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Embezzlement Laws FAQs - Los Angeles Embezzlement Lawyers - PC 503

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Embezzlement Laws - Frequently Asked Questions

Wallin & Klarich Lawyers Answer your Questions

Our Wallin & Klarich team of embezzlement lawyers want to share some common questions we have received regarding California's approach to embezzlement laws. How is Embezzlement Different than most Theft Related Offenses?

Embezzlement Laws in California - Penal Code 503 PC

Embezzlement is a complex crime but it is important to be well-versed on the law if you have been accused.

The major difference between embezzlement and other forms of theft is the requirement that the property was entrusted to you by the rightful owner. Most theft related offenses require that you obtained possession of the property illegally or without the consent of the owner. However in order to be convicted of embezzlement, you must have legally possessed the property or were given authority to access it. It is this relationship of trust between you and the owner that distinguishes embezzlement from other theft related offenses. Can I still be charged with embezzlement even if I returned the property to the owner? Yes. Under California's embezzlement laws, the crime of embezzlement is complete the moment you took or used the entrusted property for your own personal benefit. Even if you deprive the owner of its use for only a short time, you may still be convicted of embezzlement. Can my embezzlement charges be reduced? Yes. If the prosecution cannot prove that the value of the property embezzled exceeded $950, a charge of grand theft embezzlement can be reduced to petty theft under California's embezzlement laws. If the property embezzled was $50 or less and you have no other theft related offenses on your record, the charge can be reduced even further to an infraction and you will only be subject to a maximum fine of $250. How is the value of the embezzled property determined? The embezzled property's value is determined by its present market value at the time of the offense (when it was embezzled) rather than its original purchase price. Property such as paintings and antiques typically appreciate in value while cars depreciate the moment they are driven off the lot. On many occasions, the victim will overestimate the value of the property or the police will assign a random number reflecting its worth. Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced embezzlement attorney to determine the property's true value.

Where can I find an Embezzlement Attorney in California?

Embezzlement attorneys PC 503

Your future is too important to risk. Call our offices today so we can begin to help you with your case.

Drawing from extensive years of experience, the lawyers at Wallin & Klarich are available to answer any questions you have and are willing to go the extra mile in your defense. With offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, Torrance, Sherman Oaks, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, Wallin & Klarich has over 40 years of experience in successfully representing Southern California residents who have been charged with embezzlement. Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL (466-5245) or fill out our intake form. We will get through this together.

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our locations

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irvine

18022 Cowan # 285, Irvine, CA 92614

(949) 776-3424
(888) 749-0034

San Bernardino

225 W Hospitality Ln Suite 319, San Bernardino, CA 92408

(909) 383-1867
(888) 749-0034

Riverside

7177 Brockton Avenue Suite 339 Riverside, CA 92506

(951) 684-3340
(888) 749-0034

Victorville

15437 Anacapa Rd Unit 12, Victorville, CA 92392

(760) 245-3045
(888) 749-0034

Torrance

21151 S Western Ave #233, Torrance, CA 90501

(310) 527-5500
(888) 749-0034

Anaheim

1161 Raymond Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801

(714) 710-7917
(888) 749-0034

tustin

17592 Irvine Blvd, Tustin, CA 92780

(714) 730-5300
(888) 749-0034

san diego

444 W C St, #410, San Diego, CA 92101

barstow

400 S. 2nd Ave, Suite 206, Barstow, CA 92311

west covina

1619 West Garvey Ave N, #107, West Covina, CA 91790

long beach

5199 Pacific Coast Highway # 604, Long Beach, CA 90804

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