Allegations of embezzlement can feel like the ground has shifted. Many times, these accusations come out of nowhere: a payroll discrepancy, a flagged transaction, or a vague report of “missing funds.” Suddenly, you are no longer just doing your job, but the focus of a criminal investigation.
At Ashwell & Ashwell, we have seen how quickly these cases unfold—and how damaging they can be. Whether the claim stems from a bookkeeping oversight or a misinterpreted policy, our fraud defense team approaches each case with the care it deserves. If you have been accused, connecting with a Warrenton embezzlement lawyer early on may help you protect both your freedom and your reputation.
The Commonwealth treats embezzlement as a form of larceny. What makes it different is the relationship: this crime happens when someone misuses money or property they were trusted to manage. Under Virginia Code § 18.2-111, a conviction may result in the same penalties as theft.
If the amount exceeds $1,000, then the charge becomes a felony. Convictions can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. However, the law also recognizes the difference between intent and error. That distinction is where many defenses begin.
A Warrenton lawyer may explore whether the alleged embezzlement conduct was willful or whether procedures, expectations, or access were poorly defined or misunderstood.
In businesses where the structure is loose or informal, it is not unusual for staff to move money, approve reimbursements, or shift resources based on verbal instructions or unwritten norms. Over time, this kind of routine can become difficult to document, and easy to question.
In cases involving public funds or officials, Va. Code § 18.2-112 provides specific provisions related to embezzlement by officers or individuals entrusted with state or organizational resources. The statute also allows a failure to account for or return funds to be used as evidence of guilt, which can shift how these cases are prosecuted.
This dynamic may come into play when accusations of embezzlement arise. Most embezzlement cases are built on paper—financial reports, expense logs, communications, and access records. But those documents often only tell part of the story. A Warrenton embezzlement attorney could present this context to explain actions that might otherwise appear suspicious. It may also help demonstrate that the defendant had no intent to deceive, which is key to the prosecution’s case.
Being the subject of an internal audit or external inquiry does not mean you are guilty. But it does mean that everything you say and do from that point forward matters. If you are under suspicion of embezzlement, legal counsel can help you:
Speaking with a criminal defense lawyer early in the process can make a significant difference in the outcome, potentially leading to leniency or even changing the outcome of your case.
The impact of an embezzlement accusation goes far beyond court dates. It can alter how colleagues see you, strain your personal life, and jeopardize future opportunities. For individuals in finance, healthcare, education, or government, the ripple effects may be especially severe.
Ashwell & Ashwell works with clients throughout the state who are navigating these high-stakes cases. If you have been accused or believe you may be under review, contact a Warrenton embezzlement lawyer who can help you take the next steps with a better understanding of what you’ll be up against and how best to protect yourself.
