Embezzlement Attorney In New York
Conviction for embezzlement charges can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, not to mention a criminal record that can prevent you from getting a job after your sentence has been served. If you are facing this charge, you need the help of an experienced attorney to fight it.
At The Law Office of Jeffrey Chabrowe, attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe is a former Manhattan prosecutor who has now defended New Yorkers from criminal charges for more than 25 years. We are dedicated to defending you against complex and serious embezzlement charges.
Understanding New York Embezzlement Charges And Sentencing
Under New York Penal Law § 155.05, prosecutors charge embezzlement as a form of larceny rather than a standalone crime. Embezzlement often occurs slowly over months or years. A series of minor withdrawals that start small eventually build up into a massive monetary sum, driving your charges straight into severe felony territory. The total monetary value of the property determines the severity of the charge and potential prison time:
- Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor): Involves property valued under $1,000. Punishable by up to one year in jail.
- Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (Class E Felony): Involves property valued from $1,000 to $3,000. Punishable by up to four years in prison.
- Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class D Felony): Involves property valued from $3,000 to $50,000. Punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (Class C Felony): Involves property valued from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Grand Larceny in the First Degree (Class B Felony): Involves property valued over $1,000,000. Punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Any employee, corporate executive, trustee or fiduciary who holds lawful access to money or business property can face embezzlement accusations. If you suspect law enforcement is actively investigating you or your business, reach out to lawyer Jeffrey Chabrowe immediately before answering any questions.
Charges Associated With Embezzlement
Because embezzlement typically happens in a business or professional setting, prosecutors often stack additional charges alongside grand larceny, such as:
- Forgery: Class D felony involving altered checks, signatures or legal documents.
- Criminal possession of stolen property: Misdemeanor or felony charges based on the property value.
- Falsifying business records: Class A misdemeanor or Class E felony depending on whether the falsification was done with the intent to commit or conceal another crime.
When prosecutors accuse you of falsifying financial records to hide missing funds, you face additional criminal charges and higher prison risks. A skilled criminal lawyer audits financial records, identifies accounting mistakes and builds a powerful defense to challenge prosecutor assumptions in court.
Complicated Embezzlement Charges Require Knowledgeable Representation
Being a former prosecutor gives attorney Jeffrey Chabrowe a unique level of understanding of embezzlement charges. We understand what the prosecutor must prove in order to convict, namely:
- That you had a trusting relationship with the party embezzled from. Generally, this is an employer-employee relationship
- That the victim put you in charge of certain property
- That you intended to steal from the victim
If the prosecutor cannot prove these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, they do not have a case. At The Law Office of Jeffrey Chabrowe, we thoroughly understand the law – its components and nuances – and use that in designing your defense strategy.
Contact Us Today
We are thorough in our representation of you and your rights. We take the time to examine your case in detail, looking for every opportunity to subvert the prosecution. The burden is on the prosecutor – not you – to prove that a crime occurred. Our job, which we take very seriously, is to defend you against every allegation they make.
To discuss your situation, please leave a voicemail for our office in New York at 212-235-1510. You can also send us a message online. Let us provide you with a strong defense against embezzlement charges.


