Embezzlement is the fraudulent misappropriation of property or money entrusted to a person but owned by someone else.

Crimes of this nature generally involve a relationship of trust and confidence, such as an agent, fiduciary, trustee, treasurer, or attorney. For example, a clerk or cashier can embezzle money from his or her employer, a civil servant can embezzle funds from the treasury, or a pastor can embezzle funds from a church.

Embezzlement may range from the very minor, involving only a very small amount, to immense, involving very large sums and very sophisticated schemes. The degree of the offense will determine what criminal punishment you are facing.

If you, or a loved-one, are charged with embezzlement, you need an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, since criminal punishment for embezzlement is directly related to how your case is presented. An attorney with a good reputation is critical.