Top-Notch White-Collar Defense
Embezzlement Charges in Oklahoma
What is embezzlement under Oklahoma law?
Embezzlement is a white-collar crime that involves the fraudulent appropriation of money, property or assets by someone entrusted with them. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 1451, embezzlement can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the value of the property/money in question.
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Important Terms and Definitions
Employee Theft:
Misusing company funds, forging payroll or stealing inventory
Misappropriation of Funds:
Using client or business accounts for personal expenses
Falsifying Records:
Altering financial documents to conceal unauthorized withdrawals
What is Obtaining Property by False Pretenses?
The charge of obtaining property/money by false pretenses is similar to embezzlement, but occurs when someone intentionally deceives another person to gain control of their money or property. Embezzlement is where someone has permission to possess the property/money but then misuses or appropriates it for personal gain.
Legal Representation Matters.
Embezzlement can begin with acts that don’t seem blatantly criminal, but these charges are serious, and you need to take them seriously. They often result in jail or even prison time, as well as the loss of professional licenses and court orders to pay restitution.
Many embezzlement cases involve misunderstandings, clerical errors or false accusations. You need Stone Legal Group to dispute fraudulent claims, negotiate reduced charges, and prevent excessive penalties.
Key Embezzlement Penalties
Embezzlement penalties are typically determined based on the amount of money embezzled.
Misdemeanor Embezzlement
(Value Under $1,000)
Jail Time: Up to one year in county jail
Fines: Up to $1,000
Possible restitution and probation
Felony Embezzlement
(Value $1,000-$2,500)
Prison Time: Up to two years
Fines: Up to $5,000 plus restitution
Permanent felony record affecting employment and financial future
Felony Embezzlement
(Value $2,500-$15,000)
Prison Time: Up to five years
Fines: Up to $5,000 plus restitution
Felony Embezzlement
(Value more than $15,000)
Prison Time: Up to eight years
Fines: Up to $10,000 plus restitution
Aggravating Factors
Courts tend to treat certain embezzlement circumstances more severely. These include:
- Large-scale fraud schemes involving multiple victims
- Previous theft-related convictions
- Embezzling from a nonprofit or government agency
Stone Legal Group’s Embezzlement Defense Strategies
Every case of embezzlement is different, and at Stone Legal Group, we treat them that way. We tailor defense strategies to your specific situation. Strategies we might employ include, but aren’t limited to:
Lack of Intent to Defraud
- Was the accused authorized to use the funds?
- Was there a bookkeeping or accounting error?
Negotiating Restitution & Alternative Sentencing
- Repaying the missing funds may help reduce or dismiss charges.
- Probation, community service or pretrial diversion programs may help reduce penalties.
Insufficient Evidence
- Did the prosecution misinterpret financial records?
- Can the accused prove they had no control over the missing funds?
Rock-Solid Defense
Stone Legal Group is dedicated to providing you with the most thorough, heavily researched and exhaustive embezzlement defense strategies in Oklahoma. We conduct forensic financial reviews to dispute wrongful claims and fight for case dismissals or reduced charges whenever possible. We value your rights and your freedom just as much as you do, and will prove it with some undeniable differences that set us apart from other attorneys and firms:
Tailored Strategy
One size never fits all. We custom-build defense strategies for your specific case & circumstances.
Concierge Service
Immediate access to your team and your lawyer when you need it.
Proven Results
Our track record of successful outcomes speaks for itself.
Local Expertise
Experience-based knowledge of both courts & prosecutors in Oklahoma City metro and surrounding counties.
More Tools
Plea bargaining isn’t our only option. Our toolbox includes litigation, motion practice, reducing penalties, ruthless negotiation, reputation protection & more.
Whatever it Takes
Private investigation, independent expert witnesses, on-the-ground evidence gathering, intensive legal research & more.
Understanding Costs
Hiring a skilled attorney is an investment in your future, your freedom and your family. For criminal cases, Stone Legal Group charges a transparent, flat fee to cover the cost of your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement Defense in Oklahoma
Can I go to jail for embezzlement if I return the money?
Yes. While returning the money does not automatically dismiss charges, it can reduce penalties.
Is embezzlement a felony in Oklahoma?
It depends on the amount stolen. Anything over $1,000 qualifies as a felony.
Can I be accused of embezzlement for a bookkeeping mistake?
Yes, but proving a lack of intent is a strong defense – one that we can develop for you.
How do I defend against false embezzlement allegations?
Stone Legal Group will challenge the evidence, request financial audits and cross-examine accusers – and that’s just the start.
Can I get an embezzlement charge expunged?
Depending on the outcome of the case, you may qualify for expungement of your record.
What qualifies as embezzlement in Oklahoma?
Embezzlement occurs when someone, entrusted with another party’s money or property, unlawfully takes or misuses those assets for personal gain.
Common examples include:
- Misappropriating company funds
- Altering financial records to conceal theft
- Using employer resources for unauthorized personal gain
What are the penalties for embezzlement in Oklahoma?
Penalty severity depends on the amount stolen:
- Up to $1,000: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 fines, plus restitution.
- $1,000 – $2,500: Felony, punishable by up to two years in prison, up to $5,000 fines, plus restitution.
- $2,500-$15,000: Felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, up to $5,000 fines, plus restitution.
- More than $15,000: Felony, punishable by up to eight years in prison, up to $10,000 fines, plus restitution.
How do I fight embezzlement charges?
A strong defense against embezzlement charges may include:
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating the alleged misappropriation was an accounting error or misunderstanding.
- Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove theft beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Lack of Personal Gain: Showing that any financial discrepancies were not for personal benefit.
Can embezzlement charges be dropped?
Yes, embezzlement charges may be dropped under certain circumstances, such as:
- Lack of sufficient evidence to support the prosecution’s case
- Demonstrating that the financial records were misinterpreted
- Negotiating a restitution agreement to settle the matter outside of court
What is the statute of limitations for embezzlement in Oklahoma?
The statute of limitations for filing embezzlement charges in Oklahoma is five years. However, the clock begins when the embezzlement was discovered. If charges are not filed within the statute of limitations, they may be dismissed.
Areas We Serve
Stone Legal Group has extensive experience representing clients in embezzlement cases across Oklahoma, from the OKC metro area and beyond.
Oklahoma City
Edmond
Norman
Yukon
Mustang
The Village
Moore
Midwest City
Nichols Hills
Newcastle
Piedmont
El Reno
Guthrie
+ surrounding communities
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