Embezzlement

Charged with Embezzlement? We’re Ready to Defend You

Understanding Embezzlement and Its Consequences

If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. Unlike other theft crimes, embezzlement involves a breach of trust—often between an employee and an employer, a financial professional and a client, or even within an organization. In California, these cases are taken very seriously, and even a small misstep can lead to criminal charges that threaten your job, finances, and future.

At Ryan W. Koppelman Law PC, we understand that not every financial discrepancy is a crime, and we are here to protect your rights. With over 20 years of legal experience, including time as a prosecutor, we know how to challenge complex financial allegations and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Counts as Embezzlement?

Embezzlement occurs when someone lawfully has access to money or property but misuses it for personal gain. This could involve:

• Taking company funds or property for personal use
• Misusing corporate accounts or credit cards
• Falsifying financial records
• Altering checks or unauthorized transfers
• Skimming cash from a business register

Many of these situations are not always intentional crimes—mistakes happen, and financial records can be misinterpreted. That’s why every detail matters when building a defense.

Possible Defenses to Embezzlement Charges

An accusation of embezzlement doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. At Ryan W. Koppelman Law PC, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to defending our clients. Some of the most effective defenses include:

• Lack of Intent – If the action was accidental or due to a misunderstanding, it is not a crime.
• Insufficient Evidence – The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that embezzlement actually occurred.
• Mistaken Identity – Were you wrongly accused due to poor accounting or record-keeping errors?
• Duress or Coercion – If you were pressured by someone else to act unlawfully, we make sure that fact is known.

Our job is to examine the facts, find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and protect you from unnecessary legal consequences.

What Are the Penalties for Embezzlement?

The penalties for embezzlement in California depend on the value of the property involved and whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or felony:

• Less than $950 – Misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines
• More than $950 – Felony, which can result in prison time, substantial fines, and restitution
• Embezzlement of Public Funds – A serious felony with potential state prison sentences

Beyond criminal penalties, an embezzlement conviction can impact your professional future, making it difficult to find jobs in finance, management, or any field requiring trust and responsibility.

A Former Prosecutor Who Knows How to Fight Back

Financial crimes often involve extensive paperwork, digital records, and business transactions—all of which can be challenged in court. As a former prosecutor, Ryan W. Koppelman knows how the government builds these cases and what weaknesses to look for.

We use that experience to:

• Challenge financial records and transactional evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges
• Defend your reputation and minimize the impact on your future

Flat Fees and Honest Legal Representation

We know how stressful an embezzlement charge can be, and the last thing you need is uncertainty about legal costs. That’s why we offer flat fees, so you know the cost of your defense upfront—no surprises, no hidden fees.

Serving Clients Across Southern California

From our office in Los Angeles, we defend clients throughout Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, Ventura County, and Orange County. No matter where you are, we are ready to fight for you.

Don’t Face This Alone—Call Today

If you’re being investigated or charged with embezzlement, taking action early can make all the difference. The sooner you have an experienced defense attorney on your side, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Contact Ryan W. Koppelman Law PC today to discuss your case and start protecting your future.