Embezzlement

Sacramento Embezzlement Attorney

Defending Your Rights Against Embezzlement Charges in Sacramento

When facing embezzlement charges in California, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of the law. At Donato Legal Group, we are dedicated to providing experienced legal representation to those who are facing embezzlement allegations in the Sacramento area. Our Sacramento embezzlement attorneys are not only committed to protecting your rights, but we stand ready to help you navigate the legal system effectively.

Call Donato Legal Group today at (916) 318-5997 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our embezzlement attorney in Sacramento.

What Is Embezzlement in CA?

Embezzlement is considered a white-collar crime that involves the misappropriation or theft of funds or property entrusted to someone's care. In California, embezzlement charges typically arise when an individual in a position of trust or responsibility, such as an employee or a financial officer, unlawfully takes money or property for personal gain. Embezzlement can take various forms, including:

  • Misappropriation of Funds
  • Property Theft
  • Fraudulent Accounting
  • Conversion of Assets

What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement Conviction in California?

The punishments for embezzlement in California depend on the case's specific circumstances, including the value of the misappropriated funds or property. Generally, embezzlement is charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with potential penalties as follows:

  • Misdemeanor Embezzlement: Individuals may face misdemeanor charges for cases involving property or funds worth less than $950. If convicted, penalties can include up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.
  • Felony Embezzlement: In cases where the value of the embezzled property or funds exceeds $950 or if the defendant has a prior embezzlement conviction, felony charges may apply. Felony embezzlement convictions can result in state prison sentences, with varying lengths depending on the value of the embezzled property.

Types of Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges

Some common defenses against embezzlement charges may include:

  • Lack of Intent: If it can be shown that you did not have the intent to embezzle funds or property, it can be a strong defense. This may involve demonstrating that any discrepancies in accounting were unintentional.
  • Mistaken Identity: If there is evidence that someone else committed the embezzlement, we can work to establish your innocence through witness testimony, surveillance footage, or other relevant evidence.
  • Consent: If you had authorization or consent to use the funds or property in question, we can argue that you did not commit embezzlement.
  • Duress or Coercion: If you were forced or coerced into committing the embezzlement under threat or duress, this can be a valid defense.
  • Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence and demonstrating that it does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is another effective defense strategy.

Get Legal Guidance from Our Sacramento Embezzlement Attorney

If you or someone you know is facing embezzlement charges in California, seeking legal representation from experienced professionals who can safeguard your rights and advocate for your best interests is imperative. At Donato Legal Group, our Sacramento embezzlement lawyers will work tirelessly to build a robust defense tailored to your specific circumstances while aiming for the best possible outcome in your case. Your future is worth protecting, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Contact Donato Legal Group today to get started on your defense with our Sacramento embezzlement lawyer.

Recent Case Results

We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Acquitted of ALL charges (Trial) Felony Sexual Assault of a Minor

    Client was a group home employee and was accused by one of the (minor) group home residents of sexual misconduct. Our office successfully showed the complaining witness was lying about the allegations, and the jury unanimously acquitted Ms. Roberts of all charges after deliberating for only a few hours.

  • Case Dismissed Felony Marijuana Charges

    Dismissed Client was charged with multiple felony marijuana related charges. Our investigation showed that client was not involved in the operation although she was present during execution of the search warrant. The case was dismissed as to our client, whereas the co-defendants were convicted.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale

    Our client was one of several defendants charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale. The defendants were found at an alleged "crack-house" surrounded by various illegal narcotics, and even firearms. After threatening to go to trial, Mr. Donato had the entire case against our client dismissed by day two in court.

  • Case Dismissed Possessing Marijuana for Sale

    Mr. Donato covinced the District Attorney that his client was protected under the Medical Marijuana Laws as a legal caregiver, and all felony charges regarding possessing marijuana for sale were dismissed.

