Penal Code 503 

Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted.”

Anytime you are entrusted with the property of another person or entity, and you take that property by fraud, you are committing the crime of embezzlement.

What are examples of embezzlement?

• • A treasurer at a church who takes part in the collection for their benefit.
  • A bank or store employee intentionally miscounts the money to divert part of the funds for themselves.
  • A donation collection employee takes part of the donations for themselves instead of reporting it and giving it to the organization which hired him or her.

What does the district attorney have to prove that I am guilty of embezzlement?

• • • That you were entrusted with the property which you are accused of taking.
    • That you intentionally misled the entity trusting you when you took the property.
    • That you took the property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

What are the defenses to the charge of embezzlement?

• • • You did not take the property.
    • You had no intention to deprive the owner of the property.
    • You acted in good faith thinking you had a right to take the property.
    • You acted in good faith thinking you had a right to take the property.

Can I get in trouble with immigration for PC 503, Embezzlement?

Yes! Embezzlement is a crime of moral character which can negatively impact your immigration status. If you are a non-citizen, you could be either deported (now called removed) or be made “inadmissible” for those who are not yet in the US but are attempting to immigrate here. Further, if the embezzlement is a felony, you could qualify for a deportation/removal or inadmissibility under the “aggravated felonies” rule.

What are the penalties for the charge of embezzlement?

The penalties for the charge of embezzlement will depend on the financial amount of the taking, whether there are priors and other facts such as already being on probation or parole.  Call Attorney Wais Azami now at (714) 321-9999!

Misdemeanor Embezzlement when the amount is less than $950: 

• • • 0-180 days (up to 1 year if PC 504) in the county jail.
    • Potential fines and fees.
    • Restitution
    • May prevent holding public office.

Felony Embezzlement when the amount of taking is $950 or more:

• • • One year to four months, or two years or three years.
    • Potential fines and fees.
    • Restitution
    • May prevent holding of public office.
    • May prevent jury service.
    • May affect firearm ownership.

Have you been accused of embezzlement?

Call the Law Offices of Wais Azami at (714) 321-9999. Or schedule a free consultation with our embezzlement lawyer in Orange County here. We will generate a defense plan which aims to get the charges dismissed, reduced, and/or the consequences mitigated.