New Hampshire Embezzlement Lawyer
In New Hampshire, being charged with an embezzlement offense is a very serious matter and one that can impact your entire future. A charge and conviction for embezzlement, may impact your right to vote, work in certain fields, hold public office or elected positions, as well as own or possess a firearm.
These consequences are in addition to the potential for extended prison sentences and monetary fines. If you or someone you know has been charged with an embezzlement crime in New Hampshire, it is critical to have an experienced New Hampshire embezzlement lawyer by your side who has experience defending those charged with embezzlement crimes.
A person who has been charged with an embezzlement type offense in New Hampshire can face significant fines and potential jail time if they are convicted, that is why it is crucial to contact an experienced theft attorney immediately after a charge or even arrest.
What is Embezzlement?
New Hampshire embezzlement lawyers know this offense is generally defined as an act where an individual acting in a position of trust steals money from another company or individual. This crime at common law was often charged when a person took money from another when they were entitled to have access to it, such as if a cashier would take money from the register for their own personal use.
Beginning in 1971, the New Hampshire legislature modified the criminal code to no longer include the terms embezzlement, larceny, extortion, and blackmail and replaced the term with crimes such as:
- Theft and receiving stolen property
- Theft by deception
- Theft of lost or mislaid property
- Theft by extortion
- Theft by misapplication of property
Currently, the New Hampshire Criminal Code §637:3 codifies embezzlement as theft by unauthorized taking or transfer. This statute states: A person commits theft if he obtains or exercises unauthorized control over the property of another with a purpose to deprive him thereof.
Consequences for Embezzlement
Penalties for embezzlement in New Hampshire largely depend on the value of the property in question. If the value of the property exceeds $1500, then a person may face a Class A felony charge which can be punished by a prison sentence of up to fifteen years. In addition, anyone who is convicted of a Class A felony will be fined a minimum of $4000.
If the value of the property is between $1000 and $1500 then a person may face a Class B felony charge, which can be punished by a prison term of anywhere between three and a half years and up to seven years. In addition, a person can be charged with a class B felony if the property or services are from three separate establishments within a 72-hour period. If the value of the property does not exceed $1000 then a person may be charged with either a Class A or Class B Misdemeanor, which can incur up to a 12-month prison.
Contact a New Hampshire Embezzlement Attorney
If you or someone you know has been charged with an embezzlement offense, it is crucial you contact an experienced, dedicated, and aggressive criminal defense attorney immediately. An embezzlement conviction may mean spending years in prison and face thousands of dollars in fines and restitution. An experienced New Hampshire embezzlement lawyer can help protect your rights and your freedom by investigating charges and exploring defenses on your behalf.