Nashville Embezzlement Lawyer

Nashville Embezzlement Attorney

It’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering around the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Cheekwood Estates & Gardens, or the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery. It’s challenging to find a reputable Nashville embezzlement lawyer dedicated to your rights and interests. Facing embezzlement allegations can be devastating. Having an advocate to walk you through the process can help you focus and make informed decisions.

Hire an Embezzlement Lawyer

Facing accusations of embezzlement can be overwhelming. Embezzlement is a serious crime, but the laws can be confusing. An experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney can help guide you through the criminal justice process. When you hire an embezzlement lawyer from The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, you get an attorney dedicated to helping Nashville residents. For nearly 10 years, Cesar has offered help with negotiations and litigation.

Embezzlement Prevalence in Tennessee

Embezzlement occurs when an individual gains control of an asset through misrepresentation and uses it for their own benefit. The United States Sentencing Commission looks at federal offenses. Embezzlement is examined along with fraud and theft. Nationally, for the fiscal year 2022:

• 8.6% of all crimes were for fraud, theft, or embezzlement
• 5,520 total offenders of fraud, theft, or embezzlement
• 5,319 offenders plead guilty
• 201 offenders went to trial
• 3,910 offenders were sentenced to prison
• 284 offenders were sentenced to prison and alternatives
• 302 offenders were sentenced to probation and alternatives
• 983 offenders were sentenced to probation only
• 41 offenders were sentenced to fines only

Compare those same categories to Tennessee specifically. You’ll find:

• 4.9% of all crimes were for fraud, theft, or embezzlement
• 73 total offenders of fraud, theft, or embezzlement
• 68 offenders plead guilty
• 5 offenders went to trial
• 56 offenders were sentenced to prison only
• 4 offenders were sentenced to prison and alternatives
• 1 offender was sentenced to probation and alternatives
• 12 offenders were sentenced to probation only

Types of Embezzlement

Embezzlement can be committed by any individual who has permission to access property that is not theirs if they choose to use that access to benefit themselves. Typically, it occurs within a workplace. Common types of embezzlement include:

• Corporate embezzlement: Often involves an employee diverting funds or assets for their own personal use.
• Employee embezzlement: May involve skimming money from registers, creating false expense reports, or altering financial records.
• Government embezzlement: Involves a government employee misusing public funds or property entrusted to their care.
• Non-profit embezzlement: Typically involves an employee or volunteer within the organization who misappropriates resources intended for charitable purposes.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Tennessee

The penalties for embezzlement in Tennessee depend on the monetary value of the property embezzled. If the property value was:

• $1,000 or less, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor
• $1,001 to $2,499, the charge is a Class E felony
• $2,500 to $9,999, the charge is a Class D felony
• $10,000 to $59,999, the charge is a Class C felony
• $60,000 to $249,999, the charge is a Class B felony
• $250,000 or more, the charge is a Class A felony

The severity of the penalties depends on the specific charge. For instance:

• Class A misdemeanor. Not more than 11 months and 29 days in jail or a fine of up to $2,500, or, in some instances, both
• Class E felony. From 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000
• Class D felony. From 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• Class C felony. From 3 to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
• Class B felony. From 8 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000
• Class A felony. From 15 to 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000

FAQs About Nashville, TN Embezzlement Law

What Is the Penalty for Embezzlement in Tennessee?

The penalty for embezzlement in Tennessee depends on the monetary value of the items embezzled. The larger the monetary value, the larger the potential fines or prison sentence. In addition to fines and prison time, you may be required to pay restitution to victims, receive probation or parole, lose professional licenses or certifications, be disqualified from employment in certain fields, and you could face civil lawsuits and penalties.

Can Embezzlement Be Settled Out of Court in Tennessee?

Yes, there are situations in which embezzlement can be settled out of court in Tennessee. If charges have not been filed, the accused may enter into a private settlement directly with the accusing party. After charges have been filed, a skilled embezzlement attorney can negotiate for reduced charges or a plea agreement that keeps the case from going to trial. First-time offenders may qualify for pretrial or judicial diversion programs.

What Happens to Your Assets After Embezzlement in Tennessee?

If you are charged with embezzlement in Tennessee, your assets may be frozen until after the trial. If you are convicted of embezzlement, the court often orders restitution payments to victims. If you do not have the liquid assets necessary to pay restitution, the court may seize your assets as a means of paying the restitution owed.

What Are the Specific Elements of Embezzlement?

Four specific elements must be present to prove the crime of embezzlement in Nashville. First, a relationship was established that built trust between the two parties. Second, the property was obtained legally. Third, the accused intended to deceive the property owner to convert the property for their own benefit. Fourth, the accused must successfully convert the property for their own benefit, thereby interfering with the property owner’s rights.

What Are Common Defenses Against an Embezzlement Charge in Tennessee?

To defend against an embezzlement charge in Tennessee, the accused has to prove that the specific elements of embezzlement have not been met or that some type of violation has been committed. Common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, duress or coercion, or insufficient evidence to prove the case. Proving that the accused’s constitutional rights were violated could also result in the case being dismissed.

Contact The Music City Defender

Embezzlement charges can result in severe penalties if convicted. Having a trusted Nashville embezzlement attorney can help you understand your rights and devise a strong defense strategy. Contact The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez today to schedule your confidential consultation.

Nashville Embezzlement Law Additional Resources:

• Franklin, TN Crime Rate – Latest Statistics
• Tennessee Crime Rate Statistics
• Murfreesboro, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• Nashville, TN Crime Rates and Statistics
• What Are the Top Five Crimes Committed in Tennessee?
• What Is the Difference Between Parole and Probation in Tennessee?
• How Much Does a DUI Cost in Tennessee?

Serving Nashville and Middle Tennessee

When you’re facing criminal charges in Nashville or throughout Middle Tennessee, your future, freedom, and reputation hang in the balance. At the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez, we understand that a conviction can devastate not only your life but also the lives of your family members. Our dedicated criminal defense attorney brings nearly a decade of experience fighting for clients accused of crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Based in Nashville and serving the greater Davidson County area, The Music City Defender has built a reputation for aggressive representation and strategic defense work that protects clients’ Constitutional rights at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you’re facing charges in Nashville’s municipal courts, Tennessee state courts, or federal court, our firm has the experience and resources necessary to mount a comprehensive defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Whether you’ve been arrested for a DUI on Broadway, charged with assault in downtown Nashville, accused of drug crimes, or facing any other criminal allegations in Middle Tennessee, partnering with a Nashville criminal defense lawyer who understands Tennessee’s criminal justice system and is prepared to fight relentlessly for your rights can be the decisive factor between conviction and freedom, between a ruined future and a second chance.