Marietta Embezzlement Lawyer

Marietta Embezzlement Attorney

If you are facing embezzlement charges, it’s wise to seek legal counsel from a Marietta embezzlement lawyer as soon as possible. It’s not required that you work with an attorney, but it’s highly recommended that you do. Your attorney can answer your questions, negotiate deals, represent you in court, and more.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has over two and a half decades of experience working on white-collar crime cases, and we’re dedicated to using our experience to guide you through your case. We can evaluate your case and start building a solid defense.

What Is Considered Embezzlement in Marietta, GA?

Embezzlement is a white-collar crime that involves the fraudulent conversion of lawfully obtained property for someone’s personal use or gain. This can include the misuse of any bank accounts, cash, credit cards, or other personal property, either temporarily or permanently.

This type of crime is typically charged as a type of larceny. Recently, 135,954 larceny-theft crimes were reported in Georgia in a single year, which accounted for 61.72 percent of all reported crimes in the state.

That said, embezzlement can be reported under other crime categories depending on the circumstances of the situation. For example, these types of charges can often be paired with related offenses like conspiracy, money laundering, or theft.

Regardless, embezzlement is prosecuted as “theft by conversion” in Georgia. This means the offender lawfully obtained property and then knowingly used it for their own personal use in violation of their legal obligation to the other party. This is an important distinction because it’s not classified as an unlawful initial possession and is, instead, a violation of trust.

Types of Embezzlement Charges in Marietta

Embezzlement covers a wide range of crimes that can be charged as lightly as a misdemeanor or as harshly as a felony, depending on the severity of the crime. Common types of embezzlement cases that our team at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman has handled include the following:

• Asset misappropriation
• Check kiting
• Corporate embezzlement
• Forgery
• Investment fraud
• Kickbacks
• Misuse of assets
• Payroll and overtime fraud
• PPP Loan fraud
• Siphoning
• Skimming
• Tax evasion

Cases of embezzlement happen all around Marietta and the rest of Georgia. For example, in March of 2025, the former global chief information officer of Mohawk Industries, Inc. was sentenced to federal prison for using a scheme to defraud the company out of nearly $1.9 million.

Just one month prior, a commercial real estate investment head in Georgia pleaded guilty to a fraud scheme for $62.8 million. These are just two of countless cases that occurred near Marietta recently.

Potential Defenses for Embezzlement Charges in Marietta

Facing embezzlement charges can be stressful, but it’s possible to come out on top of your charges. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you’re guilty of embezzlement, so your job is to prove your innocence.

The exact defense you use for your case ultimately depends on the details of your case, but there are some common ones that your Marietta embezzlement lawyer may suggest. Some defenses that can help disprove one or more elements of an embezzlement charge include:

• Good-faith belief that you were entitled to the property
• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of intent to use property for personal gain
• Not being in control of the property you’re accused of embezzling
• Duress

No matter the circumstances of your case, you can count on our team at The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman to be by your side. We can advise you on every aspect of your case, including how to act during the process and what types of records to keep.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Marietta Embezzlement Attorney Cost?

A: It can be difficult to estimate how much it may cost to work with a Marietta embezzlement lawyer without giving them more information about your case. An attorney typically determines their rate based on the complexity of your case and the services you require. They typically charge a flat fee for specific services, an hourly rate, or a retainer fee.

Q: How Do I Beat an Embezzlement Charge in Marietta?

A: In order to beat an embezzlement charge in Marietta, you must develop a strong defense and back it with evidence. Common defenses for embezzlement include the belief that you were entitled to the property, duress, insufficient evidence, lack of control of the property you’re accused of stealing, and lack of intent to steal property for personal use. A Marietta embezzlement lawyer can help you build a strong defense for your case.

Q: Can I Be Charged With Embezzlement if I Intended to Give the Property Back in Marietta?

A: Under federal law, the intent to return property is not a viable defense for embezzlement. It is still considered embezzlement even if you plan to return the property once you’re done, because you’re still using another person’s property without their permission for your own personal benefit. However, you may be able to argue that you believed you had a right to the property.

Q: Can an Embezzlement Case Be Settled Out of Court in Marietta?

A: It’s possible to settle an embezzlement case out of court as long as it’s a civil matter. A private dispute can be settled through negotiations or mediation, depending on the details of the case. However, criminal embezzlement charges present fewer options for settling out of court since negotiations are between the offender and the state. This situation requires going to court.

Talk to a Marietta Embezzlement Lawyer Today

Facing embezzlement charges is a serious deal, and a conviction can lead to a lasting impact on your life. That’s why it’s important to understand what to do and how to protect yourself throughout the legal process that follows.

Instead of trying to face this all on your own, let a Marietta embezzlement lawyer from The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman guide you through your case. Our team has decades of experience working with clients facing criminal charges in Georgia, and we’re ready to hear more about your story. Contact us to set up an appointment, and we can chat about your case in more detail.