Many white-collar crimes lead to federal prosecution. They are often felony offenses. Embezzlement is one of the white-collar crimes frequently prosecuted at the state level.
Embezzlement charges typically begin with a business alleging misappropriation of valuable property or company funds by a specific employee. Provided that the unlawful acts all allegedly occurred in Florida, the party accused may face Florida state charges rather than federal charges.
People facing accusations of embezzlement may feel confused about how the state handles those cases. Is an embezzlement charge a misdemeanor, or is it a felony under Florida State statute?
Theft offenses can be either felonies or misdemeanors
Some people refer to theft and other property crimes, including embezzlement, as wobbler offenses. Prosecutors can bring either felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on the circumstances.
Many cases of embezzlement prosecuted in Florida are likely to result in felony charges. The threshold for felony prosecution is relatively low. The value of the property or capital allegedly misappropriated by the defendant only needs to reach $750 for the state to pursue a felony charge.
People accused of felony embezzlement charges may face jail time, large fines and orders of restitution. If their profession requires a license issued by the state, they may be ineligible to continue their career after convictions. A strong defense strategy or effective plea deal negotiation can help professionals limit the long-term consequences they face.
Any white-collar professional facing embezzlement charges is at risk of significant consequences if they do not respond assertively. Reviewing the case with a Florida criminal defense attorney can help those accused of embezzlement develop a realistic strategy before their case goes to trial.
