Wilmington Embezzlement Lawyer

Wilmington Embezzlement Attorney

Embezzlement allegations can be upsetting, upending your daily life and future. In North Carolina, embezzlement charges carry felony penalties, which can damage your professional reputation and hinder future opportunities. Cases of embezzlement are usually complex and require overwhelming evidence provided by the prosecution. A Wilmington embezzlement lawyer can build a defense that protects your rights and is tailored to your specific case.

At The Shotwell Law Group PLLC, we boast over 30 years of combined experience in defending our clients against the aggressive strategies of prosecutors. Hire an embezzlement lawyer who can handle every stage of your case, from evidence gathering to negotiation to even litigation if required. Our attorneys can offer guidance and confident legal representation throughout your embezzlement case, always working toward a fair and balanced settlement.

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How an Embezzlement Defense Lawyer Can Help You

If you have been accused of embezzling money or assets from an employer, an associated organization, or a professional client, a Wilmington embezzlement attorney can gather resourceful evidence, challenge an aggressive prosecution, and work to mitigate the penalties and sentencing you might face.

Your embezzlement Criminal defense lawyer can manage your case from start to finish. From filing to defense before a judge, your attorney from The Shotwell Law Group PLLC can:

• Gather and review the evidence. This can include financial records, any policies or agreements in place, and any evidence that might have been omitted by the prosecution that could help your case.
• Challenge the evidence brought forth by the prosecution. In a case of embezzlement, the prosecution is responsible for proving the intent and guilt of the accused. As your defense, our job is to challenge that evidence, which can significantly reduce penalties if not get the case dismissed.
• Negotiate on your behalf. We can work to reduce or eliminate charges, penalties, and other sentencing. Often in embezzlement cases, repayment plans can be negotiated that work for both parties.
• Represent you in court. While many embezzlement cases can be handled outside the courtroom, some cases are too complex or contentious. If necessary, your embezzlement defense attorney can represent you before a judge in court.

Embezzlement is considered a felony in North Carolina and under United States law, so protect yourself by choosing legal representation with The Shotwell Law Group PLLC.

Embezzlement in North Carolina

There are many ways in which embezzlement can occur, and North Carolina does not place a statute of limitations on embezzlement crimes, meaning charges could come years after an incident occurred. Whether you have been accused of skimming money off the top of earnings, manipulating payroll at your company, or misappropriating funds on a company credit card or from a charity, your Wilmington embezzlement attorney can explain the relevant embezzlement laws and how they apply to your situation.

While it can feel isolating, embarrassing, or even upsetting to be accused of embezzling money or assets, you are not alone. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, in 2024, 8.6% of sentenced individuals in North Carolina were sentenced for crimes of fraud, theft, or embezzlement. The Shotwell Law Group PLLC can defend you, working hard to keep you from becoming a statistic.

For information on filing or mandatory court appearances, the New Hanover County Courthouse is located at 316 Princess St., Wilmington, NC 28401.

FAQs About Embezzlement Law

Can Embezzlement Be Settled Out of Court in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, embezzlement cases are often settled out of court through the process of negotiation. While it is easier to settle embezzlement claims out of court in cases where law enforcement is not yet or not heavily involved, it does not guarantee that criminal charges will be dropped.

Settlement through negotiation in an embezzlement case usually involves agreements for repayment. It can mitigate the severity of sentencing if the prosecution seeks further charges.

Is Embezzlement Hard to Prove?

Embezzlement can be difficult to prove due to the need for prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally misappropriated money or assets. They are required to provide evidence that establishes the:

• Financial relationship with the accused
• Access the accused had to the assets
• Intent and actual theft of the assets

Evidence includes detailed financial records, witness interviews, and thorough forensic accounting.

Defenses can include lack of intent, consent, miscommunication, and mistaken identity.

What Is Considered a Large Amount in Embezzlement in North Carolina?

The severity of any sentencing for embezzlement is directly related to the amount or value of the assets proven to be embezzled. Per the North Carolina General Statute 14-90, embezzlement is considered a Class H felony for stolen assets totaling less than $100,000 and a Class C felony for stolen assets totaling over $100,000. In North Carolina, there is no statute of limitations for embezzlement crimes, meaning charges could be brought at any time.

Do Victims of Embezzlement Get Their Money Back?

While the full recovery of embezzled assets is not a guarantee, in North Carolina, the court can order restitution payments to be made by the defendant. Recovery can be difficult if the defendant does not have the financial means to repay the stolen amount, especially if they are sentenced to jail time, reducing their own ability to earn income or make repayments.

In special cases, the North Carolina Department of Justice can assist with complaints through its Consumer Protection Division.

Hire an Embezzlement Lawyer

You do not have to navigate your embezzlement case and North Carolina law alone. In a case involving embezzlement accusations, securing the skill and knowledge of an embezzlement attorney at The Shotwell Law Group PLLC could be essential to the outcome of your case. We can work tirelessly to protect your rights, gather evidence, and build your defense. The prosecution’s focus is on proving your guilt; let us protect your innocence.

The penalties and consequences of embezzlement charges can extend beyond the duration of the trial, with repayment plans or even time in jail uprooting your career, reputation, and future financial stability. Your choice in legal representation during this time could be critical in the weeks and years ahead. A dedicated defense attorney can represent you. Contact the office of The Shotwell Law Group PLLC today to find out how.