Olathe Embezzlement Attorneys

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges in Johnson County

Embezzlement is a serious financial crime that carries significant legal consequences. Even an accusation can do substantial damage to your professional reputation. It is important not to underestimate the severity of these allegations and to seek experienced legal advice at the earliest opportunity, even if you are confident that you have done nothing wrong.

At Garretson & Toth, LLC, our over 60 years of combined legal experience have given our Olathe embezzlement lawyers the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively defend our clients against these charges. We are prepared to aggressively fight to protect your rights and will always seek the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances.

If you have been charged with embezzlement, do not wait to discuss your defense options with our team. Call (913) 971-0296 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation today.

What Is Considered Embezzlement in Kansas?

In the state of Kansas, embezzlement is a form of theft. The offense typically involves the misappropriation or misapplication of funds or property entrusted to a person due to their position or employment. This differentiates it from other forms of theft, which involve taking assets that were not initially in the perpetrator's lawful possession.

Kansas defines theft as “obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property or services, by deception, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the possession, use or benefit of their property or services.” Therefore, any act of redirecting funds or property for personal use or benefit, without the consent of the owner, and with the intent to deprive the owner of their rightful assets, may be considered embezzlement.

In practice, embezzlement can take many forms. For example, if a cashier diverts a portion of the daily cash receipts for personal use instead of depositing the full amount into the company's bank account, this would be considered embezzlement. Similarly, if a company's financial officer transfers funds from the organization's account to a personal account without authorization, this too would be classified as embezzlement.

Embezzlement can also involve property. For instance, a warehouse manager who systematically takes products from the warehouse to sell for personal profit is committing embezzlement. All these actions exemplify embezzlement, as they involve misappropriation or misapplication of funds or property that were in the lawful possession of the individual due to their position.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Kansas

The penalties for embezzlement in Kansas are structured according to the value of the property or funds stolen. The severity of the potential legal consequences escalates with the increase in the stolen sum or property's worth. It's a sliding scale that can lead to stiff fines and substantial incarceration periods.

In other words, the more you allegedly embezzled, the greater the potential punishments. Our Olathe embezzlement attorneys at Garretson & Toth, LLC can help you understand the charges brought against you and walk you through how we can help.

For property or funds valued at less than $1,500, the crime is typically classified as a Class A non-person misdemeanor in Kansas. This is the least severe categorization for embezzlement offenses. However, it's important to understand that a Class A misdemeanor is not a trivial matter. If found guilty, an offender could face a jail term of up to one year. This can be a substantial blow, disrupting the individual’s personal life, career, and reputation.

The embezzlement of property or funds exceeding the value of $1,500 elevate the crime to a felony status. This is where the penalties become notably more severe. A felony conviction carries with it not only weightier financial penalties but also longer terms of imprisonment. For instance, thefts involving assets valued at $100,000 or more can potentially result in imprisonment for up to 136 months (or a bit over 11 years). Such a sentence can have profound implications affecting not just the convicted individual but also their family and livelihood.

Our Olathe embezzlement lawyers can provide the zealous defense representation you deserve. Call (913) 971-0296 or contact us online today.