Embezzlement is the most hyped form of theft in media right now. Its most distinguishing factor is the defendant using their relationship, role, or position to commit the offense. A conviction can threaten your interpersonal relationships, your freedom, and your ability to find employment and housing.
Each embezzlement case is unique and can come with varied consequences depending on the judge’s discretion and the specific circumstances. A Seattle criminal defense attorney can explain the worst-case scenarios and draft the best way to avoid dire consequences.
What are the Embezzlement Laws in Seattle?
Embezzlement in Washington State doesn’t have its own separate statute. Instead, it is considered a theft crime and charged as other theft offenses.
First-Degree Theft
Charges in this category are categorized as Class B felonies. It covers the following acts:
- Property damage of private or commercial metal property worth more than $5,000
- Theft of a search and rescue dog on duty
- Theft of a vehicle or firearm of any value
- Theft of $5,000
Second-Degree Theft
Offenses in this category are a Class C felony. It covers certain types of theft valued at between $750 and $5,000. It could be:
- Any property damage
- Damage of an access device
- Theft of private and commercial metal property
- Theft of a public record kept in any public office
Third-Degree Debt
Theft in this category is not a felony but a gross misdemeanor. You might attract this charge if you are accused of:
- Taking property worth up to $750
- Taking ten or more merchandise pallets
- Taking at least ten beverage crates
What are the Maximum Penalties for Embezzlement in Washington?
Embezzlement carries severe penalties. The length of your imprisonment usually depends on:
- Your criminal history
- Your offender score
- The seriousness level of the crime
- The class of the offense
Knowing the maximum penalties for embezzlement under Washington laws is key in understanding what is at stake.
Gross Misdemeanor
This charge comes with the risk of a maximum of:
- $5,000 in fines
- 365 days in jail
Class C Felony
The maximum penalties for embezzlement as a Class C felony are:
- $10,000
- Five years imprisonment
Class B Felony
Being the most serious form of embezzlement, you risk:
- A maximum of $50,000 in fines
- Up to 10 years in prison
How Does the Judge Arrive at Maximum or Minimum Sentencing?
Convicts of embezzlement don’t always get the maximum sentencing in Seattle. You can get a shorter term depending on your offender score and the seriousness level of the specific offense. Note that offender scores usually range between 0 and 9+.
First-Degree Theft
Theft involving motor vehicles and firearms often gets a maximum sentence. But other offenses in this degree have a seriousness level of II. Depending on your offender score, you can get the following range of sentencing:
- 0-90 days
- 2-6 months
- 3-9 months
- 4-12 months
- 12-14 months
- 14-18 months
- 17-22 months
- 22-29 months
- 33-43 months
- 43-57 months
Second-Degree Theft
Apart from theft involving vehicles and firearms, all other offenses in this degree have the lowest seriousness level. At level I, and depending on your offender score, sentencing is categorized as follows:
- 0-60 days
- 0-90 days
- 2-5 months
- 3-8 months
- 4-12 months
- 12-14 months
- 14-18 months
- 17-22 months
- 22-29 months
Are There Additional Penalties for Embezzlement in Seattle?
Punishment for embezzlement isn’t limited to jail, imprisonment, and fines. The judge might add more penalties depending on the situation. Convicts sometimes contend with:
- Adhering to numerous probation conditions
- Performing community service
- Paying restitution to the victims
Various aggravating circumstances and sentence enhancements could leave you with more extensive forms of punishment. An embezzlement lawyer in Seattle can review your case and advise you on mitigating potential punishment.
When is Embezzlement Charged as a Federal Crime?
The federal laws on embezzlement are found in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 31. It is worth noting that the punishment under the federal laws is harsher than what you’d get under Washington State laws. These federal charges can come if you are accused of:
- Stealing money as a government employee
- Stealing money as a bank employee
- Misappropriating funds through a government contract for goods or services
- Stealing from a federal agency
The penalties might vary depending on how much you obtained and the type of embezzlement. A federal conviction can come with:
- Fines of up to $250,000 or $100,000
- Up to 10 years in prison or one year in jail
If you are being investigated or accused of federal embezzlement, speak to an embezzlement lawyer in Seattle immediately.
How Can I Escape Embezzlement Penalties in Seattle?
Legal defenses are any accused person’s best bet. An embezzlement conviction can taint your reputation and make it difficult for you to find a job in the future. However, the prosecution has to prove that your actions amounted to embezzlement. The elements of the crime are similar to those of theft, and include:
- Your intentions to deprive another person of their property
- Use of deception to obtain control of another person’s property
- Unauthorized control or wrongly obtaining another person’s property
With the help of a Seattle embezzlement attorney, a judge can dismiss embezzlement charges that don’t meet all the elements of the offense. Additionally, evidence obtained illegally or improperly might not be admitted in court. An embezzlement lawyer in Washington State can look out for such loopholes and negotiate to drop or reduce your charges with the prosecution.
Protect Your Rights Today with Experienced Legal Counsel
If you have an embezzlement conviction in your records, it might be hard for future employers to trust you with key positions in their companies. Your family and friends could also look at you with a lot of mistrust if you are not cleared of such charges.
Fighting aggressively could be imperative in maintaining your reputation. And with the help of the Seattle embezzlement defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, your legal problems could be in the best hands. Talk to us today for cost-effective services and aggressive representation.
