If you’re a defendant facing embezzlement charges in Cincinnati, OH, it’s essential to seek legal counsel experienced in white-collar crimes. Facing such serious accusations means dealing with potential consequences like fines or jail time as well as reputational harm, so you should never try to handle this situation on your own.
An attorney well-versed in this area can help you navigate the challenges of your case and work toward the best possible outcome. For help with a criminal charge in Cincinnati, Ohio, we’re here for you. Contact our experienced team from Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati embezzlement lawyer.
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How Suhre & Associates Can Help If You’ve Been Arrested For Embezzlement
Being arrested for embezzlement in Cincinnati, Ohio, can turn your world upside down. Fortunately, Suhre & Associates is here to help you fight back. When you hire our legal team, we will:
- Analyze the Evidence: We’ll scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence for any weaknesses and work to challenge its validity.
- Investigate: Beyond what is handed over by prosecutors, we conduct a thorough investigation, including interviews with potential witnesses and gathering supporting documentation to fight back against these charges.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: Our experienced attorneys can negotiate on your behalf in an attempt to reduce charges, lessen penalties, or sometimes even get cases dismissed completely.
If you’ve been arrested for embezzlement in Cincinnati, Ohio, and need representation, contact Suhre & Associates today to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati white-collar crimes attorney.
Overview of Embezzlement in Ohio
Embezzlement refers to the misappropriation of funds or assets by an individual who has been given responsibility over them. This type of white-collar crime can manifest in various situations, often involving individuals in trusted roles exploiting their authority to benefit personally.
A typical scenario would be an employee who has access to company finances and unlawfully diverts a portion of those funds for personal purposes, which can lead to criminal charges for embezzlement.
What Are the Penalties For Embezzlement in Cincinnati, Ohio?
The legal consequences for embezzlement in Cincinnati are determined by the value of the misappropriated funds or property. The following outlines the penalties based on the amount involved:
- Under $1,000: Classified as a misdemeanor. Penalties include up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
- $1,000 or more, but less than $7,500: Considered a fifth-degree felony. Punishable by 6 to 12 months in jail and/or fines up to $2,000.
- $7,500 or more, but less than $150,000: Categorized as a fourth-degree felony. Carries penalties of 6 to 18 months in prison and/or fines of up to $5,000.
- $150,000 or more, but less than $750,000: Defined as a third-degree felony. Penalties involve a minimum of 9 months up to 36 months in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.
- $750,000 or more, but less than $1,500,000: Classified as a second-degree felony. Penalties include a prison term of 2 to 8 years and a fine of up to $15,000.
- $1,500,000 or more: Categorized as a first-degree felony. Penalties include a prison term ranging from 3 to 155 years and fines of up to $20,000.
Additionally, theft that targets individuals in protected classes, such as the elderly, disabled, or active military personnel, is typically classified as a fifth-degree felony.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Embezzlement?
When facing embezzlement charges, it is critical to understand the potential defenses that can be raised. A lawyer may argue various defenses based on the specifics of your case. The following are some common defenses that may be raised:
Lack of Intent
One of the primary defenses against embezzlement charges is arguing lack of intent. For a conviction to occur, it must be proven that the accused knowingly and purposely misappropriated funds. If it can be established that the individual believed they had the right to the funds or had no intention of stealing them, this defense may lead to an acquittal.
Duress
In some situations, individuals may engage in actions that could be classified as embezzlement under duress – they were coerced into committing the act due to threats or severe intimidation from another party. If the defendant can demonstrate that they acted under significant pressure, this could serve as a valid defense against the charges.
False Allegations
Another potential defense is the assertion that the accusations of embezzlement are false or fabricated. Establishing a motive for false claims, such as revenge or personal gain by the accuser, may help to discredit the allegations and strengthen the defendant’s case.
Constitutional Violations
Defendants may also challenge embezzlement charges on the grounds of constitutional violations. This can include unreasonable searches and seizures or violations of the right to a fair trial. If law enforcement fails to adhere to constitutional protocols in gathering evidence, any resulting evidence may be deemed inadmissible, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Individuals facing embezzlement charges have various defenses at their disposal, and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding each case is essential to effectively challenge the allegations and protect their rights.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Cincinnati Embezzlement Lawyer
If you’re facing embezzlement charges in Cincinnati, tackling this alone puts you at a significant disadvantage. With the experienced team at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers on your side, you won’t have to go through it by yourself. We’ll be diligent and dedicated in pursuing every avenue for your defense. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati embezzlement lawyer.