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.

  • Case Dismissed Robbery

    Client was facing robbery charges and our investigation showed the witness was not likely to show up for trial. We pushed to get this case before a jury, and when the prosecution was unable to produce evidence against our client the case was dismissed.

  • 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.

  • Penalty Reduced Domestic Violence with Great Bodily Injury

    People v. Carter Reduced (Probation) Client was a professional athlete and broke his girlfriend’s elbow during a domestic incident. Original offer was five years in prison. Our investigation showed the conflicts and changes in the victim’s story, and we effectively negotiated the case down to house arrest and probation.

  • 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.

  • Dismissed 1st Degree Murder

    Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; Client was charged with 1st Degree Murder looking at 75 years to Life in prison: upon case discovery review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and get the entire case dismissed in the interest of justice.

  • Acquittal Attempted Murder

    Client was facing life in prison for attempted murder after a shooting on a bus where the jury found the client acted in self-defense.

  • Not Guilty Attempted Murder

    Client was charged with several felonies including attempted murder and was acquitted of this charge by means of self-defense.

  • Case Dismissed DUI

    Our cient's DUI was dismissed after we obtained the officer's in car camera video which revealed the officer had fabricated major portions of the report.  Thanks in part to Mr. Donato's discoveries, the officer in this case was arrested and eventually plead guilty to numerous counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.  The officer was ultimately sentenced to prison.

  • Full Acquittal DUI

    Mr. Donato won a full acquittal at trial by showing that the DA could not prove Mr. Brown was under the influence of alcohol at the time he was driving.  The jury concluded the case was too speculative, and Mr. Brown walked on all DUI charges against him.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Case Dismissed Felony Charge

    Getting this felony case dismissed at preliminary hearing was a fight. But by effectively cross examining the arresting officer and showing that our client was not an accomplice to the alleged crime, Mr. Donato succeeded in getting this dismissal.  Our client came into the preliminary hearing facing felony charges of conspiracy and battery with great bodily injury, and he walked out a free man with an untarnished record.

  • 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.

  • Not Guilty Felony Domestic Violence

    Our client faced charges for felony domestic violence and misdemeanor child abuse.  Mr. Donato showed the jury at trial that Mr. Hillman's spiteful ex-girlfriend had lied about the facts.  Mr. Hillman walked into trial facing 10 years in prison, but he walked out a free man.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.