Spokane Embezzlement Attorney

Providing Skilled Defense for Accused Embezzlers

Embezzlement is a serious crime that involves the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person who has been entrusted with that property. If convicted, you could face felony charges, substantial fines, and prison time. The prosecution will do everything in its power to ensure you are convicted, and you will need a Spokane embezzlement attorney to help you fight for your freedom.

At Phelps & Associates, our Spokane embezzlement attorneys have the experience, skill, and determination to successfully defend clients against charges of embezzlement. We will work hard to protect your rights and seek a favorable outcome in your case, whether that means acquittal or a reduction in charges.

Contact our firm today at (509) 620-0606 to set up a free consultation with a skilled embezzlement attorney in Spokane.

What Is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of another person's property by a person who has been entrusted with that property. Embezzlement is committed when a person acts with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the use, possession, or control of the property. A person who embezzles property may be charged with a felony.

Examples of embezzlement include:

• Employee embezzling from an employer
• Spouse embezzling from a partner
• Friend embezzling from a friend
• Relative embezzling from a family member

Embezzlement can occur in many different ways. For example, an employee may falsify records or steal cash or goods from the employer. A spouse may steal money or goods from a partner. A friend may use a credit card without permission. A relative may use property without permission.

How Does the Prosecutor Prove Embezzlement?

The prosecution must prove that you had the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the use, possession, or control of the property. They will likely use circumstantial evidence to prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the use of the property. For example, the prosecutor may use the fact that you were in a position of trust and had access to the property to show that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the use of the property. They may also use evidence that you tried to hide the fact that you stole the property to prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

Our Spokane embezzlement attorneys can help you build a strong defense against embezzlement charges.

What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement in Washington?

In Washington, embezzlement is a felony. The potential penalties for embezzlement include:

• First-degree embezzlement: A fine of up to $100,000, up to 20 years in prison, or both
• Second-degree embezzlement: A fine of up to $50,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both

The severity of the penalties for embezzlement will depend on the value of the property that was embezzled and the circumstances of the case. For example, if you embezzled more than $250,000, you may face the maximum penalties for first-degree embezzlement even if the property was worth less.

It is important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution must prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the use, possession, or control of the property. They must also prove that the property you allegedly embezzled was worth more than $250. If the property was worth less than $250, you may be charged with a misdemeanor.

How Our Spokane Embezzlement Attorney Can Help

If you have been accused of embezzlement, you need an experienced attorney to help you fight the charges. Our Spokane embezzlement lawyers have the knowledge, skill, and determination to fight for our clients. We will work hard to protect your rights and seek a favorable outcome in your case, whether that means acquittal or a reduction in charges.

We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Contact us online or at (509) 620-0606.