Embezzlement

An embezzlement charge is a form of theft in California. Under California Penal Code §503 it is unlawful for a person to misappropriate property entrusted to them due to their position. It is taken more seriously by courts than that of theft because the person who is stealing is someone who has been entrusted with the property.

For example, let’s say a bank teller has been collecting deposits from customers and putting half into her own account. She will be charged, and most likely convicted, of embezzlement.

Due to the fact that embezzlement is a form of theft, a person who is charged and convicted of embezzlement will be sentenced within a range provided by the theft statute under the California Penal Code. PC §§487 and 488 establish a range for potential penalties that may be imposed if a person is convicted of the charge.

California Penal Code §503 makes it unlawful for a person to fraudulently appropriate property of another person’s that has been entrusted to you. This charge is often also referred to as employee theft of fraud. To put it more simply, it is when a person uses their position of trust to steal from those who have entrusted them.

Embezzlement can be extended to money, or personal property, as long as it has been misappropriated by a person who is being trusted with it.

An example of an embezzlement case would be a typical bank teller scenario. A bank tells is entrusted by others to handle their money and protect it. If the bank teller is stealing money and directing it into their own account, they will be charged with embezzlement. Embezzlement is a more serious form of theft because it is being abused by someone who is trusted with the person’s property.

Articles Posted in Embezzlement

Potential Consequences of an Embezzlement Charge in Los Angeles

What is Embezzlement in Southern California?