Embezzlement Can Become a Serious Felony Charge Very Quickly

 Posted on May 02, 2019 in Uncategorized

In the state of Illinois, embezzlement is considered a very serious crime. Embezzlement is a form of white-collar crime that often occurs within the context of employee/employer relationships. Embezzlement is also considered to be a theft crime, which is also how it is prosecuted in the state of Illinois. If you are charged with embezzlement, you can face jail time and fines, and you could even be forced to repay any money that you have embezzled. If you are facing charges for embezzlement, it is highly recommended that you get help from a lawyer who is knowledgeable about white-collar crime.

What is Embezzlement?

The federal government has defined embezzlement as “fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom such property has been entrusted, or into whose hands it has lawfully come.” In the state of Illinois, embezzlement is charged under the general theft statute, though embezzlement cases must meet certain criteria. The prosecutor must prove that:

• There was a fiduciary relationship between the offender and the victim;
• The property came into possession of the offender through that relationship;
• The offender fraudulently appropriated the property for his or her own use; and
• The offender intentionally performed these actions to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

A Recent Illinois Embezzlement Case

In a recent case, an Illinois woman has been charged with embezzlement after she allegedly stole $161,000 from Illinois State University. The 58-year-old woman was a clerical worker at the Bone Student Center at the university, though she told police she no longer worked there when she was arrested. The woman was arrested after police observed her, through a live camera feed, stuffing cash into envelopes and then into her clothing.

The woman was charged with a Class X felony for taking more than $100,000 from a school, which is a non-probational charge, and two other counts of theft. Due to the Class X felony charges, the woman faces six to 30 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines, and the possibility that she will have to repay the $161,000 that she embezzled from the school.

An Experienced Will County White Collar Crimes Defense Lawyer Can Help

Many people do not realize it, but embezzlement is a crime that can affect you for the rest of your life. Not only do you face years in prison and extremely expensive fines and restitution, you also face difficulty finding employment in the future. If you have been charged with embezzlement, you need guidance from a Joliet white-collar crimes defense attorney who has experience dealing with embezzlement cases. At the Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C., we can help you form a solid defense against any white-collar crime charges. Call our office today at 815-740-4025 to schedule a free consultation.