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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Not Guilty Robbery & Felony Assault
Charged with robbery and felony assault resulting in great bodily injury, our client was facing multiple strikes and significant time in prison. Mr. Donato took this case to trial, earning not guilty jury verdicts on both charges. Mr. Escobar walked out of court a free man, holding his young daughter in his arms.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Not Guilty Attempted Murder
Client was charged with several felonies including attempted murder and was acquitted of this charge by means of self-defense.
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Penalty Reduced Felony DUI
Client had previously been to prison for multiple DUI’s and was arrested again for DUI. We got client into treatment and persuaded the court (over the prosecutor’s objection) to sentence him to rehab instead of prison. Mr. Gerber is now a successful (and sober) project manager in the Bay Area.
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Dismissed Felony child abuse
Private Retained Counsel in Sacramento County; client was charged with felony child abuse and the DA offered prison time for plea bargan, Mr. Donato obtained the opinion of a child abuse expert and was able to get the DA to dismiss the case in the interest of justice.
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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.
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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.
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Case Dismissed Battery Charge
This battery case was ultimately dismissed after our office conducted investigation and found independent witnesses who stated that the victim lied to police and actually started the fight. The DA agreed to dismiss the case and Ms. August was able to maintain her clean record.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.