Federal Embezzlement Laws

Embezzlement is a complex crime. Sometimes embezzlement is a state crime, sometimes it’s a federals crime, and sometimes state and federal laws overlap for the same offense. One example of this overlap can occur when a bank employee uses his position of trust to misappropriate funds for himself. Oftentimes, such a crime is covered by both state law and federal law. In these cases, a prosecutor may choose to charge the defendant in state court or federal court. When it comes to federal embezzlement laws, there are several categories. Some of these categories include public money, property, or records, counterfeiting tools, theft by a bank examiner, and many more.

Who is Subject to Federal Embezzlement Laws?

An individual who embezzles money, property, records or anything else of value that belongs to the federal government is likely subject to federal embezzlement laws. This also includes things that are being worked on by a private company that is under contract to the federal government. If the value of those things being embezzled is more than $1,000, the individual may be fined $250,000 and imprisoned for up to ten years. For a value of less than $1,000, the fine is up to $100,000 and up to one year in jail.

What Are Tools for Counterfeiting?

This may include the embezzlement of stamps, printing devices, or other tools that are used by the federal government to manufacture bonds, currency notes, postage, or anything else that the government uses to create something which will be placed in circulation. In this case, the penalties are unrelated to the value of the items. Regardless of how high or low the value is, the penalty would be a fine of $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

What is Bank Examiner Theft?

This portion of federal law refers to bank examiners and assistant bank examiners who embezzle money from a banking institution which is part of the Federal Reserve System is insured by FDIC or is a foreign bank. The penalties for embezzling over $1,000 include a $250,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

Experienced Embezzlement Attorney

There are many other types of embezzlement which may be governed by federal embezzlement law. If you are being charged with embezzlement, contact David M. Dudley today. Mr. Dudley is an experienced federal embezzlement attorney who is ready to help you fight your case. He’s represented individuals facing major criminal allegations in 36 different states, handled matters in both the trial and appellate courts, state and federal, and is admitted to the United States Supreme Court and seven federal circuit courts of appeal.

Call 800-805-6167 for a free case evaluation.