Embezzlement Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Are You In Need of a Reputable Los Angeles Embezzlement Attorney?

If you’ve been accused of embezzlement in Los Angeles, you’re up against the potential destruction of your career, reputation, and future. Embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime in California, and charges are pursued aggressively by both state and federal prosecutors.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we understand the gravity of embezzlement allegations and the disruption they cause.

Before you even realize you're a target, prosecutors could be building their case for months by interviewing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and analyzing financial records. That’s why immediate and strategic legal representation is so important.

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Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP has seen many cases where law enforcement and prosecutors were more interested in finding someone to blame than finding the real guilty party.

We thoroughly investigate client cases to provide a solid defense. We may also be able to work out an informal resolution with your employer to get the charges dropped or reduced.

Call our Los Angeles embezzlement defense attorneys at (213) 688-0460 to set up a free consultation today.

Why Choose Us Over Other Embezzlement Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles?

Here’s why clients trust us to defend their embezzlement cases:

• Founded in 1994 with a legacy of representing high-profile and high-stakes criminal cases across California
• Mark J. Werksman is a former Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy District Attorney who brings decades of federal and state court experience
• Alan Jackson, former Assistant Head Deputy for the L.A. County DA’s Major Crimes Division, known for handling complex and media-sensitive cases
• Kelly Quinn, a certified specialist in writs and appeals, is renowned for her high-level appellate advocacy in complex criminal matters
• Multiple attorneys named to Super Lawyers, including 12 selections for white-collar criminal defense
• AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest standards in ethics and legal ability
• Deep bench strength—you get an entire team of top-tier criminal defense professionals, not just one attorney
• Proven record in dismissals, acquittals, and sentence reductions in white-collar cases throughout California
• Discreet and confidential representation tailored to protect careers, licenses, and public reputations
• Recognized ability to handle complex financial documentation, forensic accounting disputes, and internal audits

What Is the Legal Definition of Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is defined in California Penal Code 503 - 515 as "the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted." It is considered a crime against property and, as such, is a non-violent crime. However, it is usually paired with other charges or multiple counts to make sentencing more severe. Here are some specifics found in the law:

• P.C. 504 specifically names government servants and corporate agents who "fraudulently [appropriate] to any use or purpose not in the due and lawful execution of that person’s trust, any property in [their] possession or under [their] control by virtue of that trust, or [secrete] it with a fraudulent intent to appropriate it to that use or purpose" as being guilty of embezzlement. P.C. 506 and beyond extend that definition to attorneys, bankers, financial agents, debt collectors, tenants, people with power of attorney, clerks, servants, and more.
• Removing, concealing, or disposing of someone else’s personal property in your possession is also grounds for an embezzlement charge, and so is accepting said removed, concealed, or disposed-of property.
• A debtor who sells property secured by a security agreement and does not report or give the proceeds of the sale to the secured party is also guilty of embezzlement.
• Any person with control of "transportation for hire" property (for example, an Amazon delivery driver) who uses it for any purpose "inconsistent" with the safekeeping and trust put in him is guilty of embezzlement, whether the package was opened or not.
• Any contractor who uses money paid to him for a use or purpose other than that for which he received it is guilty of embezzlement. (This does not include paying subcontractors or laborers or purchasing materials pursuant to the contract.)

It’s important to note that a distinct act of taking is not necessary to constitute embezzlement. In addition, the fact that the accused "intended to restore the property embezzled" is no defense if the restoration has not already taken place before the matter is laid before a judge or grand jury.

On the other hand, California considers the fact that property was appropriated "openly and avowedly" under a claim of title preferred in good faith as a sufficient defense against embezzlement. However, it does not excuse the unlawful retention of another’s property.

What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is punished as a theft crime, which means it shares the penalties for petty theft and grand theft. Your potential penalties may be enhanced if you have a prior criminal history, if the value of the property in contention was especially high, or if the crime was considered a "serious" one by the State. For example, if you are convicted of grand theft of a firearm, it is a "strike" under California’s Three Strikes Law. Here are the basics:

• Petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor and can include items taken or property misappropriated of $950 or less in value. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in jail or both.
• Grand theft is a "wobbler" that prosecutors may charge as a misdemeanor or felony, and include items taken or property misappropriated of $950 or more in value. The penalty for a felony theft charge is up to 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail or state prison.
• The misappropriation of firearms, vehicles, or real property sales is usually charged as a felony, regardless of the items’ value. For real property sales violations, the fine may be up to $10,000, with imprisonment in county jail not exceeding 1 year or pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.
• The embezzlement of public funds of the United States, or of any state or municipal government in California is a felony, punishable by incarceration in state prison. The person convicted with be ineligible for any office of "honor, trust, or profit" in California forever afterward.

