| If you've been accused of embezzlement in the Miami, | | | | (just hundreds of dollars) or immense embezzlement |
| Florida area, please realize this is a serious crime that | | | | charges (where thousands or millions of dollars are |
| can result in stiff penalties including a long prison term. | | | | involved), you'll need the guidance of a knowledgeable, |
| The services of a Miami criminal attorney are | | | | experienced Miami criminal lawyer to help minimize the |
| necessary to ensure proper representation in court if | | | | damages to you and your family. Look for a Miami, |
| your charges result in a trial. Some Miami area | | | | Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach criminal lawyer |
| attorneys also serve the Fort Lauderdale and West | | | | that specializes in white collar crime cases to ensure |
| Palm Beach areas if you live closer to these cities. | | | | the best possible defense. |
| Know the Various Charges and Possible Outcomes | | | | When Falsely Accused... |
| Embezzlement is defined as a crime that breaches | | | | If you've been falsely accused of embezzlement, the |
| the confidence and trust of a company or individual to | | | | right Miami criminal attorney can help you prove |
| gain or misuse properties or money. There are several | | | | innocence. There are a number of ways to do this. |
| types of embezzlement, including certain cases of mail | | | | One, your lawyer may be able to prove there was no |
| theft by a postmaster or mail carrier. Title 18, Chapter | | | | relationship or position of trust between you and your |
| 31 of the U.S. Code describes the different types of | | | | accuser. Two, you may have already owned the |
| embezzlement. Embezzlement is often labeled as a | | | | property or money in question. Three, attorneys can |
| "white collar" felony, and the severity of sentencing | | | | sometimes show that there is insufficient evidence for |
| depends on the amount of money or value of items | | | | a conviction. Lastly, he may be able to show that your |
| stolen as well as the person's position in a company or | | | | actions were consistent with the agreed upon |
| organization. As a broad term used for a number of | | | | relationship between you and the accuser. |
| crimes, the word embezzlement may be used to refer | | | | Other qualities to look for when choosing a criminal |
| to identity theft, check fraud, property theft, and credit | | | | lawyer: |
| card fraud. | | | | * Listens carefully to your needs and explanations |
| The Miami or Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney you | | | | * Asks lots of questions to dig deep into the case |
| choose should be ready and able to help with the type | | | | * Makes procedures and questions that might come |
| of embezzlement charges you are facing. Question | | | | up in court very clear to you and other involved parties |
| the attorney about his/her experience with your type | | | | * Looks for every possible means within the law to |
| of case. How has he/she fared in previous similar | | | | help you receive a favorable outcome |
| trials? How many clients have been able to avoid a | | | | * Understands the importance of early preparation |
| court trial altogether through settlements or plea | | | | * Works with you in your financial situation to reduce |
| bargains? Ask the tough questions now so you'll feel | | | | the burden |
| confident with the Miami criminal attorney you choose. | | | | If you're not sure where to start your search, go online |
| Possible Legal Consequences of an Embezzlement | | | | and type in keywords specific to your needs. For |
| Conviction | | | | example, type "West Palm Beach criminal lawyer," |
| Another quality to look for in a criminal attorney is that | | | | "Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer," or "embezzlement |
| he/she be able to discern the possible legal | | | | lawyer in Florida" to find a lawyer based on your |
| consequences for your particular charges. Ask your | | | | charges and/or location. This will narrow your search, |
| attorney to explain the worst-case scenario as well as | | | | and help you find the websites of various lawyers so |
| the least possible sentencing so you'll be prepared to | | | | you can compare their services online. Make a few |
| face either side of our justice system. | | | | calls and notice the professionalism and mannerisms of |
| If convicted of an embezzlement crime, you could | | | | the receptionist. This is your first impression of any firm |
| face a long prison term, parole or probation, a | | | | and a starting point. Now you're ready to meet with a |
| mandatory court order to attend counseling, loss of | | | | criminal lawyer or maybe even a few to make your |
| your rights to be bonded as a business owner or | | | | final determination. |
| employer, restitution to any victims involved, and other | | | | Though there are no guarantees when faced with |
| court ordered fines. Even if you don't have to serve | | | | embezzlement charges, hiring a reputable criminal |
| time in prison, embezzlement can still mar your career | | | | attorney in the Miami area will definitely ease the |
| and reputation for life. | | | | burden. |
| Whether you're facing minor embezzlement charges | | | | |