Embezzlement is taken very seriously as it involves the violation of another’s trust. Common examples of the offense include financial managers who misappropriate funds, business managers who steal company assets, or family members engaging in certain types of theft. Prosecutors will aggressively pursue charges and, depending on the circumstances, an Illinois resident may find themselves facing charges in Federal Court. It is crucial that you retain an experienced lawyer to help you in such matters. I am a Peoria criminal defense attorney who handles both state and federal embezzlement charges. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Peoria lawyer defending Illinois residents from state or federal embezzlement charges
Embezzlement occur when one uses a position of trust to take money or property from another. This abuse of trust is what makes the offense different from ordinary theft or larceny. Depending on the circumstances the defendant can be charged with a misdemeanor, a felony, or can face charges in Federal Court. In Illinois, the case will be a Class A misdemeanor if the taken property had value of less than $500. If the property had value exceeding $500 then the case will be charged as a felony and the severity of the charges will increase as the value increases. Embezzlement cases are often brought in conjunction with other charges, such as fraud.
The defendant in a case will begin by entering a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.” A trial date will be set and it will be important to immediately build a defense. Common issues in embezzlement cases include determining the actual amount of the property taken and the extent to which the defendant’s rights were violated when law enforcement collected evidence. Expert witnesses may have to be retained to properly calculate the value of what was taken. Common law enforcement violations include officer’s taking financial records, correspondence, or other incriminating items without having properly secured the necessary warrants to do so. If the defendant’s rights were violated then a request can be filed with the Court to disallow the illegally seized items from evidence. If necessary the case will go to a trial. A jury will decide the issue of guilt or innocence and the Judge will issue a sentence if there is a conviction. These types of cases are highly complex and it is important that you retain an experienced attorney.
I am a Peoria criminal defense lawyer handling both Illinois and Federal embezzlement charges. I will use your initial consultation to gain an understanding of your situation and to help you learn what to expect from the process. I will hire any necessary investigators and experts to help in analyzing the case. I will file all possible Motions to Suppress evidence and will aggressively question law enforcement at an evidentiary hearing. I will protect your rights at trial should one be necessary. You are facing a serious situation and I am an attorney will take it seriously. Contact us today.
In addition to Peoria, we service the cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. We also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.
Experienced Peoria defense attorney providing quality service in embezzlement cases
Embezzlement cases can be highly complex and it is important that you retain the right counsel. I am a former prosecuting attorney with over twenty years of legal experience. I am familiar with the local court systems and I strive to provide quality service. I often give clients my cell phone number, can be reached via text message, and I make myself available to answer any questions you may have. I believe that everyone is entitled to the highest level of respect and this is my promise to every client I serve.