Embezzlement is a charge in which someone accuses you of stealing his or her property or money when you were in a position of trust. For instance, an accountant who uses your funds to pay for his or her own home while telling you they have dropped in value in the stock market would be embezzling.
Accounting embezzling is one of the most common forms of this crime and involves manipulating records to hide theft. The fact is that many times, mistakes are made, and they could look like someone was trying to cover up embezzlement when it was an honest error. Writing down a number with a 4 and 7 switched, for instance, could make it look like $7,400 was withdrawn when a person only took out $4,700, leading to accusations about the location of the remaining money
For you to be charged and convicted of embezzlement, the prosecution has to be able to show that you intentionally manipulated the numbers to hide theft. You must have received the assets through a fiduciary relationship between yourself and the other party. You must also have taken the property into your possession and ownership or transferred it to someone else’s ownership at some point.
If those factors can’t be proven, it will be difficult for the prosecution to prove that you’re guilty of a crime. It’s not your responsibility to provide evidence that you didn’t commit a crime; it’s their job to provide evidence that you did. While you wait for trial, your attorney will work with you to create a defense to explain any actions that are discussed. Our website has more information on the ways that you may be able to defend yourself.