
Embezzlement Attorney In Tampa, FL
Whenever you are facing criminal charges, it is vital to have experienced, determined, and dedicated legal representation to help you reach a favorable outcome. If you are facing charges for embezzlement, you want to do everything in your power to avoid legal penalties and a conviction. Embezzlement is a crime that is taken seriously in Florida, so you should speak with a Tampa embezzlement lawyer as soon as you are aware of an investigation or you’ve been charged.
The legal team at Amarosa Law Firm P.A. can provide you with exceptional legal assistance as you navigate through your embezzlement case. It is imperative that you hire a Tampa embezzlement attorney to walk you through every aspect of your case, prevent you from making any costly mistakes, and bring an extensive knowledge of Florida’s embezzlement laws. The help of a good lawyer is key to achieving a positive result.
What Is Embezzlement?
Embezzlement is the fraudulent theft of money and/or assets by somebody who is entrusted with their safekeeping. It is not the same as theft or larceny, as the initial possession of these goods was wholly legal. However, the charge falls under Florida Statute § 812.014 for theft, as there is no statute specifically for embezzlement in the state. It is considered a White Collar Crime, as it is typically non-violent in nature and is a crime of dishonesty in Tampa.
According to recent statistical data from the United States Sentencing Commission, there were 461 sentences carried out in Florida for embezzlement, fraud, and theft in 2024 alone, which accounted for 16.6% of the state’s sentences. The FTC detailed over 474,000 cases of fraud in the state that same year.
Defenses Against Embezzlement
To fight embezzlement charges, you need a sound defense strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case against you and provide evidence that supports your version of events. Some possible defense strategies that can be used in an embezzlement case include:
- Lack of intent. One of the most important elements of the prosecution’s case is proving intent. If they cannot do that, they really don’t have much of a case. It is up to your lawyer to demonstrate that you had no intention of committing embezzlement. What happened was a grievous misunderstanding or an accident.
- Authorization. It may be impossible to refute the fact that you did take money from an individual or company and put those funds in a separate account under your name. However, you can argue that you only did this because they said you could. If you can prove that you had authorization to access those funds and consent to use them the way you did, that could be a viable defense.
- Duress. People with access to large amounts of money can often find themselves in precarious situations. You may argue that you only did what you did because you were threatened or coerced into doing it. There may be another individual who forced you to commit a crime. Providing evidence of duress can help your case.
Hire an Embezzlement Lawyer
It is wise to hire an embezzlement lawyer the moment you realize you are being investigated. Having a seasoned attorney with relevant experience and knowledge when you are facing legal penalties is essential. James R. Amarosa II has spent nearly 20 years helping clients just like you. He understands all that is at stake and is well-respected and known for his brilliant courtroom strategies.
Amarosa Law Firm P.A. represents clients charged with embezzlement in the Tampa area, including Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties. We can discuss the details of your circumstances and how we can help you in a free, confidential consultation.
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FAQs
If you are arrested and charged with embezzlement in Tampa, it is likely that you will be taken to the Hillsborough County Jail. Depending on the details of your case, you may be placed in federal custody, especially if your alleged crime has crossed state lines. It is vital that you contact a lawyer as soon as you can.
Yes, embezzlement can often be hard to prove. The prosecution has to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and this is not easy. Beyond proving intent, which is crucial, the prosecution must explain complicated financial evidence to a jury and uncover evidence that can be difficult to obtain. Your lawyer needs to introduce a reasonable doubt to win your case.
Yes, embezzlement can be settled out of court in Florida, especially for first-time offenders who are only being charged with embezzling a small amount. Embezzlement cases can often be resolved through restitution agreements, where the defendant agrees to pay back the money they allegedly embezzled. Restitution agreements are often part of a plea bargain to avoid or mitigate penalties.
The ideal defense against embezzlement is demonstrating a lack of intent. If your lawyer can successfully show that you did not intend to commit embezzlement and never intended to deprive the owner of the money, it can harm the prosecution’s case against you. If you can find evidence of implied consent, that can help your case as well.
There are many ways that an embezzlement lawyer can help. Your lawyer can handle all of the paperwork associated with your case, prevent you from missing any crucial filing deadlines, and provide you with consistent support through a difficult time. Most importantly, they can build a solid defense, protect your rights, and help you avoid severe penalties.
Contact an Embezzlement Lawyer Today
At Amarosa Law Firm P.A., we can build you a valid defense strategy to combat the embezzlement charges you may be facing. Contact us to speak to one of our team members about scheduling a free consultation to discuss your case details.