Our embezzlement lawyers in Tulsa have seen many different circumstances leading up to this kind of crime. In February a small business owner pressed charges against its bookkeeper for embezzlement. The business owner alleges the bookkeeper stole over $40,000 from the company through ATM withdrawals using the company card. Of these, one withdrawal was for $17,000 at a casino. The woman will face felony charges.
Other cases very much like this one involve business owners who employ others to manage their business affairs. Its not uncommon for even the highest level employees to be accused by the business owner of crimes. Over the years we have defended all range of employees against the charge. The one common thread is that the person being charged with the crime once held a position of trust and the business owner is claiming this trust was violated. This is atypical and this article explains more about embezzlement crimes and how our embezzlement lawyers in Tulsa defend against the criminal charge.
Embezzlement Crimes Defined
Under Oklahoma law, embezzlement is secretly taking money from a business, then using the money for your own private gain. Further, the business or owner must not intend for the money to be used for your benefit. As a result, any time an employee takes money from their employer for their personal use, it’s embezzlement. Like we set out above, if your employment position requires that you handle money or other valuables you are at risk. If this is you it might be that the employer himself has lost the money or otherwise mismanaged it.Sometimes bad management of an owner turns into accusing innocent employees of a crime. Moral of the story is that if you work for an absent employer be extra careful that financial documentation is up to date.
Oklahoma Embezzlement Penalties
Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes provides the elements of the crime. As with any crime the the charging authority is required to prove each and every element of the crime. If they cant they don’t get their conviction. And, like any crime, they must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Seer embezzling under Title 21 §1451(A-C). They are as follows:
The property was obtained after being entrusted to the person being charged. The entrustment was for a specific reason and is of value.
The property embezzled was obtained by a power of attorney for the purpose sale of transfer.
The thing or property was in your control for the purpose of the person claiming that you embezzled it.
The property embezzled was property intended for a benevolent purpose..
The person doing the embezzlement diverts money from its original pupose to one of their own.
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Clearly, Oklahoma embezzlement crimes have harsh consequences. Further, with the crime on your record, getting a job after you complete your legal punishment will be almost impossible. Felony convictions also, will hinder you in other areas of life, such as gun ownership and sometimes custody. Without an expungement, a felony will remain on your permanent record.
Our Embezzlement Lawyers in Tulsa Can Help
Our embezzlement lawyers in Tulsa understand that people are fallible and make mistakes. Don’t let a mistake like embezzlement cost you for the rest of your life. Call our offices. Our attorneys have years of experience defending clients against criminal charges. Your first consultation with us is free.