One of the most serious accusations that can be made against an employee is employee theft or embezzlement. Employee theft is a serious criminal offense that is aggressively prosecuted. It is possible for the employer to waive prosecution if restitution is paid early in the investigation and other steps are taken quickly.

Our attorneys represent clients charged with serious employee theft charges throughout central Florida, including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Pasco County, Hernando County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, and Pasco County.

Theft by Employees is a Serious Problem:

It is estimated that the cost of employee theft exceeds more than one-hundred billion a year. People arrested for this offense often site a high level of stress at work or a dishonest corporate culture as a factor that lead to their decision to steal from an employer. If you have been arrested or think that you might be arrested for employee theft, contact an experienced Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney to discuss ways to aggressively fight this accusation before you make any statements to your employer or law enforcement.

According to recent statistic from the United States Chamber of Commerce, nearly 75% of all employees steal from their employer at least once, and that half of these people steal from their employer repeatedly. It has been estimated that one in every three business failures are a direct result of theft by an employee.

Many cases involve a single respected and trusted employee stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an employer over a course of many years. One of the most common situations in these types of cases involve an older female employee who has been with the company for five or more years. When the employee is finally caught, the employer usually has no choice but to initiate a criminal prosecution, and sometimes a civil lawsuit which can tie up the employee's personal assets in hopes that the employer will receive full restitution.

Other cases can involve much small amounts taken by an employee. Many of these cases involve young people who work as cashiers or otherwise take money directly from customers during the course of their employment. 

Employee theft or embezzlement is usually considered a type of white collar crime because it is committed during the course of employment. 

Common Charges in Employee Theft Cases:

Employee theft cases can be charged under a variety of criminal statutes in Florida, including the following:

1. Grand theft;
2. Embezzlement;
3. Scheme to Defraud; and
4. Credit Card Fraud.

Protecting Yourself From a Serious Criminal Offense

False accusations by employers are possible, and the consequences of such a false accusation can be devastating to the employee. Whether you have stolen from your employer or been falsely accused, it is important not to represent yourself. Anything you say to your employer, co-workers or law enforcement officer can be used against you.
If you make any statements or sign any kind of written document, it can and will be used against you.

Finding the Best Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case

Your attorney can best present your explanation of events, and mitigating evidence to your employer, law enforcement and the prosecutor. Your side of the story can best be told through your attorney who can help you document what occurred, explain the circumstances, show mitigating factors, and potentially negotiate a civil compromise between you and your employer to avoid criminal prosecution.

Call Today for a Free Confidential Consultation

If your employer has accused you of theft in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Polk County, Pasco County, Hernando County, Manatee County, or Sarasota County, contact an experienced Tampa Attorney for Employee Theft to discuss your rights, and the best way to address the allegation and protect yourself. Call 813-250-0500 for a free confidential consultation to discuss your case.