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By Lawrence J. Zimmerman

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Criminal Defense

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Last Modified on Nov 11, 2025

If you are facing embezzlement charges, you might be wondering, “Is embezzlement a white–collar crime in Georgia?” The quick answer to that is yes. In fact, embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime that carries the possibility of severe penalties, including fines and prison time. The team at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has the experience and skill to defend embezzlement charges and help prevent the harshest penalties.

Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer to Fight Embezzlement Charges

With over 25 years of experience representing Georgia residents accused of serious crimes, Lawrence J. Zimmerman is the Georgia white-collar crime attorney to turn to when you or a member of your family is facing a white-collar crime charge. He can help you understand your rights and use his knowledge to defend you against the charges.

What Is a White-Collar Crime?

White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes often committed by professionals. They usually involve breach of trust or deceit rather than physical violence. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the financial losses from these crimes can range from $426 billion to $1.7 trillion each year.

Some crimes classified as white-collar in Georgia include:

• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Tax evasion
• Insurance fraud
• Mail and wire fraud
• Bank fraud
• Bribery

White-collar crime cases that violate federal laws are investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI or the IRS Criminal Investigation. They are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office and tried in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The main courthouse is in Atlanta.

What Is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a type of property theft. Under 18 U.S. Code § 641, a person commits embezzlement when they lawfully obtain funds from another person, but they don’t use them for the intended purpose. Instead, they convert the funds for their personal gain.

Embezzlement is often committed by a person who has a fiduciary duty or by a person in power. It can occur on a large scale involving millions of dollars, but it can also occur on a smaller scale. For example, a cashier stealing five dollars from the register every day for a year or longer is committing embezzlement.

Embezzlement is one of the most common white-collar crimes in Georgia, along with fraud and forgery. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, for the 2023 fiscal year, there were 5,205 cases of embezzlement, fraud, and theft in Georgia.

Common Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges

A 2023 study showed that financial fraud is more common in Georgia than in any other state, with 437 incidents per 100,000 people. Georgia takes a strict stance against embezzlement, and Georgia’s white-collar crime laws prohibit individuals from embezzling property or funds. If you are charged with embezzlement, you should hire a white-collar crime lawyer who knows how to defend you. The right defense can protect your rights and help minimize your punishment.

Some of the possible defenses that your attorney may use include:

• Lack of intent: One of the key elements in an embezzlement case is intent. If your attorney can show that the fraud or misappropriation was not intentional, it can be a powerful defense.
• Insufficient evidence: Embezzlement charges require sufficient evidence to prove wrongdoing. An effective attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence to undermine its credibility.
• Entrapment: If a government entity compels you to commit a crime that you would otherwise not commit, it’s considered entrapment. If entrapment is proven, you have a good defense.
• Duress: If you can show that you embezzled money or assets because someone threatened to harm you or a member of your family, or you were forced into it, your attorney can use it in your defense in court.
• False accusation: Not everyone charged with embezzlement is guilty. The charges may arise from a misunderstanding or rivalry at work. If an investigation into the circumstances uncovers an ulterior motive or misunderstanding, it can be used in your defense.

FAQs

Is Embezzlement a Felony in Georgia?

Embezzlement can be a felony in Georgia, depending on the amount of money or value of the property embezzled. If the value of the stolen property is $1,500 or more, you can be charged with a felony. Other factors that can affect charges include the age of the victim and the type of property involved. If the victim is over 65, it can increase the penalties, and embezzling certain items, such as firearms, can carry stronger penalties.

What Type of Crime Is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a white-collar crime, but it also falls under financial crimes. Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of money or assets by a person who was entrusted with them. It often overlaps with other white-collar crimes, such as fraud. It can be prosecuted under federal or state laws, depending on the method used, the amount embezzled, and other factors.

What Happens if You Are Found Guilty of Embezzlement?

If you are found guilty of embezzlement, you will face penalties such as prison time, restitution to the victim or victims, and fines. You will have a criminal record, and you may also lose your professional license if you have one. The penalties for embezzlement can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on certain details of the crime.

What Are the Four Common Types of White-Collar Crime?

The four common types of white-collar crime are identity fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and insider trading or securities fraud. According to the FBI, white-collar crimes can range from mortgage fraud to corporate crimes, such as accounting schemes and securities fraud. These types of crimes are not violent, but the victims suffer financially.

Contact a White-Collar Crime Attorney Today

If you are facing embezzlement charges, you do not have to face them alone. The legal team at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman is a formidable ally to have in your corner during this difficult time. We understand that your future is at stake, and we are ready to provide aggressive, skilled legal representation.