Milwaukee Embezzlement Defense Lawyer
Embezzlement is typically considered a white-collar crime because it most often occurs within corporations. This offense involves the theft of funds or other assets by taking advantage of one’s professional position. Public awareness of embezzlement has grown in recent years due to high-profile cases such as the one involving New York financier Bernard Madoff and his Ponzi scheme in which he bilked investors of more than 50 billion dollars.
If you have been accused of embezzlement, you may be facing harsh penalties and serious harm to your professional reputation. It is important that you discuss your case and defense options with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Milwaukee embezzlement defense attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C., today at (414) 271-9595 for more information.
Why You Need a Milwaukee Embezzlement Defense Attorney
An experienced Milwaukee Embezzlement Defense Attorney can help you avoid or minimize the impact of an accusation of embezzlement on your life, your personal relationships, your professional relationships and your reputation.
The complexities of the criminal justice system require the services of a qualified Milwaukee Embezzlement Defense Attorney to protect your rights. The criminal justice system is intimidating and confusing for those unfamiliar with the law and the legal process. Any person accused of a crime has rights, and a competent, qualified attorney who knows the criminal justice system can help protect these rights. The police and the prosecutors represent the people, not you.
A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can speak for you. They can speak to law enforcement and the prosecuting attorneys. They can even speak to the judge on your behalf. This prevents you from accidentally incriminating yourself or possibly negating a possible defense, or agreeing to something that is not in your best interests.
Remember that conviction for embezzlement may include significant fines and prison time. Representation by a Milwaukee Embezzlement Defense Attorney increases your chances of a better outcome, such as the government dropping the charges or reduction of fines and/or length of any prison sentence.
Why Should I Choose Hart Powell, S.C. to Represent Me?
Representation by the knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. can help when you have been accused of embezzlement by the government, which has immense resources. Hart Powell, S.C. espouses a team approach to representation. Each attorney recognizes the devastating effect that an embezzlement accusation and possible conviction brings, and they work together to resolve your case as favorably as possible. Any case starts with an investigation of the facts surrounding the accusation.
Meet our attorneys:
Michael Hart – Michael has practiced law for over 30 years. As a member of both the Wisconsin Bar and the Michigan Bar, Michael has represented clients in both jurisdictions. The American Association for Justice, the Wisconsin Association for Justice, and the National Criminal Defense Association of Defense Lawyers count Michael as a member. One of his most notable cases involved representing an executive who was accused of embezzling 30 million dollars. Michael successfully got the prosecution to reduce the charges, and the client ultimately was sentenced to 11 years.
Craig Powell – Craig has practiced law for over 15 years, specializing in the area of Criminal Defense. His work has earned him recognition in Milwaukee Magazine, Law & Politics Magazine, and Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the field of criminal defense. The National Trial Lawyers named him to their Top 100 Trial Lawyers list, and AVVO rated him as 10.0 “Superb.”
Geoffrey Misfeldt – Other lawyers and even judges describe Geoffrey as zealous but respectful. For the past seven years, Geoffrey’s representation of his clients has earned him the distinction of being named among the top 2.5% of young lawyers in the state.
Daniel Sanders – Dan joined the firm in 2013. Prior to that he worked as a criminal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin for 14 years. Before he became a federal prosecutor, he worked as a state prosecutor in Ohio for seven years. The National Trial Lawyers named Dan to their Top 100 Trial Lawyers list in 2014.
Our lawyers combine their knowledge, experience, and skills to provide you with a top-notch defense. They not only protect your rights, which are guaranteed by the United States Constitution, but they strive to secure for you the most favorable outcome possible so that you can begin the process of putting your life back together. The attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. will always treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve.
The attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. have an extensive list of satisfied criminal defense clients. Navigating the arena of the criminal justice system is daunting. Enlisting the help of one of our attorneys to get you through the criminal justice system will ensure that you don’t forfeit any of your rights. The attorneys at Hart Powell, S.C. are professionals who will work diligently to make sure your rights are protected.
Common Forms of Embezzlement
Wisconsin law does not actually use the term “embezzlement” but rather has a two-pronged definition of theft that is similar to embezzlement:
- The person has control of the money or property by virtue of their position; and
- The person appropriates the money or property for their own use without the rightful owner’s consent.
Embezzlement hinges on the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. The most common type of embezzlement occurs when an employee takes funds or other property from an employer. Other kinds of embezzlement exist as well, such as when a fiduciary or trust relationship exists between two people and one person violates that trust to take the other’s property. For example, if an uncle manages a trust for his niece and takes some or all of the money in the trust for his own use without her consent, the law considers that embezzlement.
In order to be convicted of embezzlement, prosecutors must have evidence of an illegal act. This includes proving that the defendant took advantage of his or her position to acquire stolen funds, the embezzlement resulted in financial gain, and that fraudulent actions occurred during the misappropriation of funds.
The following are some common methods of embezzlement:
The police may charge you with either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property involved. If the value of the property that you allegedly embezzled is greater than $10,000, you may face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.
If you are charged with a federal crime of embezzlement, typically, a federal agency has been defrauded. However, federal charges may also be levied when taxpayer money or United States government property is involved. You may face up to $250,000 in fines and a prison term of more than 30 years. If you are charged with federal embezzlement, your case will be handled in federal court, not state court.
If you are found guilty of embezzlement, you may be facing years of jail time, costly fines, and a damaged reputation. Therefore it is crucial that you make every possible effort to defend yourself. The criminal defense attorneys of Hart Powell, S.C., can thoroughly research the facts of your case and provide you with the experienced legal defense you need to fight these charges.
Contact Us
The Milwaukee embezzlement attorneys of Hart Powell, S.C., are ready to provide the dedicated legal support you deserve. Contact us today at (414) 271-9595 for a free consultation.