While most theft crimes involve the taking of property without permission, embezzlement involves property that is legally possessed and then taken without permission. Most instances of embezzlement occur in businesses, often where the most trusted employees face accusations. If you happen to be one of them, please read on, then contact one of our experienced Hartford County larceny attorneys to learn what you should know about the consequences of embezzlement in Connecticut.
What happens if you sustain an embezzlement conviction in Connecticut?
In the Nutmeg State, the penalties for embezzlement will depend on the value of the money or property that you allegedly embezzled. The breakdown is as follows:
First-degree larceny (Class B felony): Property that exceeds $20,000 in value
- 1 to 25 years in prison
- Fines of up to $15,000
Second-degree larceny (Class C felony): Property that exceeds $10,000 but is less than $20,000
- 1 to 10 years in prison
- Fines of up to $10,000
Third-degree larceny (Class D felony): Property that exceeds $2,000 but is less than $10,000
- 1 to 5 years in prison
- Fines of up to $5,000
Fourth-degree larceny (Class A misdemeanor): Property that exceeds $1,000 but is less than $2,000
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines of up to $2,000
Fifth-degree larceny (Class B misdemeanor): Property that exceeds $500 but is less than $1,000
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
Sixth-degree larceny (Class C misdemeanor): Property that is less than $500
- Up to 3 months in jail
- Fines of up to $500
How do prosecutors charge embezzlement in Connecticut?
You should note that the law allows that the authorities may aggregate, i.e. add together, the value of separate thefts to create a higher total theft amount. So long as you allegedly committed the separate thefts pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct, prosecutors can lump the amounts together. If you allegedly deceived the victim on multiple occasions, prosecutors will add all the money together.
No matter the amount, you should reach out to one of our skilled Hartford County criminal defense attorneys to discuss your next steps.
How can a Hartford County criminal defense attorney help you?
Even though statutory law governs the penalties and consequences of theft charges, a qualified legal representative can tell you how strong the case against you appears to be, as well as how prosecutors and judges tend to handle cases like yours. As a result, you will be able to make informed decisions about how you would like to proceed. Regardless of the strength of the prosecutor’s evidence, they will still need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You may have any number of mitigating or exculpatory circumstances that you can use. These charges are too serious to face on your own, so please give us a call today.
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
