Penalties for Embezzlement in Wisconsin

Charged with Embezzlement in Wisconsin? Contact an experienced criminal attorney

Embezzlement is a crime that most people have heard about, but may not fully understand. If you are charged with embezzlement in Wisconsin, you should take it seriously. It involves a breach of trust that you may have trouble regaining, even if ultimately you are found not guilty. Understanding the accusation and the potential penalties can help you avoid the worst potential consequences.
Defining Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a particular kind of theft. If you are in a position of authority or trust in an organization and take something of value, you can be charged. Usually people think of it in terms of money: a treasurer or other official within a company stealing funds from the organization. While this is the most common version, though, embezzlement can include taking anything of value, as long as you had access based on your position or power.

Misdemeanor and Felony Embezzlement

In Wisconsin, the difference between misdemeanor and felony embezzlement is the value of what was taken. If the total value is under $2,500, this is a misdemeanor under Wisconsin law. This brings a fine of up to $10,000 and up to nine months in jail, so even at the misdemeanor level embezzlement charges are significant.
Once the value rises over that threshold, embezzlement becomes a felony. This falls into three tiers:

• Class I felony ($2,500 to $5,000 total value)
• Class H felony ($5,000 to $10,000 total value)
• Class G felony (over $10,000 total value)

At the Class G felony level, the penalty rises to up to ten years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Even after you have paid the price of the fines and prison time, your ability to regain a position of trust are severely compromised.
If you have been accused of embezzlement, you need experienced legal help. Whether you hope to beat a false accusation or minimize the penalties you face, you need someone who understands the legal structure and the courts in which you face charges. The attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices have the experience and ability to help defend you after an embezzlement arrest.
This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/penalties-for-embezzlement-in-wisconsin/