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(720) 740-3466 (720) 740-3466 While embezzlement is related to theft, the facts of these cases differ significantly from standard larceny charges. Such cases involve misusing assets or property to which you were lawfully allowed access. Often, this involves a trusted employee misappropriating company funds.
If you are facing embezzlement charges, now is the right time to seek guidance from a compassionate theft defense attorney. You could benefit from discussing your case with a Boulder embezzlement lawyer at Petrash Law today.
Under Colorado law, embezzlement can range from a Class 1 petty offense to a Class 5 felony. The extent of the penalties depends largely on the amount of money that was allegedly misappropriated. At most, a conviction could result in a presumptive prison term of one to three years, in addition to a mandatory two-year parole period.
Beyond possible jail time or fines, an embezzlement conviction could impact your life in other ways. Such a charge could make it difficult to obtain a professional license and secure future employment. If the offense is charged as a felony, you could lose your civil rights, such as the right to vote or own firearms.
An embezzlement attorney in Boulder could help you avoid these penalties and pursue a defense strategy against the prosecution. Attempting to resolve such charges alone may increase the risk of avoidable consequences.
Although embezzlement is a serious allegation with significant potential consequences, you still have options to fight against these charges. Strategies a Boulder attorney may use to defend accusations of misappropriating funds include the following.
The prosecution must prove that someone intentionally misappropriated property entrusted to them. Demonstrating that the alleged conduct resulted from a mistake or misunderstanding could weaken the charges.
It is possible to blame the wrong person in cases related to large businesses where multiple employees have similar access to funds. If there is little or no evidence connecting someone to the alleged misappropriation, the state could struggle to obtain a conviction.
The prosecution must prove how the embezzlement occurred and who committed it. If they cannot prove someone guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, they are entitled to an acquittal at trial.
If someone acts under threat of harm or retaliation—especially by a supervisor—a duress defense may apply.
Any violation of constitutional rights could also serve as a defense. If the state found evidence during an illegal search or seizure, an attorney may be able to have that evidence excluded.
Before pleading guilty to an embezzlement charge, it may benefit you to explore all legal options available in your case. These cases are often defensible, and with the right support, you could fight these charges and keep your record clean.
A Boulder embezzlement lawyer plays a vital role in protecting your legal rights during every step of the process. Reach out to Petrash Law today to discuss your case during a private consultation.