Serving clients throughout Louisiana.
If you’re facing embezzlement charges in Louisiana, it’s recommended that you reach out to a Lafayette embezzlement lawyer right away. White collar crime cases can be complicated to navigate, especially if you’re not up to date on state and federal embezzlement laws. Instead of taking the chance of doing it yourself, you can count on a Lafayette white collar crime lawyer to provide legal counsel and representation in the courtroom.
Our attorneys at Longman Jakuback bring decades of combined criminal defense experience to every case, and that background is rooted in Louisiana law. We understand how much is at stake when you’re facing criminal charges, so we can work hard to pursue a fair outcome. We can formulate a strong defensive strategy and defend you at every stage of your case.
Embezzlement is a form of financial fraud, and it is charged as theft under Louisiana law. This white collar crime involves one party misappropriating money or property with which they were entrusted. Unlike most other theft charges, embezzlement offenders:
Therefore, it’s specifically charged as “theft by misappropriation without violence.”
Embezzlement crimes can affect individuals, businesses, and governments. Total fraud losses from consumers in the United States surpassed $12.5 billion in a single year recently. Moreover, it’s estimated that the federal government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to various forms of fraud. In 2024, 17.7 percent of all criminal sentences in Louisiana, specifically, were for fraud, theft, and embezzlement.
If you’re charged with embezzlement in Louisiana, prosecutors must prove several factors in court before you can be convicted. These include:
Through their understanding of these elements, a Lafayette embezzlement lawyer can form a defense that asserts your innocence in an embezzlement case.
If you’re facing criminal charges for embezzlement in Lafayette, you can count on a local law firm, like Longman Jakuback, to help you make it through your case. Our skilled attorneys have been serving clients throughout Lafayette and beyond since 2017, earning the trust of countless Louisianans who were in tough situations. We’ve also earned professional recognition for our hard work over the years.
Some of our lawyers have been included in Louisiana Super Lawyers, which is only awarded to a small percentage of attorneys throughout the state each year. * Our team is passionate about protecting the rights and freedoms of those who need us most. Our firm can advocate for you in and out of the courtroom, whether we’re dealing with a misdemeanor in the Lafayette City Court or a felony in the 15th Judicial District Court.
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
Embezzlement can be a misdemeanor or a felony under Louisiana law. If the amount embezzled was under $1,000, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. Typically, embezzlement cases involve higher losses, which leads to these crimes often being charged as felony theft.
If convicted of embezzlement, you can expect to face anywhere from six months to twenty years. You are also likely going to have to pay fines of varying amounts based on the level of your charge.
The penalties for embezzlement in Lafayette typically include fines and time in jail or prison. Some judges may impose other sentences, including community service, job restrictions, and loss of professional licenses and certifications.
Additionally, you will likely have to pay restitution for the amount embezzled. If you’re facing multiple embezzlement charges, you can expect the court to count each act separately and add the penalties together.
The defense you can use against an embezzlement charge in Lafayette ultimately depends on the details of your case. Your Lafayette criminal defense lawyer can look for ways to weaken or invalidate the prosecution’s case against you. Other common defenses used in embezzlement cases include:
It’s important to understand the scope of the charges against you. Your attorney can form a solid defense.
How much you have to pay to hire an embezzlement lawyer in Lafayette can vary, depending on the complexity of your case and the law firm’s level of experience. Lafayette white collar crime lawyers may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. Some may request an upfront retainer.
You can typically discuss pricing and service prior to hiring an embezzlement lawyer. Then, you can rest assured that you’re making the right choice for your case.
Although white collar crimes do not typically pose a physical threat to victims, embezzlement can lead to substantial financial and personal losses. Defending yourself in an embezzlement case is likely going to be extremely difficult, which is why it’s recommended to secure legal representation from a Lafayette embezzlement attorney.
Longman Jakuback is a local law firm with significant experience rooted in Louisiana criminal law. Our attorneys can provide the support you need throughout your case. We can form a viable defense and advocate for your freedom.
If you’re facing embezzlement allegations, contact our office to set up an initial meeting with a trusted criminal defense lawyer today.
* Industry recognition and awards do not guarantee future case results. Criteria will vary from organization to organization.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Louisiana, the team at Longman Jakuback is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
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