You can also be charged with multiple counts of theft for separate instances of purported embezzlement, which allows the court to stack the penalties on top of each other. The crime is considered "aggravated" if the victim was an elderly or dependent person and will incur a longer sentence and harsher fines. But a good Los Angeles defense lawyer may be able to present an effective defense and reduce the charges, or get them dropped altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement Cases

What is embezzlement under California law?

Under California Penal Code §503, embezzlement is defined as the unlawful appropriation of property by someone entrusted with it. Unlike theft, embezzlement involves a relationship of trust between the accused and the alleged victim, such as an employer-employee or fiduciary relationship.

Is embezzlement a felony in California?

Embezzlement can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property. If the value is $950 or less, it may be a misdemeanor. If it exceeds $950, the offense can be charged as a felony, carrying up to 3 years in county jail or more if additional enhancements apply.

However, cases involving public funds, elderly victims, or fiduciary breaches may result in more serious penalties, including federal charges.

Can I be charged with embezzlement if I had intended to pay the money back?

Intent to return the property is not a valid defense to embezzlement. The law focuses on the wrongful appropriation at the time it occurred, not what the accused intended to do later. That said, repayment efforts can sometimes influence a prosecutor’s charging decision or lead to a favorable plea deal.

What federal charges could I face in an embezzlement case?

If your case involves banks, government entities, interstate transactions, or publicly traded companies, you may be charged under federal laws such as:

• 18 U.S.C. §641 – Theft of government property
• 18 U.S.C. §666 – Theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds
• 18 U.S.C. §1344 – Bank fraud

Federal embezzlement charges can carry longer prison sentences and more severe collateral consequences. We have extensive experience defending clients in both federal district courts and before grand juries.

What if I’m under investigation but haven’t been charged yet?

If you’ve received a subpoena, target letter, or interview request, it’s vital to contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney immediately. You may still have an opportunity to avoid charges altogether through negotiation, clarification of facts, or presentation of exculpatory evidence.

Our firm excels at early intervention and can help manage media exposure, communicate with investigators, and shield you from damaging statements.

What defenses can be used in embezzlement cases?

Common legal defenses include:

• Lack of intent to defraud
• Consent to use the property
• False accusations or mistaken identity
• Accounting errors
• Insufficient evidence or paper trail

Every case is different, and we tailor our defense strategy to the facts, evidence, and the persons involved in the prosecution.

What happens if I’m convicted of felony embezzlement?

A felony conviction for embezzlement may lead to jail time, fines, restitution, probation, and a permanent criminal record. It can also destroy professional licenses and disqualify you from future employment in finance, public service, or executive roles.

In cases with high-dollar amounts, enhanced sentencing and asset forfeiture are possible. We fight to avoid convictions entirely—but if that’s not possible, we work aggressively to minimize the impact on your life and career.

Our Team Provides Top White-Collar Crime Defense

White-collar crimes usually involve a maze of financial documents, online records, and remembered conversations. This paper-and-verbal trail can be a nightmare for a lawyer who doesn’t know what he’s doing, but our Los Angeles criminal defense team knows how to connect the dots to build a strong case for someone charged with embezzlement.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we understand how a misunderstanding about funds can lead to a charge of embezzlement. We have seen these charges appear as the result of an honest financial mistake, a poor business agreement, or because the real culprit has not been apprehended yet. Los Angeles Magazine named Mark Werksman to a list of the area’s top white-collar criminal defense attorneys, among other honors.

Time is of the essence for your future. Call (213) 688-0460 to set up your no-cost initial consultation with our top Los Angeles white-collar crime defense attorney today.

Additional Information

• Is Embezzlement a White-Collar Crime?
• Embezzlement: the Reality, Consequences, and Defense