An embezzlement charge is a serious white-collar crime that affects all aspects of life. A conviction on an embezzlement charge in Colorado Springs can limit access to everything from work to family life and even the ability to enjoy your civil liberties. Penalties include fines and jail time, plus you’ll have to deal with a criminal record for a long time.
If you are charged with embezzlement in Colorado Springs, you need help from our experienced Colorado Springs embezzlement defense lawyers. Here at Peakstone Law Group, formerly known as Patterson Weaver, we’ll work with you through this challenging period to defend you and protect your rights and your future. Our attorneys stand ready to fight to ensure you get a fair hearing and work to identify effective ways to reduce the charges or get them dismissed.
Don’t walk this path alone when you can have help. Contact us at Peakstone Law Group for a free consultation in complete confidence.
Why You Need an Embezzlement Defense Lawyer from Our Firm
If you’re under investigation for embezzlement, having an experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney from Peakstone Law Group in your corner is crucial. We’ll evaluate your case and devise a plan for a strong defense. Our Colorado Springs embezzlement defense attorneys understand how to prepare a case that creates reasonable doubt in the juror’s minds.
Our attorneys are committed to fighting aggressively for your freedom. You don’t want to live the rest of your life with a conviction on your record. As former prosecutors with over 40 years of combined legal experience, our lawyers have significant knowledge of both prosecution and defense. We want to use our skills to your advantage. We’ve successfully resolved thousands of cases for our clients. We’ll apply the same knowledge and skills to your case and work toward the best possible solution.
Review our positive client testimonials to hear about the experiences previous clients have had with our law firm. For example, Jillian writes, “Patterson represented me in another county and made sure to get me the best deal possible due to my unfortunate circumstances. I was able to get a deferred sentence which is pretty much unheard of in cases like mine and I’m forever grateful to him.”
About Embezzlement Charges and Potential Penalties in Colorado
Embezzlement happens when someone in a position of trust fraudulently takes property from someone else by using their money, credit, or property. For the prosecution to prove the defendant committed embezzlement, they must show that:
- The defendant had legal or official access to the assets because they were in a position of trust.
- The alleged embezzler must have purposefully and fraudulently misappropriated money, assets, or property they could access through the trusted relationship, and the misappropriated property did not belong to the alleged embezzler.
- The defendant must take the funds or property with the intention of using or keeping it for themselves permanently and depriving the owner of them.
If the prosecutor can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant embezzled the assets and engaged in the unlawful conversion of assets for personal use or consumption, the defendant may be convicted of embezzlement.
An embezzlement charge’s classification can range from a petty offense to a Class 2 felony. If convicted, defendants may face penalties ranging from a $300 maximum fine and a maximum of 10 days in jail for a petty offense to fines of $1 million and up to 24 years in prison for a Class 2 felony. The court may also require the defendant to pay restitution.
Given the seriousness of these penalties, you need an experienced embezzlement defense attorney working on your case and advocating for you.
The Legal Process for Defending Against Embezzlement Charges
A solid game plan and strategy are essential when you’re facing embezzlement charges. When you hire Peakstone Law Group, our lawyers can:
- Develop a robust defense strategy designed to seek the best outcome
- Collect evidence that identifies inconsistencies or flaws in the prosecution’s case
- Challenge the prosecution’s evidence or their method of obtaining the evidence
- Consult with financial experts to identify or collate financial data about transactions that are the basis of the allegations
- Present you in a good light to the jury by highlighting previous roles where there were no embezzlement incidents
- Negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges, enter a plea bargain, or dismiss the case.
Every case is different, and yours would require a customized approach depending on the facts of your case.
Potential Defense Strategies for Embezzlement Cases in Colorado
The basis of success for every embezzlement defense relies on your Colorado Springs embezzlement attorney’s capacity to present a compelling defense. Strategies we may use can include:
- Lack of criminal intent – The defendant did not intend to defraud the organization or misappropriate the money for personal gain.
- Unintentional error – The defendant received the funds due to an accounting mistake.
- Loan – The defendant intended to borrow the money. The purported misappropriation was actually in the form of a temporary loan the defendant intended to repay.
- Lack of fiduciary connection – The defendant owed no fiduciary duty to the petitioner or wasn’t placed in a trusted role.
- Forced to embezzle – The defendant was coerced or pressured to take the money.
- Insufficient evidence – The prosecution doesn’t have adequate evidence to back their allegations or support a conviction.
What to Expect If You’re Accused of Embezzlement in Colorado Springs
You can expect the following legal proceedings after you’ve been accused of embezzlement:
- The police and prosecution will commence their investigation into the misappropriated property or funds.
- You may be arrested if there’s sufficient evidence that you have stolen funds or property.
- You’ll be arraigned, and then you must enter a guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere plea.
- You’ll attend pre-trial sessions where your defense attorney can attempt to get you a plea bargain deal, if possible.
- The case proceeds to trial if no plea bargain is made.
- The court enters a verdict.
- A sentencing hearing takes place, where the judge determines the sentence.
- Your criminal defense lawyer can look for grounds to appeal if you were convicted.
Choosing the Right Embezzlement Defense Attorney in Colorado Springs
An embezzlement charge can impact your family, career, and prospects. You need a Colorado Springs embezzlement lawyer with considerable experience and knowledge of criminal law to handle your defense.
At Peakstone Law Group, our Colorado Springs embezzlement defense attorneys are experienced at handling embezzlement cases. We can protect your rights and will aggressively defend you.
Don’t try to handle this traumatic time in your life on your own. Contact our seasoned criminal defense attorneys for a free consultation about your case today.