Embezzlement is the act of using one’s role, be it in a company or otherwise, to steal money or other property from its rightful owner. This breach of trust is ultimately a form of theft with serious consequences.
While you might associate embezzlement with corporate white-collar crime, it can occur any time an individual places another in a position of control over their assets. If you face accusations of embezzlement, it is important to know the gravity of the punishment you might face.
What does Missouri law say about embezzlement?
Embezzlement is a specific form of theft, but the punishment for stealing property is fundamentally the same regardless of the method. Missouri legal statutes describe the theft of money or property to be a class D felony if the value equals $750 or more. Stealing $25,000 or more in property is a class C felony.
Will you go to jail for embezzlement in Missouri?
Committing embezzlement for an amount exceeding $750 is a felony, which carries with it the possibility of jail time and fines. Class C felonies may imply up to seven years in prison and fines totaling as much as $5,000. A judge may sentence you to 15 years in prison with $20,000 in fines for a class B felony.
The act of embezzling is simply theft by another name. In high enough amounts, embezzlement is a felony in the eyes of the law and comes with consequences including several years in jail and fines rivaling the original amount stolen.
