Illinois Embezzlement Defense Lawyer

Skilled Criminal Lawyer Serving Lake County

Embezzlement may be the most common form of white collar crime, however, the current social climate is not one which is sympathetic to those charged with embezzlement. Prosecutors are more aggressive in convicting those charged with the crime of embezzlement and the general public has little patience with the crime. Most white collar crime charges, including those of embezzlement, are usually the product of a very thorough, lengthy investigation by the state, and Illinois penalties are extremely severe. With so much to lose, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Lake County embezzlement attorney at your earliest opportunity.

If you have been charged with embezzlement, the The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help. We understand the embarrassment, fear and anxiety such charges can bring, and we want to help you alleviate some of those fears. Matthew R. Gebhart will take the time to thoroughly explain your charges, the legal process and the possible penalties to you in a way you can easily understand. Our Northbrook embezzlement defense lawyer spent five years as a Cook County prosecutor, and can use that experience to your advantage. If you even suspect you may be charged with embezzlement, the earlier you get Attorney Gebhardt on board, the better your chances for a successful outcome. Early intervention is crucial in resolving the matter positively and preventing you from having a criminal record which can affect the rest of your life.

What Constitutes Embezzlement in Illinois?

Taking money or property—most often from a business—is considered embezzlement. In most all cases of embezzlement the accused was in a position of trust which allowed access to funds or property. Embezzlement is generally committed by employees against their employers. In particular, those most commonly charged with embezzlement are accountants and bookkeepers who may fall prey to temptation. Different types of embezzlement include:

• Funds diverted from one account or one project to another;
• The personal use of client funds;
• Theft of refund money or deposits;
• Misallocation or misappropriation of employer funds;
• Recording an incorrect amount and keeping the difference; and
• Failure to finish work that has already been paid for.

Penalties for Embezzlement

Some of the potential penalties you could face if convicted of embezzlement in the State of Illinois include the following:

• If convicted of taking money or property worth $500 or less, you could conceivably face up to a year in jail and a fine of as much as $2,500.
• If your embezzlement charges are for taking money or property worth more than $500, but less than $10,000, you could face two to five years in jail and fines as high as $25,000.
• Embezzlement charges for taking money or property from $100,000 to more than $1,000,000 can lead to a prison sentence from four to thirty years and a fine as high as $25,000.
• Enhanced penalties exist if the money or property was taken from a school, church or government property or if the embezzlement was perpetrated against an adult who is 60 years or older.

Getting the Help You Need from a Lake County Embezzlement Lawyer

Matthew R. Gebhardt understands the value of aggressive representation when charges of embezzlement are brought. Attorney Gebhardt has the skill and the necessary resources to take on the most difficult embezzlement case; he understands just what is at stake and has a goal of preventing you from having a criminal record which can make your life extremely difficult for a very long time. Our Lake County, Illinois embezzlement defense lawyer will work with the necessary experts to build your defense, including accountants and financial analysts and will also thoroughly evaluate all evidence the state has against you as a means of providing the jury with an alternate explanation of your actions. Contact Matthew R. Gebhardt today at 773-383-8745 or 847-239-4703.