What You Need to Know About Embezzlement in Wisconsin

Embezzlement occurs when an employee steals funds from the company that he or she works for. This offense can be committed at all levels, and can involve anywhere from a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Depending on how much money is stolen, embezzlement can be a very serious offense. If you’ve been charged with embezzlement, you’ve got a very important court case ahead of you.
Here are somethings you need to know about embezzlement in Wisconsin.

What is Embezzlement?
As was stated above, embezzlement occurs when an employee of a company steals or manipulates company funds. This occurs when the employee in question is put in charge of said funds.
Embezzlement can happen over a short period of time or over a long period of time. The offender can either take one lump sum of money, or take small amounts of money incrementally as time passes.

What are the Penalties for Embezzlement in Wisconsin?
The penalties for embezzlement in Wisconsin are based on how much money is stolen or misappropriated. While minor embezzlement will land you with a misdemeanor, more extreme embezzlement with land you with a felony and serious jail time.

Less Than $2,500
When the amount of funds embezzled total under $2,500, the embezzler is charged with a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor can result in up to 9 months in prison, with fines of up to $10,000.
Because the offender is only charged with a misdemeanor, he or she will not be deeply affected in the future. Though the offense will show up on the offender’s public record, it won’t be considered nearly as serious as a felony.

Between $2,500 and $5,000
The next financial level for embezzlement in the state of Wisconsin is between $2,500 and $5,000. Those who embezzle this amount of money are committing a Class I felony, and can face punishments of up to 3 1/2 years in prison. In addition to this prison time, offenders can also face fines of up to $10,000.
Having a Class I felony on your record can do substantial damage to your reputation. It could very well hinder your ability to secure employment in the future.

Between $5,000 and $10,000
When an offender embezzles between $5,000 and $10,000 in funds, he or she is committing a Class H felony. A Class H felony is punishable by up to 6 years in prison, and by fines of up to $10,000.
In some cases, embezzlers can be charged with a Class H felony even if they steal under $5,000.

More Than $10,000
The most serious form of embezzlement is embezzlement in which more than $10,000 are stolen or misappropriated. This level of embezzlement is considered a Class G felony, and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. In addition to prison time, offenders can also be forced to pay up to $25,000 in fines.
If a Class G felony appears on your record, it will be exceedingly difficult to find employment in the future.

How Can You Defend Yourself Against Embezzlement Charges in Wisconsin?
The best way to defend yourself against embezzlement charges in Wisconsin is by hiring an experienced defense lawyer. If you’re looking for an experienced defense lawyer in the Milwaukee area, we here at Hartley Pecora have got you covered.
Our team of attorneys have defended clients in a number of different embezzlement cases. It’s our goal to minimize your penalties as much as legally possible. Put our experience to use in your defense.
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Contact us now.  We are available 24/7!