Trusted Joliet Embezzlement Attorneys

The words ‘convicted criminal’ bring certain negative associations to most people’s minds. Often, they envision someone who behaves in a shady manner, is potentially dangerous, and has made a career out of committing crimes and victimizing others. While this may be true in some cases, there are many situations in which this stereotype does not apply. Otherwise honest, hardworking people can find themselves facing charges for criminal activities, and the types of criminal acts they are charged with do not always involve weapons, breaking into people’s homes, or lurking in a dark alley. At Sabuco Beck, P.C., we represent clients convicted of white collar crimes, including embezzlement. While these types of criminal charges may seem less severe or threatening than other criminal matters, they do carry stiff penalties that could impact your life, both now and in the future.

Illinois Embezzlement Charges

Embezzlement is a type of theft crime that usually involves a person placed in a position of trust over the assets or finances of an organization, institution, or other person. Under the Illinois Compiled Statutes (720 ILCS 5/16-1), theft is defined as the following:

• Obtaining unauthorized control over another’s property;
• Using deception or threats to gain control over another’s property;
• Obtaining control of property that you know is stolen or that was obtained in an illegal manner;
• Using property in such a way as to deprive the property owner of benefit.

Under this statute, property can be defined as actual property, such as real estate or personal belongings, as well as financial property and assets, including bank accounts, credit cards, and stocks or bonds.

Penalties If Convicted of Embezzlement Charges

Under the Illinois Statutes, embezzlement can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony crime depending on the nature and circumstance of the crime, and the ramifications if convicted vary depending on the amount of property used or otherwise obtained. Potential penalties for embezzlement include the following:

• For property valued at less than $500: Misdemeanor charges punishable by up to a year in prison and fines up to $2,500.
• For property valued between $500 and $10,000: Class 3 felony charges, punishable by two to five years’ imprisonment and fines up to $2,500;
• For property valued between $10,000 and $100,000: Class 2 felony, punished be three to seven years’ imprisonment and fines up to $25,000;
• For property valued between $100,000 and $1,000,000: Class 1 felony, punishable by four to fifteen years’ imprisonment, and $25,000 fine.

If the property is valued at one million dollars or more, it is considered a class X felony, punishable by about to 30 years in jail. In addition, you could be facing federal embezzlement charges under US Code Section 18 U.S.C. § 641 if the theft involved public money or property belonging to the government.

Contact Our Experienced Will County Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

If you or someone you care about is facing embezzlement charges, contact Sabuco Beck, P.C. today. Our experienced Will County criminal defense attorneys understand the serious impacts these charges can have on your reputation, finances, and personal freedoms, both now and in the future, and can assist in strategizing the best course of defense in your particular case.