Experienced Colorado Embezzlement Defense Attorney
If you’re facing embezzlement charges in Denver, Colorado, understanding your rights and the potential consequences is crucial. Embezzlement, a serious white-collar crime, involves the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to you. These allegations can carry severe penalties, including fines, restitution, and even jail time.
At WeedenLaw, Jeff Weeden is an experienced Denver embezzlement lawyer dedicated to defending individuals accused of embezzlement, identity theft, and other white-collar crimes. Known for his commitment to clients and deep understanding of Denver fraud laws, Jeff provides strong and reliable representation tailored to your case.
Contact our law office at (720) 307-4330 or reach out online for a free consultation and to start building your defense with a skilled criminal defense attorney right away.
What is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a type of white-collar crime that occurs when someone misuses funds or assets entrusted to them by an employer, organization, or another party. This fraudulent act often involves diverting money or property for personal gain, giving a false representation of the individual.
As one of many fraud crimes, embezzlement can lead to serious legal consequences, including charges under both state and federal laws.
If you’re accused of embezzlement at either the state or federal level, working with a skilled Denver white-collar crime attorney can help protect your rights and build a solid defense.
Colorado Embezzlement Laws
In Colorado, embezzlement is prosecuted under the state’s theft laws, which categorize offenses based on the value of the stolen property or funds. Colorado fraud charges, including embezzlement, can range from petty theft to felony theft, with penalties escalating significantly for higher-value cases.
For instance, petty embezzlement may involve minor sums, while felony embezzlement pertains to significant financial misappropriation.
If you’re facing charges related to false claims or other fraud cases, seeking experienced legal counsel is essential. A knowledgeable Denver fraud attorney from Weeden Law can guide you through the legal process and build a strong defense to protect your rights.
CRS § 18-8-407 – Embezzlement of Public Property
Embezzlement of public property occurs when a public servant unlawfully takes state or local government funds or assets for personal use or any unauthorized purpose. Under CRS § 18-8-407, this offense is classified as a Class 5 felony, carrying significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment and fines.
Individuals convicted under this statute are permanently barred from serving in the Colorado General Assembly or holding any public office of trust or profit within the state.
Given the severity of these penalties, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal counsel if facing such charges.
Examples of Embezzlement
Embezzlement involves a breach of trust, as the individual committing the crime is usually in a position of authority or responsibility over the funds or assets. As such, embezzlement can take many forms, often involving financial fraud within trusted professional or organizational roles.
Here are some common examples of embezzlement in Colorado to illustrate how the crime can occur in different contexts:
- Employee Theft from a Business: A cashier diverts money from the register into their own pocket or alters sales records to cover up the missing funds.
- Misuse of Company Credit Cards: An employee uses a company credit card for personal expenses, such as vacations, dining out, or shopping, without authorization.
- Falsifying Payroll Records: A manager creates fake employees or inflates hours on timecards to collect extra wages or bonuses.
- Stealing from a Nonprofit Organization: A nonprofit treasurer diverts donated funds into their personal bank account instead of using the money for its intended purpose.
- Property Management Fraud: A landlord’s property manager pockets rental payments instead of depositing them into the landlord’s account.
- Embezzling Trust Funds: A trustee, attorney, or financial advisor misappropriates money from a trust or estate for personal use, violating their fiduciary duty.
- Vendor Overpayment Schemes: An employee colludes with a vendor to inflate invoices and then splits the overpayment with the vendor.
- Misusing Public Funds: A government official or employee diverts taxpayer money intended for public projects into their own account.
- Small Business Embezzlement: An accountant at a small business manipulates financial records to transfer money to their personal account over time.
- Bank Account Skimming: A financial professional transfers small, unnoticeable amounts from a client’s account to their own, a technique often referred to as “skimming.”
As a serious white-collar crime, embezzlement carries significant legal consequences, making it essential to consult with skilled criminal defense lawyers if you are facing these allegations.
Can a Spouse Be Charged With Embezzlement?
Generally speaking, a spouse can face charges related to embezzlement if they knowingly participated in the criminal activity or benefitted from the misappropriated funds.
Embezzlement itself involves the unlawful appropriation of assets entrusted to an individual, and if the spouse knowingly aids, conceals, or benefits from the crime, they may be charged as an accomplice or face related charges, such as conspiracy.
For example, if a person is convicted of embezzling funds and their spouse was aware of the illegal activity and used the stolen money for personal gain—such as purchasing property or luxury items—they could also be held legally accountable.
