Gainesville Fraud & Embezzlement Crimes Lawyer

Fraud & Embezzlement Crimes Attorney in Gainesville, GA

Accusations of fraud or embezzlement can have a long-lasting negative effect on your personal and professional reputation. Even if the charges are dismissed or you are found not guilty at trial, your reputation can become tarnished. A skilled Gainesville, GA, fraud & embezzlement crimes lawyer can help.

A fraud or embezzlement conviction can drastically change your future employment opportunities. You need strong representation dedicated to working for your freedom. An experienced Gainesville criminal defense lawyer can represent your interests and safeguard your rights.

Hire a Fraud & Embezzlement Crimes Lawyer

Facing fraud and embezzlement charges can be overwhelming. You could be risking steep penalties if convicted. You need to hire a fraud & embezzlement crimes lawyer to defend against these charges. At Pleasant Law, PLLC, we have over 25 years of experience representing Georgia clients in negotiations and litigation. It is often beneficial to understand what happens after a DUI arrest in Gainesville, GA to see how the local legal process handles various criminal allegations.

Fraud and Embezzlement in Georgia

The United States Sentencing Commission compiles data for each state on sentencing rates for various crimes. During fiscal year 2023, Georgia had 170 fraud, theft, or embezzlement convictions, representing 12.7% of all convictions. Of those convictions:

• 165 took plea agreements
• 5 went to trial
• 116 were sentenced to prison
• 4 were sentenced to prison and alternative sentences
• 13 were sentenced to probation and alternative sentences
• 36 were sentenced to probation only
• 1 received only fines

For Gainesville residents, misdemeanor fraud or embezzlement charges are heard at the Hall County Magistrate Court, state felony charges are heard at the Hall County Superior Court, and federal charges are heard at the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. If your situation involves lower-level charges, a dedicated Gainesville, GA misdemeanor crime lawyer can help you navigate the specific requirements of the Magistrate Court.

Types of Embezzlement

Embezzlement is not recognized by the Georgia penal code. Instead, theft by conversion describes when someone uses their position of trust to obtain another’s personal property and then converts it for their own use. Theft by conversion can be committed by individuals or companies.

Theft by conversion can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the monetary value of the items taken. Common penalties include:

• Jail or prison time
• Fines
• Restitution payments to victims
• Community service
• Permanent criminal record impacting future employment prospects

Common Types of Fraud

Fraud involves deceiving a person, company, or agency for personal gain. Most often, gaining wealth is the motivator, but acquiring physical or intellectual property through deception is also considered fraud. Common types of fraud seen in Georgia include:

• Identity theft involves using someone’s personal information without permission for personal gain. An experienced Gainesville, GA identity theft & fraud lawyer can help defend against these specific allegations.
• Wire fraud involves defrauding someone over the phone or through email communication.
• Bank fraud includes several crimes, such as check kiting, accessing funds through false pretenses, or using false information to obtain loans.
• Securities fraud involves misleading investors to secure financial investments.
• Insurance fraud can involve fabricated or exaggerated claims or providing false information on insurance forms.
• Healthcare fraud occurs when healthcare providers use shady billing practices for financial gain.
• Tax fraud can be committed by individuals or businesses and involves misrepresenting income to evade paying taxes.

Get Help From a Gainesville Fraud and Embezzlement Crimes Lawyer

If you’re facing criminal fraud or embezzlement charges, you need a criminal defense attorney who can represent your case with a strong defensive strategy. Contact Pleasant Law, PLLC, today to schedule a confidential consultation.