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Being arrested or charged with embezzlement can be a confusing situation. It can also bring about legal complexities and possible consequences that may impact your life and future.
In Colorado, embezzlement (a white-collar crime) comes with serious consequences if you are convicted. Because of this, knowing your rights and legal options is essential. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, our experienced criminal defense attorney is ready to help you fight Denver embezzlement charges.
You can learn more about these charges here and contact our office to schedule a consultation.
After being charged with embezzlement, the first step is to consult and retain a reputable criminal defense attorney. Navigating the complexities of Colorado law is no small task, and this is not something you should try to handle without expert guidance.
The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani can provide you with comprehensive legal support and advice to help you build a robust defense strategy.
Understanding the charges against you is important when facing embezzlement allegations. In Colorado, embezzlement is categorized as a type of theft governed by the Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-401. The law outlines different offenses based on the amount of money or property involved.
The law classifies embezzlement charges on a spectrum, ranging from Class 1 Petty Offenses to Class 3 Felonies. For example, a Class 1 Petty Offense involves embezzling less than $50 and carries relatively minor penalties. However, if you’re accused of embezzling $20,000, you could face a Class 3 Felony with severe repercussions, including significant jail time and fines.
The severity of the charges dictates the penalties you could face. You might get off with a fine and some community service for lesser amounts. For larger amounts, imprisonment becomes a very real possibility. Restitution, or paying back the embezzled amount, is usually also part of the penalty, regardless of the severity of the charge.
By understanding the charges against you and how the law views embezzlement, you arm yourself with the knowledge to work closely with your criminal defense attorney to build a strong defense.
Remember that anything you say can and will be used against you in court. After being charged, you may be tempted to explain yourself to the police. While it might seem like a good idea to “clear things up,” your words can be twisted and used against you. Consult your criminal defense attorney before speaking to the police or anyone else about your case.
When facing Denver embezzlement charges, gathering pertinent documents becomes crucial to your defense strategy. These documents can provide invaluable insights into the circumstances surrounding the allegations, and they are essential for your criminal defense attorney to formulate a robust case in your favor.
The first category of documents to focus on is your financial records. This includes bank statements, credit card statements, invoices, and other documents tracking money or assets. These records could reveal inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case or even exonerate you completely.
Collect any documents related to your employment, such as contracts, performance reviews, and correspondence that may be pertinent to the charges. These documents can provide context and may demonstrate that you had no motive or opportunity to commit embezzlement. They could also show a history of responsible financial management or possible errors or misunderstandings that led to the charges.
Once you’ve gathered all relevant documents, share them with your criminal defense attorney. Transparency is crucial at this stage; your attorney can only help you to the extent that they understand the full scope of the situation. With comprehensive documentation, your attorney will be better equipped to effectively challenge the Denver embezzlement charges you’re facing.
Having a comprehensive set of documents at your disposal could make the difference between conviction and acquittal. It’s an integral part of building a robust defense strategy.
Once you’ve retained your attorney and gathered your documents, it’s time to prepare for the legal battle.
Your attorney will usually start by conducting a thorough investigation to find any evidence that could work in your favor. Based on what is discovered, your attorney may attempt to negotiate with the prosecution to drop or reduce the charges. This is often the stage where an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a difference.
If negotiations fail, the case will go to trial. Your attorney will present your defense and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The complexities of embezzlement cases make having someone familiar with Denver embezzlement charges essential.
Defenses for embezzlement often involve showing a lack of intent, demonstrating consent from the owner, or disputing the amount alleged to have been embezzled. Your attorney will evaluate the specifics of your case to choose the most effective defense strategy.
The consequences for an embezzlement conviction can be severe, ranging from fines and probation for smaller amounts to long-term imprisonment for larger sums. Restitution to the victim will also likely be required. These penalties make it crucial to take the embezzlement charges seriously and consult a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Being charged with embezzlement in Colorado can significantly impact your life, personally and professionally. Your actions immediately following the charge can play a crucial role in the outcome of your case.
The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani specialize in defending against Denver embezzlement charges and can guide you through every step of the legal process.
If you are in this unfortunate situation, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney for a consultation. With the right legal support, you can navigate the complex legal landscape and make informed decisions to protect your future.