  • Case Dismissed Possessing Marijuana for Sale

    Even before trial, our office had this case dismissed by presenting evidence that our client, who faced felony charges of possessing marijuana for sale, qualified as a legal caregiver and was protected from prosecution under the California medical marijuana laws.

  • Case Dismissed Domestic Violence

    Client was arrested for domestic violence after boyfriend called the police and lied about a fight he in fact started. We showed the prosecution our client’s medical records documenting her significant injuries in contrast to her boyfriend’s minor injuries and the prosecution dismissed against our client to pursue charges against her boyfriend.

  • Case Dismissed Vehicle Theft and Evading Law Enforcement

    With our client charged with felony vehicle theft and evading law enforcement, Mr. Donato sought out the necessary investigation to show that his client was actually not the driver of the vehicle. The DA dismissed all charges.

  • Not Guilty Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale

    With a client facing charges for possession of methamphetamine for sale in addition to firearm enhancements, even the judge questioned Mr. Donato as to why he was taking the case to trial. In the end, however, the jury had very few questions to ask, as it took them less than an hour to return their not guilty verdicts for Mr. Donato's client.

  • Dismissed Embezzlement

    Client was a military veteran that was accused of embezzlement from his employer. Mr. Donato was able to get the employer and DA to drop all charges and dismissed the case.

  • Suspension Waived DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing

    At this DMV Administrative Per Se hearing, Mr. Donato argued that the Campus Police Officers did not have lawful authority to conduct a traffic stop away from campus. The Hearing Officer agreed and set aside our client's Campus license suspension.

  • Case Dismissed Battery Charged

    With a client facing charges for spousal battery, a serious offense that would have cost him his job, Mr. Donato effectively negotiated with the DA, resulting in a full dismissal in return for 12 anger management classes.

  • Case Dismissed Drug Charge

    Our client's drug case was dismissed after Mr. Donato proved to a judge that the officer's only basis for conducting a probation search in this case was for harassment purposes in violation of his client's 4th Amendment Rights.

  • Not Guilty Possession of a Concealed Firearm

    Charged with possession of a concealed firearm inside of a car, our client was facing special criminal enhancements. Not only did the gun have an illegal high-capacity magazine, our client allegedly possessed the gun in association with a gang.  Mr. Donato fought this case at trial and hung the jury 9-3 for not guilty. But the District Attorney elected to re-try the case. Mr. Donato responded by taking the case to trial again, this time returning with a full not guilty verdict.

  • Full Acquittal DUI

    Our office took this case to jury trial and received a full acquittal on all charges including DUI and refusing to take a chemical test.  This would have been Mr. Sanchez's second DUI and would have resulted in a year long license revocation.

  • Not Guilty Illegal Discharge of a Firearm

    Client was charged with multiple felony assaults and unlawful discharge of a firearm with gang enhancements and looking at life in prison. Mr. Donato was able to get a full acquittal.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Marijuana for Sale

    Our client was facing felony charges of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.  After successfully having the case dismissed, Mr. Donato also negotiated with the District Attorney to return the $20,000 in cash that was seized from our client.

  • Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon

    Dismissed Client was charged with brandishing a firearm when he had a confrontation with his daughter’s boyfriend in his own home. We effectively fought to get this case dismissed on the eve of trial.

  • Not Guilty Gang Enhancement

    Our office was proud to defeat the gang enhancement charge at trial for our client, who was charged with possessing a firearm for the benefit of a gang.  Defeating the gang enhancement was the sole reason for going to trial, and it saved our client from gaining a second strike conviction, not to mention significant prison time.

  • Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon

    After an intense road rage incident, our client was charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly ramming another car with her own. After diligent investigation and negotiations with the Prosecutors in this case, Mr. Donato persuaded the government to dismiss the case in its entirety.

  • Reduced to a misdemeanor Charged with felony sexual battery

    Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; the client was charged with felony sexual battery and looking at his third strike and 25 years to Life in prison; upon body worn camera review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and had the case reduced to a misdemeanor and the client was released from jail custody that day.