There are a variety of different circumstances that could lead to allegations of embezzlement. Some people face accusations because there appear to be intercepted payments or funds missing from a corporate bank account. Other times, inappropriate use of company expense accounts might lead to allegations of embezzlement.
Professionals accused of stealing from their employers often feel incredibly anxious. They worry about losing their jobs, suffering reputation damage and facing criminal consequences. Many people accused of embezzlement don’t know how to respond. Some even consider pleading guilty as a fast way of resolving the legal controversy that they face. Those who want to avoid a conviction may require support as they begin developing a strategy, and that’s okay.
The evidence should guide the response
Some professionals accused of embezzlement are legitimately confused about the accusations they face. They don’t understand why their employers believe that they did something inappropriate or illegal. In such cases, there may be financial records tying them to inappropriate transactions.
Someone in the accounting department, for example, may have issued checks or transferred funds under the direct instruction of a supervisor or a manager within the company. What looks like misconduct on their part might actually be part of a larger scheme conducted by another professional within the organization.
A thorough review of financial records and state evidence, possibly conducted with the support of a forensic accountant, could help find evidence that implicates another person or exonerates the accused professional. Finding discrepancies or patterns in financial records can change the outcome of an embezzlement case.
In cases involving accusations of misuse of a company expense account or reimbursement policy, reviewing training materials and communications with supervisors could help shed light on the situation. The employee may have received inaccurate information and may not have realized that their conduct was inappropriate. The circumstances leading to the embezzlement charges and the evidence supporting those allegations can both be important considerations.
The sooner a professional facing charges sits down to discuss the case with a criminal defense attorney, the better their chances of responding appropriately to minimize the consequences that they face. Developing a robust criminal defense strategy when accused of white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement, can help people protect their careers and limit the chances of lasting legal consequences.