Protect Your Career And Freedom When Embezzlement Charges Put Everything At Risk

Last updated on May 7, 2026

An embezzlement charge can put your freedom, job and reputation in danger. Michigan law treats embezzlement as a breach of trust. The charge can involve money, property or assets that you could access through work, then allegedly used without consent.

I am Carl Jordan, the criminal defense attorney behind the Carl Jordan Law Firm. I defend people in Metro Detroit and across Michigan who face financial accusations. As an embezzlement attorney, I will review the records and claims behind the charge. An accusation does not equal guilt.

Michigan Embezzlement Cases Depend On Proof

Michigan Penal Code MCL 750.174 applies when someone receives access to money or property through a trusted role and fraudulently converts it for another use. That makes embezzlement different from ordinary theft. Theft often starts with taking property without permission. Embezzlement often starts with lawful access that prosecutors claim later became unlawful.

Prosecutors usually need to prove that your role gave you access, that you converted the property without consent and that you intended to misuse it. Office conflict, weak records or a bookkeeping error should not replace proof. These cases may involve workplace fraud allegations, payroll issues, credit card use, cash receipts, inventory, client accounts or estate funds.

Penalties Can Affect Your Future

Michigan penalties depend on the amount involved, your record and the facts. Lower-value cases may involve misdemeanor exposure. Cases involving $1,000 or more can lead to felony charges. Larger amounts can bring prison, fines and restitution.

The impact can reach far past the court. You could face job loss, licensing problems, civil lawsuits, immigration concerns or limits on finance, law, health care, accounting or management work. A white collar crime attorney may review federal risks if the case involves banks, federal money or interstate activity.

Defense Work Starts With The Records

As an embezzlement defense attorney, I will study bank records, emails, contracts, ledgers and witness statements. I will look for gaps in the amount claimed, proof of consent or signs that someone blamed you for wider business problems.

Possible defense issues may include the following:

• Records showing approval for a transfer, expense or account use
• Bookkeeping errors explaining missing funds or mismatched entries
• Business disputes involving money you believed you could use

These details matter in financial misconduct defense, asset misappropriation cases, fiduciary duty violations and breach of trust criminal charges.

Answers To Common Embezzlement Questions

Common questions include the following:

What must the prosecution prove in an embezzlement case?

The prosecution usually must prove trusted access, conversion without consent and fraudulent intent.

Is embezzlement considered a felony?

It can be. Value often controls the charge level and penalties. Some cases carry misdemeanor exposure, while higher-value cases can lead to felony charges.

Can an embezzlement lawyer help avoid jail time?

No lawyer can promise that result. Early defense work can shape negotiations, restitution talks and sentencing arguments. An employee theft attorney or financial crime lawyer can review the facts before the case moves further.

Speak With A Detroit Defense Attorney About Your Embezzlement Charge

An embezzlement case can grow harder to manage once investigators build the paper trail. I will review the claimed loss, your access to the funds and any records that support your side. Call 248-791-2792 or use the contact page to schedule a free consultation with me.