This is particularly true if prosecutors can prove that the spouse intentionally assisted in concealing the crime or had a direct role in benefiting from the stolen assets.
In such cases, the spouse may also face severe legal consequences, including criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment, depending on their level of involvement.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Embezzlement?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations on embezzlement, but the time frame depends on the specifics of the case, such as the amount and the type of fraud charges involved.
Generally, theft-related offenses in Denver have a statute of limitations ranging from three to six years, starting when the crime is discovered. However, other factors, such as whether the victim is a government entity, may extend this period.
A Denver embezzlement lawyer like Jeff Weeden can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case and address any concerns about the timing of charges.
Colorado Penalties for Embezzlement
Under Colorado law, embezzlement is a serious crime with penalties that vary based on the value of the stolen funds or property. However, any type of conviction can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, restitution to the victim, and even lengthy prison sentences. Here’s a breakdown of the potential penalties based on the value of the embezzled funds:
Misdemeanor Theft (Value Below $2,000)
- Value less than $300 – Class 1 petty offense: Up to 10 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $300.
- Value between $300 and $1,000 – Class 2 misdemeanor: 3 to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of $250 to $1,000.
- Value between $1,000 and $2,000 – Class 1 misdemeanor: 6 to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000.
Felony Theft (Value Above $2,000)
- Value between $2,000 and $5,000 – Class 6 felony:12 to 18 months in prison, 1 year of parole, and/or a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.
- Value between $5,000 and $20,000 – Class 5 felony: 1 to 3 years in prison, 2 years of parole, and/or a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.
- Value between $20,000 and $100,000 – Class 4 felony: 2 to 6 years in prison, 3 years of parole, and/or a fine of $2,000 to $500,000.
- Value between $100,000 and $1 million – Class 3 felony: 4 to 12 years in prison, 5 years of parole, and/or a fine of $3,000 to $750,000.
- Value over $1 million – Class 2 felony: 8 to 24 years in prison, 5 years of parole, and/or a fine of $5,000 to $1 million.
Additional consequences may include a permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses, and lasting damage to personal and professional reputations.
How Our Denver Embezzlement Law Firm Can Help
At WeedenLaw, Attorney Jeff Weeden brings years of experience in handling theft charges and financial crimes, including embezzlement, fraud, and other complex allegations. He understands that every case is unique, which is why he develops personalized defense strategies tailored to each client’s specific circumstances and goals.
With a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the legal system, Jeff approaches every case with meticulous preparation and strategic planning. He carefully analyzes the evidence, identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments, and challenges any inaccuracies or inconsistencies.
As a seasoned Denver fraud attorney, Jeff Weeden has what it takes to defend every person accused of these serious crimes and ensures his client’s rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
So, whether you’re facing a straightforward fraud charge or a more complex investigation involving multiple allegations, Jeff and his legal team are prepared to fight hard to protect your reputation and your future.
Potential Defense Strategies for Embezzlement Charges
A strong defense strategy for embezzlement charges often focuses on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
As such, your defense lawyer may challenge the intent by arguing the act was accidental or due to a misunderstanding, or question the prosecution’s evidence to highlight a lack of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, ownership disputes may arise, showing the accused had rightful access to the funds or property.
Coercion or duress can also serve as a valid defense if the person acted under pressure or threat. Negotiating plea deals or alternative sentencing, such as restitution agreements or diversion programs, can also help reduce potential penalties.
Other Colorado White Collar Crimes We Defend Against
In addition to embezzlement, our Denver criminal defense team fights hard to defend clients against a wide range of white-collar crimes. These include tax fraud, wire fraud, credit card fraud, mail fraud, insurance fraud, identity theft, and much more.
Whether your fraud case is handled in state or federal court, we understand the challenges that white-collar crime cases present and are committed to protecting your rights.
If you’re accused of these or other crimes, our dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to build a strong defense and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Give us a call as soon as possible to get started.
Call Experienced Denver Embezzlement Lawyer Jeff Weeden Today
Embezzlement charges can have serious consequences, but they don’t have to define your future. With the help of a skilled Denver criminal defense lawyer like Jeff Weeden at WeedenLaw, you can take the first steps toward protecting your rights and reclaiming control of your life.
Jeff Weeden is committed to providing strong legal representation for fraud, embezzlement, and other white-collar crimes, ensuring your constitutional rights are upheld at every stage of the legal process.
Reach out to WeedenLaw today to begin building a defense tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact our law office for a free initial consultation by calling (720) 307- 4330 or complete our online intake form to learn how we can fight for your rights, protect your future, and help you navigate this challenging time.
