Under federal law, taking federally-owned money or property that you had legal access to manage or monitor for your own gain is considered embezzlement. Federal embezzlement includes theft from federal agencies and contractors.
For example, it is embezzlement if a grant officer in a federal agency steals funds she is supposed to monitor or if a subcontractor remodeling a U.S. government office takes home the tiles he was supposed to install.
Bank and credit union employees who steal funds also risk being arrested on federal embezzlement charges.
These charges are complex and require aggressive, experienced defense. Call (412) 281-2146 today to speak with one of our experienced federal criminal attorneys in a free consultation.
Embezzlement Penalties
Embezzling U.S. government money or property worth less than $1,000 is punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. Embezzling more than $1,000 in federal money or property is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Embezzling printing devices, tools, stamps or other implements to create items the U.S. government circulates such as money, federal bonds, certificates, coupons or postage stamps is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
If you are a federal official, employee or agent and you embezzle less than $1,000 of public money, you can be punished with as much as a year in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both.
If you are a federal official, employees or agent and you embezzle more than $1,000 of public money you can be punished with as much as 10 years in prison. You may have to pay a $250,000 fine or a fine that is equal to the amount of money you embezzled, whichever amount is more.
If you are a federal court employee and you are found guilty of embezzling less than $1,000, you can be punished with up to a year in prison, fined up to $100,000, or both.
If you are a federal court employee and you are found guilty of embezzling more than $1,000, you can be punished with up to 10 years in prison. You may also be fined $250,000 or double the money embezzled, whichever amount is greater.
Specific sentences will vary according to circumstances such as a prior criminal record and federal sentencing guidelines.
How a Team of Pittsburgh Embezzlement Lawyers Can Help
If you have been indicted for embezzlement or you think you are being investigated, do not delay in hiring a federal criminal attorney who can begin preparing your defense. An embezzlement conviction will mean severe and lasting consequences for the rest of your life. Having an attorney who can defend you aggressively against your charges can help mitigate the consequences or help you avoid them altogether.
Questions? Contact us.
Your rights are at stake and you need the best defense to keep them. We will fight to defend you against embezzlement charges so you can move on with your life.
