Sophisticated Defense For Embezzlement, Fraud And White Collar Crimes

Being accused of stealing money or property by taking advantage of another person’s trust can do irreparable harm to your personal and professional reputation.

Not all fraud and embezzlement cases occur within the financial services sector. These accusations can apply in restaurants, business offices, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, leaving no one immune to these damaging allegations.

If you are accused of embezzling funds or unjust enrichment through fraud, a conviction may mean significant jail time, fines, restitution and a felony record, plus loss of professional licenses or being blackballed from employment.

My law practice, Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law, provides a real defense to white collar crime allegations. I will vigorously challenge the charges against you, including defending you at trial if necessary. I have a track record of real results in felony cases in state and federal courts of Michigan, including dropped charges and acquittals.

Serious Defense For Accusations Of Embezzling Or Theft By Deception

While the facts of every case are unique, I have probably handled a situation similar to yours in my 15-plus years of criminal defense in West Michigan. I have experience with many types of fraud and financial crimes, including allegations of:

• Corporate embezzlement
• Employee theft and shoplifting/retail fraud
• Siphoning cash from business receipts, donations or fundraisers
• Social Security fraud (collecting benefits after a family member has died)
• Identify theft and credit card fraud

I have defended managers, bookkeepers, clerical workers, retail employees, medical professionals, financial advisers, family caregivers, business partners and people from all walks of life. I realize you may be angry or embarrassed to be under investigation and have your integrity questioned. I understand you are terrified of the potential consequences for your career or current employment and your standing in the community. My approach is to try to get in front of these situations to possibly influence charging decisions or resolve them discreetly. But if I cannot get charges dismissed or negotiate an out-of-court resolution, I am always prepared to defend my clients at trial to salvage their freedom and reputation.

My financial background, which includes an MBA degree, enables me to read a balance sheet and understand business accounting in a way that most attorneys cannot. That insight helps me to challenge electronic records, alleged discrepancies in the company’s books, and other evidence in fraud and embezzlement prosecutions.

What Is The Definition Of Embezzlement In Michigan?

Michigan law defines the crime of embezzlement as when an agent or employee of an individual, business, or government uses his or her position of trust to fraudulently take money, property, valuables, or proprietary information.

The wide-ranging examples of embezzlement can include an employee using a corporate card for personal expenses, an office manager misappropriating funds for personal gain, a retail or restaurant cashier pocketing cash out of the register, or a trustee of an estate using assets to buy personal property, take trips, or pay for meals.

If you have been charged with embezzlement in Michigan, the penalties can be significant, and may not be directly associated with the amount stolen, but the nature of the victim or the position of the alleged embezzler.

What Are The Penalties For Embezzlement?

Embezzlement charges can be misdemeanors or felonies, with the penalties increasing for greater amounts or for repeat offenders. Generally, it may be charged as a felony at $1,000 in value or upon a second offense.

• Embezzlement of money or property valued at less than $200 is a misdemeanor, punishable with jail time of up to 93 days and a fine of either $500 or three times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.
• Embezzlement of money or property valued at between $200 and $1,000 – or less than $200 with a previous embezzlement conviction or if the money or property was embezzled from a nonprofit or charitable organization – is a misdemeanor, punishable with jail time of up to one year and a fine of either $1,000 or three times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.
• Embezzlement of money or property valued at between $1,000 and $20,000 – or between $200 – $1,000 with a previous embezzlement conviction or if the money or property was embezzled from a nonprofit or charitable organization – is a felony, punishable with jail time of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000, or three times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.
• Embezzlement of money or property valued at between $20,000 and $50,000 – or between $1,000 – $20,000 with a previous embezzlement conviction or if the money or property was embezzled from a nonprofit or charitable organization – is a felony, punishable with jail time of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $15,000, or three times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.
• Embezzlement of money or property valued at between $50,000 and $100,000 is a felony, punishable with jail time of up to 15 years and a fine of $25,000 or three times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.
• Embezzlement of money or property valued at more than $100,000 is a felony, punishable with jail time of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $50,000 or three times the value of the money or property, whichever is greater.

Experienced And Local Representation

I was raised in Grand Rapids and have practiced here my whole career. My familiarity with the local courts and law enforcement works to your advantage. At Maesen Law, my staff and I never forget that we are defending real people. We work aggressively to get ahead of your case, so you can understand how your criminal circumstances will impact your overall livelihood.

We are available 24 hours a day by calling our Wyoming, Michigan, office at 616-818-0011, or you can email us to review your case. You work directly with me, starting with a free initial consultation.