Punishment for Embezzlement under California Penal Code Section 503
California Penal Code Section 514 describes the punishment for embezzlement in terms of the theft of property and its value.
Grand theft under Penal Code Section 487 involves the value of the embezzled property worth more than $950. If the amount embezzled is less than $950 then the crime will be filed as a misdemeanor.
Penal Code 487 can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the facts and circumstances of a case. A misdemeanor conviction of embezzled property can result in a sentence up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1000, whereas a felony conviction can result in a sentence of 16 months, 2 or 3 years in county jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
On a similar note, if you embezzle from your employer on different occasions, the prosecutor may attempt to charge you with each instance as a separate count. If this happens, your criminal defense attorney can argue that each instance was part of an overall plan and should only be charged as one offense.
It may also be possible to agree to a civil compromise with the prosecution by repaying the victim in full.
If you or someone you love has been accused of embezzlement in California, contact the experienced Southern California criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich today at 888-749-0034. We have offices in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura and Orange Counties. We will be there when you call.
