Louisiana law very clearly prohibits theft and other property crimes. State statutes impose different penalties depending on how someone accesses another party’s property and the value of the misappropriated resources. The use of violence can often exacerbate theft charges. Compared with accusations of armed robbery, allegations of embezzlement may not seem quite so serious. After all, embezzlement is a non-violent offense where someone uses their position of trust within a company to misappropriate resources that belong to their employer.
Those accused of embezzlement frequently plead guilty and may expect to receive a slap on the wrist because it is a non-violent crime. However, there are at least three kinds of serious consequences possible in the event of an embezzlement conviction in Louisiana.
Criminal penalties
The value of the embezzled assets determines what criminal consequences the courts can impose. Theft offenses can trigger fines, probation and incarceration. If the total value of the assets amounts to $25,000 or more, the accused employee might face up to 20 years in state facilities. The criminal penalties that the courts impose can alter the course of someone’s life after their conviction.
An order of restitution
A conviction for a financial crime often leads to a requirement to reimburse the affected party. The courts can order that someone pay restitution to their former employer, possibly for the full value of the embezzled assets. That order of restitution is in addition to any fines and court costs handed down as a result of someone’s charges.
Permanent career setbacks
A conviction for an embezzlement offense might make it very difficult for someone to secure a good job offer in the future. Many businesses do not hire those with major criminal offenses on their record, especially in scenarios where the victim of the crime was their former employer. Someone accused of embezzlement could also be at risk of needing to change professions. Those in accounting careers, for example, may need state licenses to perform their jobs. A criminal record involving embezzlement or crimes against an employer could permanently eliminate someone from eligibility for necessary state licensing.
Someone who has been accused of embezzlement likely faces charges backed by complex and extensive financial evidence. Getting help when responding to embezzlement claims may help someone diminish their chances of being impacted by a life-altering conviction.