If you use corporate or client funds for your own personal gain, you may be guilty of embezzlement. Such crimes include taking money from your company cash register or billing a New Jersey client for services that were never rendered.
Embezzlement schemes may involve multiple people
It isn’t uncommon for those who are stealing company or client money to do so with the help of other people. In some cases, this other culprit acts as the contractor or service provider who provides an invoice for a product or service that was never delivered or performed. In addition to money, you could also embezzle real estate or other assets if they are used for your own personal gain despite belonging to someone else.
Embezzlement can take place in the government sector
This crime can occur in both the public and private sectors. If you attempt to take money that was earmarked for a local or state project, that would likely qualify as embezzlement.
Ponzi schemes usually involve the fraudulent use of investor money
A Ponzi scheme involves taking an investor’s money and using it to buy fancy cars, pay bills or otherwise enrich the person running it. Original investors are repaid using funds acquired from those who invest after they do. These illegal tactics were famously used by Bernie Madoff in his investment scheme.
If you’re charged with a white-collar crime, you may spend years or decades in prison. Furthermore, authorities could charge fines or restitution payments after being convicted of embezzlement or similar crimes. An attorney might be able to help you avoid criminal penalties by establishing that you had no intent to commit a crime. This could potentially be done through the use of bank or other financial records.