Embezzlement is misappropriating someone else’s money and using it for one’s own purposes. Embezzlement tends to occur in places of employment. If you have been charged with embezzlement, you deserve to receive high-quality legal representation. Being accused of abusing trust and stealing can jeopardize your freedom and the ability to secure employment in the future. Unfortunately, even when you are innocent, merely being charged with the crime can be detrimental. New Mexico Legal Group has the experience you need to help you deal with these charges.
Definition of Embezzlement
Embezzlement occurs when people violate a position of trust by taking funds belonging to someone else or belonging to a business and using it for their own purposes. According to New Mexico statutes, embezzlement is a:
- Petty misdemeanor if the embezzled items are worth $250 or less
- Full misdemeanor if the embezzled items are worth $250 but less than $500
- Fourth-degree felony if the embezzled items are worth $500 but less than $2,500
- Third-degree felony if the embezzled items are worth $2,500 but less than $20,000
- Second-degree felony if the items embezzled are worth $20,000 or more
Embezzlement Punishments
The criminal punishments for embezzlement vary based on whether the conviction is for a felony or misdemeanor. Felony convictions usually get can harsher sentencing by the court. Prior convictions, the overall value of the funds or items embezzled, and any mitigating factors are all taken into consideration. Punishments include:
- Up to 6 months in jail and a maximum $500 fine for a petty misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 fine, and up to 1 year of probation for full misdemeanor
- Up to 18 months in prison for fourth-degree felony
- Up to 3 years in prison for third-degree felony
- Up to 9 years in prison for second-degree felony
