An accusation of embezzlement can impact your life in far-reaching ways. In addition to ending your career, a conviction may lead to various penalties depending upon the amount you embezzle.
These are the potential consequences you face following an Arkansas embezzlement investigation and conviction.
Class A misdemeanor charges
Embezzlement qualifies as a misdemeanor crime when the value of what someone steals does not exceed $1,000. A conviction could send someone to prison for up to one year and require payment of a $1,000 fine.
Class B felony charges
A Class B felony embezzlement charge involves stealing at least $25,000, leading to the most severe penalties for this type of crime. A conviction results in incarceration for up to 20 years. In addition, perpetrators may owe fines of up to $15,000.
Class C felony charges
Anyone who embezzles between $5,000 and $25,000 is guilty of a Class C felony and could face incarceration for up to 10 years. Fines for embezzlement at this level are up to $10,000.
Class D felony charges
When the value of the property embezzlers steal is only between $1,000 and $5,000, they will still face a felony conviction. In addition, the sentence for embezzling funds at this level is up to six years in prison. Individuals will also be responsible for monetary fines of up to $10,000, the same as those for Class C charges.
Embezzlers can commit their crimes because organizations put them in positions of trust that give them access to resources. This breach of trust can lead to criminal penalties that negatively impact various aspects of someone’s life, including future employment and the ability to purchase a home and maintain a professional license.