Embezzlement and money laundering are likely the two most recognizable forms of white collar crime. If you have been charged with either of these two types of corporate crimes in Ohio you need to consult a qualified criminal defense attorney right away. I have experience in defending individuals who have been charged with white collar crime and will zealously create an effective legal strategy while vigorously protecting your legal rights.

Building a Defense for Embezzlement

If you wrongly undertake rights to funds or property that you are responsible for then you have committed embezzlement. Employee theft is one of the most frequent types of embezzlement. In order to prove embezzlement occurred there are four significant elements that must be proven and they are:

  • The two parties must have a relationship whereby one has responsibility for funds or property of the other
  • The defendant became the owner of the property via the connection with the plaintiff
  • The defendant illegally took possession of the property
  • The defendant purposely assumed rights to the property

The punishment you face for an embezzlement charge is contingent on what the property you embezzled is worth. Most likely, you will be assessed a fine that is of equal value of the property you embezzled in addition to spending time in jail.

Money Laundering Offenses

If you have money that you received via an illegal activity and make it look like it derived from a legitimate business operation then you have committed money laundering. There are several steps involved in the process and they include:

  • Money placement – This is where you actually take the money received from the illegal activity and deposit it into a bank or an insurance company.
  • Layering – The goal of this part of the process is to create so much transactional activity between various accounts that it would be difficult to actually trace where the illegal money came from.
  • Integration – The last action involves incorporating the illegal money with legitimate money. This is accomplished by placing a higher value on the invoice of a particular item and once the money is received for the sale it is deposited with the illegal money so it would be impossible to think there is extra money in the account.

Embezzlement and money laundering are very serious offenses. The criminal laws surrounding these types of offenses can be complicated and intricate. I am ready and able to satisfactorily defend you if you face either of these charges. I have the legal acumen to successfully design a legal strategy that best suits your legal needs.

The Bottom Line:  Whether or not you feel that you have a valid defense to the allegation of embezzlement or money laundering, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side will help minimize the negative outcome of your case.  The large majority of my clients have not gone to jail or prison, I  have worked out alternative dispositions instead of jail. By fighting in the courtroom and negotiating with experience, we can avoid a conviction or mitigate the worst provision of this charge.  Put my mobile phone number into your phone:                         513-260-2099