Embezzlement

Michigan Embezzlement Attorneys

Going to Work to Protect You

Whether you are under investigation for embezzlement or you have been charged, you must move quickly. Prosecutors take these cases very seriously. They know juries tend to show no mercy if they believe someone has stolen money from a company for their own financial gain.

A form of fraud, these cases often involve a complex paper trail detailing when and how funds were extracted without permission. What makes these cases especially complex is the fact that the person accused of embezzlement often has legal access to the funds in dispute.

Don’t try to tackle your embezzlement case on your own. Make sure you have experienced, aggressive attorneys on your side who can defend you against the charges. Call Manley & Manley today at 810-374-0240.

Our firm has a well-established reputation for handling complicated white-collar crimes in Michigan’s State and Federal courts, including allegations of embezzlement. Whether you’ve been accused of theft or misappropriation or abusing an expense account, our embezzlement defense attorneys can help set things right. Often, these cases involve simple errors or honest mistakes. There may be other mitigating factors, such as addiction problems. We provide personal attention and work with you every step of the way to achieve a desirable result.

Attorney Frank J. Manley has been recognized as an elite AV-rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell in addition to the Michigan Super Lawyers list year after year. He was named among the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He has also been listed among the Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Michigan, the Top 100 OWI Attorneys in the State of Michigan, and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Attorney Michael P. Manley is a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Expert. He has been selected to the Michigan Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor. He also has been ranked 10, or “superb,” by the attorney rating service Avvo. The National Trial Lawyers Association named him one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. His work on high-profile cases has also been featured on national news programs like “Dateline,” “20/20” and “The Today Show.”

What Are Common Embezzlement Cases in Michigan?

Common examples of embezzlement cases in Michigan include:

  • Public officials accused of illegally taking public funds for personal use.
  • Legal guardians accused of taking money from family members.
  • Stockbrokers or financial planners accused of taking money from clients.
  • Trustees of a business or religious institution accused of illegally taking money from a company or church.

Many other types of embezzlement cases exist. Whatever type of case you’re dealing with, make sure you contact one of our attorneys as soon as possible.

You have many options if you are under investigation or charged with embezzlement. The  Manley & Manley attorneys may be able to help you resolve the matter outside of court by negotiating with your company. If the case does go to court, the Manley & Manley team can look at the relevant financial data. Often, they can find holes in the prosecutor’s case that result in a dismissal.

What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement in Michigan?

The penalties for embezzlement in Michigan depend on how much money someone is accused of stealing from another person or corporation. Some cases are classified as misdemeanors. Others are felonies. Visit our page “difference between misdemeanor and felony” to learn more about the legal distinctions.

In addition, penalties are tougher if the embezzlement charge involves a nonprofit corporation or charitable organization. The penalties in general for embezzlement in Michigan include:

Embezzlement over $200

(Misdemeanor)

  • Up to 93 days in jail
  • Up to $500 fine or three times the value of the embezzled property

Over $200 but less than $1,000

(Misdemeanor)

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $2,000 fine or three times the value of the embezzled property

Over $1,000 but less than $20,000

(Felony)

  • Up to 5 years in jail
  • Up to $10,000 fine or three times the value of the embezzled property

Over $20,000 but less than $50,000

(Felony)

  • Up to 10 years in jail
  • Up to $15,000 fine or three times the value of the embezzled property

Over $50,000 but less than $100,000

(Felony)

  • Up to 15 years in jail
  • Up to $25,000 fine or three times the value of the embezzled property

Over $100,000

(Felony)

  • Up to 20 years in jail
  • Up to $50,000 fine or three times the value of the embezzled property

Are Embezzlement Charges Taken as Seriously as Blue Collar Crimes?

We are all aware of popular media that makes it seem like people who commit crimes that are traditionally considered “white collar crimes,” such as embezzlement, are treated better than those who commit crimes that are considered “blue collar,” such as assault or theft.

As you can see from the penalties above, white-collar crimes can be treated with even more severity than blue-collar crimes. There are no separate prison systems for white-collar criminals that keep them away from the “other” criminals. If you are found guilty of embezzlement charges, you can almost guarantee you will spend serious time in prison, and paying your fines and restitution can result in an extreme economic impact.

What Are Common Defenses When Fighting Embezzlement Charges?

  • There are a few factors that must be proven in order to convict someone for embezzlement.
  • The defendant had a fiduciary relationship with the party who owned the property.
  • The defendant acquired or gained possession of the property through that relationship.
  • The defendant acquired ownership through that relationship with the intent to permanently deprive its owner.
  • The defendant’s actions were intentional.

The prosecutor is charged with proving the above in order to convict you of a crime. If a lack of intent can be proven, your charges may be altered or dropped. Your attorney may try to prove that you were under duress when the crime was committed.

How can Manley & Manley help me with my embezzlement case?

Evidence builds a strong case. When it comes to embezzlement cases in Michigan, attorneys from Manley & Manley will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice. These complex cases often involve detailed trails of evidence. We put our years of experience to work by investigating the details of the case. We will hone in on what is relevant to build a compelling defense. Our attorneys also frequently hire experts who can testify on behalf of clients.

If you are being accused of embezzlement, your future is likely in peril. Being found guilty of such a crime can obliterate your chance of having or continuing a successful career. The punishments can land you in prison for up to 20 years, and your fines and restitution can haunt you even after incarceration. Is that what you want for your legacy?

Call 810-374-0240  right now and schedule your appointment. In most cases, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. A delay could affect your freedom.