunderstood.
Shared access: Multiple employees or partners may have had control over funds.
Good-faith dispute: Many cases stem from business disagreements, not theft.
Unlawful search or seizure: Financial records obtained improperly can be suppressed.
Each case requires careful storytelling to demonstrate context — not criminality.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Embezzlement
Embezzlement may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount and circumstances involved.
Misdemeanor (under $950): Up to 6 months in county jail and fines.
Felony (over $950): Up to 3 years in state prison, restitution, and probation.
When multiple transactions or extended time periods are alleged, prosecutors may “stack” the evidence — increasing exposure dramatically. Our defense team challenges those calculations early to ensure fair and accurate accounting.
Protect Your Name and Your Future
If you’re facing accusations of embezzlement or financial misconduct, every decision matters. Our firm’s experience in white-collar defense ensures your case is handled with confidentiality, strategy, and respect. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your next steps.
