Categories of Embezzlement

There are several categories of embezzlement. Depending on the category, an embezzlement charge can be a state crime, federal crime, or both.

Public Money, Property, or Records

This category of embezzlement involves the misappropriation of anything of value that belongs to the government of the United States, any of its agencies, or any organization which is operating under contract of the government. This category of embezzlement may be either a state or federal offence depending on whether federal assets were embezzled or state assets.

Accounting Generally for Public Money

This type of embezzlement is specific to embezzlement by federal employees, agents, or officers. Like all types of embezzlement, punishments vary according to the value of the embezzled assets. In this case, if the value exceeds $1,000 you may face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Court Officers

This category is specific to employees of U.S. federal courts. If you fall into this category and embezzle more than $1,000, you may face a fine of up to $250,000 or the amount embezzled (whichever of the two is greater), and 10 years in prison.

Theft By Bank Examiner

This category of embezzlement law deals with embezzlement by bank examiners and assistant bank examiners when the property embezzled belongs to any bank that is part of the federal reserve system or is insured by the FDIC. If found guilty, individuals may face a fine of up to $250,000 and 5 years in prison.

Employee Benefit Plan Embezzlement

Anyone who embezzles money from any type of employee benefit plan is subject to this category of embezzlement. Penalties include a $250,000 and up to 5 years in jail.

Theft of a Major Artwork

It is a federal crime to fraudulently obtain any artwork or other important piece from a museum if the value is over $100,000 or the item is more than 100 years old. Embezzlement of this kind would likely be dealt with in federal court and would carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine

If you are being charged with any type of state or federal embezzlement, contact attorney David M. Dudley today. David is admitted to practice in 44 federal district courts and 48 different state and county courts nationwide. Call David at 800-805-6167 today for a free case evaluation.