Hale Law Firm

Get Immediate Assistance: 919-891-8995

Hale Law Firm

919-891-8995​

Your Trusted Resource For All Your Criminal Law Needs

Robert Hale

Defending Against Embezzlement Charges In Raleigh, North Carolina

Embezzlement is a serious charge in North Carolina and involves the misappropriation of financial assets. Those who are facing embezzlement charges must understand the defense options at their disposal.

The team at Hale Law Firm, PC, can help. Attorney Robert Hale Jr. has represented thousands of clients and brings over 30 years of experience to every case. As a conscientious lawyer, he maintains a limited caseload and is known for providing personalized attention. That way, he can provide the strongest defense representation possible for each client. Schedule a free consultation.

Examples Of Embezzlement

Embezzlement is a white collar crime, and some examples include:

  • Employees misappropriating company assets for personal gain
  • Employees at a financial institution transferring money away from valid customers
  • Trustees using the assets within a trust in an unauthorized fashion
  • Public officials misappropriating funds

Often, access to the funds is permitted, but misusing or misappropriating those funds triggers embezzlement charges.

How The Amount Affects The Charge

In North Carolina, embezzlement is always a felony. However, the severity of the penalty is primarily determined by the dollar amount involved and the defendant’s professional role.

  • Under $100,000 (Standard): Class H Felony For most private-sector employees and agents, taking funds under this threshold is a Class H felony. While it carries a statutory maximum of 39 months, first-time offenders may be eligible for probation.
  • Under $100,000 (Public Officers): Class F Felony If the accused is a public official, local government employee or trustee of a charitable/religious institution, the law is stricter. Even if the amount is under $100,000, it is elevated to a Class F felony, which carries a maximum of 59 months.
  • $100,000 or More: Class C Felony Once the value reaches $100,000, the charge jumps to a Class C felony regardless of your role. This is an extremely serious “cliff” in North Carolina law: a conviction requires a mandatory active prison sentence, even for those with no prior record. Sentences can reach up to 231 months (approximately 19 years) for those with extensive criminal histories.

A conviction could also mean paying financial fines, restitution and serving probation. Embezzlement may be charged as a state offense, but it can become a federal crime when it involves federal funds or institutions, or when the crime crosses state lines.

Collateral Consequences Of An Embezzlement Conviction

Being convicted of embezzlement charges in North Carolina could also lead to significant collateral consequences, such as:

  • The loss of a professional license
  • The loss of a job
  • Immigration concerns, such as the potential for deportation

Because the ramifications can potentially be severe, an early defense strategy matters. Working with a skilled Raleigh embezzlement attorney is essential for your future.

Early Defense Steps

Before talking to the police or Human Resources (HR), exercise your right to legal representation and to remain silent. Early steps to take include:

  • Clarifying the accusations or charges
  • Gathering evidence, such as financial documentation, communications, witness statements or video footage
  • Contacting a seasoned criminal defense attorney

The team at Hale Law Firm, PCE, can help you explore every available defense strategy.

Call For A Consultation

At Hale Law Firm, PC, you will work with a North Carolina embezzlement attorney with over three decades of experience. Call 919-891-8995 or use the online contact form to set up your free consultation today.