California Embezzlement Defense Attorney
Last updated on July 3, 2025
Embezzlement is a white-collar crime involving the fraudulent misappropriation of assets by someone entrusted to manage them. Unlike theft, the accused has lawful access but uses the property for unauthorized personal gain. It commonly occurs in workplaces, nonprofits and financial institutions.
If facing embezzlement charges in Long Beach, contact David J.P. Kaloyanides, APLC, for a defense consultation. Attorney David J.P. Kaloyanides has handled hundreds of cases, amassing extensive legal experience. As a lawyer and certified criminal law specialist, he vigorously defends the rights of California’s accused.
Who Can Be Charged With Embezzlement?
Those who fill certain roles and positions in an organization are more likely to face embezzlement allegations due to their access and proximity to the property in question. Examples include employees, financial executives, trustees, estate executors/administrators, or other agents such as guardians, conservators, or power-of-attorney holders.
Embezzlement can happen in the corporate world but also in small businesses, government offices, nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, schools, and institutions of higher learning. Even long-tenured or highly trusted individuals may be implicated if they exploit their position for personal gain.
Examples Of Embezzlement
Acts of embezzlement differ from case to case, but an example would be an employee who is given a company credit card to use while traveling for business, but they use the card for personal expenses. Other examples include:
- Fake vendors: Creating bogus accounts to divert funds
- Ghost employees: Adding non-existent staff to payroll
- Forged checks: Writing unauthorized checks to oneself
- Kickbacks: Receiving secret payments for vendor deals
- Inflated expenses: Submitting false reimbursement claims
- Diverting donations: keeping nonprofit funds for personal use
These and other forms of embezzlement are treated harshly in California courts, making an experienced defense lawyer essential.
Defenses Against Embezzlement Charges
There are several potential defense options for those facing embezzlement charges. Here are some examples:
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent to misappropriate
- Miscommunications and misunderstandings
- Belief that the property was used as intended
- Insufficient evidence of embezzlement
In California, a conviction for embezzlement involving property worth $950 or less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. If the value of the property exceeds $950, it may be charged as felony grand theft, carrying up to three years in state prison.
Call For A Consultation
Embezzlement convictions can result in fines and jail time of up to three years in California. If you are under investigation or have been charged with embezzlement, let David J.P. Kaloyanides, APLC, defend you from conviction. Call Mr. Kaloyanides at Call or use the online contact form to schedule a consultation.