A person who is given access to someone else’s property or money for the purposes of managing, monitoring, and/or using the assets for the owner’s best interests, but then intentionally misappropriates those assets for personal gain, is committing embezzlement. Embezzling generally takes place when an employee with authority steals money or assets, and it usually occurs in a corporate setting. Generally, the longer the embezzlement goes on, the stiffer the penalties are for the individual charged with the crime.

In July of 2015 a woman named Kathryn Sue Simmerman in Norton Shores, MI who managed a Federal Credit Union, was charged with embezzling almost $2 million from the credit union’s cash vault over more than 13 years. She was hired in 2006, and admitted the embezzlement started about 5 years into her employment. Documents from the case describe Simmerman stealing money from the bank vault and taking it home in her purse. She then manipulated documents to show these funds were deposited into the credit union’s correspondent bank. Simmerman is facing jail time, restitution, and up to 8 years supervised release after prison.

Many times not only is the person who is stealing charged, but their family members could also be charged for spending the money, which could put a spouse, or even children at risk. The longer someone is involved in the process of embezzlement the harder it is to hide it, stop it, and protect their family from the devastation.

When the act of embezzling is not immediately detected, the longer it can continue. The criminal involved in the crime begins to think he or she is invincible and won’t get caught, but usually the opposite is true. The more money involved, the steeper the fines and longer the sentence.

Call an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney | Paul Morrison Law Firm

If you find yourself in a situation of embezzlement, and would like to get out, we can help. Involving an experienced attorney in the process can help you control the damage you have caused. Attorney Paul Morrison has extensive experience in representing white collar crime. His experience can give you information on how to proceed and protect not only yourself, but your family as well from the worst possible outcome of your decisions. Call (913) 780-6666 today or send an e-mail to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Olathe and also serve people from the Johnson County area.

The post The Longer Embezzlement Continues, the More Likely You Will Be Caught appeared first on Paul Morrison Law.

Misdemeanors and Felonies are easily confused in legal jargon, and most often heard by those unfamiliar with law terms as the gibberish of Law & Order or Judge Judy; however, the difference when one is chosen to label an offense as one verses the other has huge implications of the consequences that follow the case.

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is defined as, “Offenses lower than felonies and generally those punishable by fine, penalty, Forfeiture, or imprisonment other than in a penitentiary. Under federal law, and most state laws, any offense other than a felony is classified as a misdemeanor. Certain states also have various classes of misdemeanors.” [1]

Felony

A felony is defined as, “a crime sufficiently serious to be punishable by death or a term in state or federal prison, as distinguished from a misdemeanor which is only punishable by confinement to county or local jail and/or a fine. 2) a crime carrying a minimum term of one year or more in state prison, since a year or less can be served in county jail. However, a sentence upon conviction for a felony may sometimes be less than one year at the discretion of the judge and within limits set by statute. Felonies are sometimes referred to as “high crimes” as described in the U. S. Constitution.” [1]

What is the difference between them?

• A misdemeanor is a lesser offense, where a felony is much more serious offense.
• The punishments for a misdemeanor are often fines, penalties or jail time. A felony may be punishable by death or a term in state or federal prison.
• In some cases a repeat offense of a misdemeanor can turn into a felony offense.
• In some cases a felony offense may be able to be downgraded to a misdemeanor.

Olathe and Overland Park Criminal Defense Attorney

Getting Legal help may be the difference between a misdemeanor or felony. Seeking proven and experienced legal aid gives yourself a strong fighting chance for a lesser offence or even little or no serious sentence. You have one chance to defend yourself. Seek a lawyer with a proven track record to uphold your rights and give you the best chance at justice and freedom. Call (913) 780-6666 or Contact my Olathe, Kansas, law office online.

[1]Copyright © 1981-2005 by Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen T. Hill. All Right reserved.

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