The crime of “embezzlement” is defined under California Penal Code Section 503. This white-collar offense is the fraudulent appropriation of property by somebody who was entrusted. It is also commonly referred to as employee theft.
Embezzlement is different from most common California theft crimes because the property taken must have been entrusted to the defendant by the owner. In fact, it's not possible to be convicted of PC 503 embezzlement unless the defendant possessed property they were given consent to access.
Embezzlement cases in California don't always mean large sums of money were taken from a manager at a big company. Many types of embezzlement cases have been filed against a wide range of people in positions of trust. For instance, a cashier at a small store who pockets a portion of the daily earnings, or a caretaker who misuses a client's funds, could also be charged with embezzlement, even if only a small amount of money or property was allegedly taken.
It should be noted that you can still be prosecuted and convicted of Penal Code 503 embezzlement if you didn't have a specific intent to keep the money or property permanently.
For example, an employee whose company entrusted to make bank deposits decides to take a portion of a deposit one day to pay some personal debts with a genuine intent to pay it back. This employee could still be convicted under PC 503 because they unlawfully possessed company earnings entrusted to them. Their genuine intent to pay it back later is not a valid legal defense.
Penal Code 503 embezzlement is a “wobbler,” meaning the case can be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony crime. This designation gives the prosecutor discretion in charging, and it's crucial to have a skilled defense lawyer to argue for the most favorable outcome. A conviction can result in severe penalties.
Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers provide an overview below to help readers better understand PC 503 embezzlement cases.
Legal Description of Embezzlement – Penal Code 503
California Penal Code 503 PC defines embezzlement as the “fraudulent appropriation of property by a person to whom it has been entrusted”
In order to be convicted of PC 503 embezzlement, the prosecutor has to be able to prove – beyond any reasonable doubt – all of the elements of the crime described in CALCRIM 1806 Jury Instructions.
- The owner of the property entrusted their property to the defendant
- The owner only did so because they trusted the defendant
- Defendant fraudulently used owner's property for their own benefit
- When the defendant acted, they intended to deprive the owner of the property's use
It's important to note there has to have been a relationship of trust. In most PC 503 embezzlement cases, the defendant was a manager or employee in the owner's company who was given the right to handle property. This relationship of trust is a key element in embezzlement cases, and it's crucial to understand the legal responsibilities that come with professional roles.
In simple terms, a crime of embezzlement occurs when the defendant fraudulently uses company property for their benefit. To act fraudulently in the context of embezzlement means the defendant took advantage of somebody or caused loss to the property owner because they violated the trust given to them.
It's also important to note that a defendant can't be convicted of Penal Code 503 embezzlement unless they used the taken property in a manner that benefited them. Intent is a key factor, as it must be shown the defendant specifically intended to deprive the owner of the property, even if their intent was temporary. In all embezzlement cases, “intent” is the primary element of the crime.
What are the Penalties for Embezzlement?
If convicted of PC 503 embezzlement, the legal penalties depend on the total value of the embezzled property. Embezzlement in California is a form of Penal Code 484a petty theft or Penal Code 487 grand theft.
If the property's value was $950 or less, it's a misdemeanor. It carries a sentence of up to one year in a county jail and a $1,000 fine.
If the property's value is greater than $950, it's a “wobbler.” Again, this means the case can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony offense. A felony conviction carries up to 3 years in a California state prison and a $10,000 fine.
If the property's value is greater than $65,000, it's a felony. Your sentence will be extended by one year. If the value is greater than $200,000, the sentence will be extended by two years. If the value is greater than $1,300,000, the sentence will be extended by three years.
If the embezzled property is greater than $3,200,000, an additional four years can be added to the sentence. If aggravating factors exist, such as the victim being elderly or having an impairment, the sentence can be more severe.
Related California Offenses for Penal Code 503
- Penal Code 484(a) – Petty theft
- Penal Code 487 – Grand theft
- Penal Code 470 – Forgery
- Penal Code 459 – Burglary
- Penal Code 424 – Misappropriation of Public Funds
- Penal Code 496(a) – Receiving Stolen Property
Defenses for Embezzlement – Penal Code 503
There is a wide range of potential legal defenses that can be used for a defendant charged with embezzlement under California Penal Code 503. Of course, every embezzlement case is unique and will first require a close review of the details. The most common defense strategies include:
Lack of intent—As discussed above, an experienced criminal defense lawyer could argue that there was no specific intent to deprive the owner of the property or use the property for their own personal benefit. If the prosecutor can't prove intent in an embezzlement case, the defendant has a good chance of avoiding a conviction.
Good faith belief—In some types of embezzlement cases, a criminal defense lawyer could argue that the defendant had a good faith belief that they had a right to the property that was taken, even if it turned out to be a mistaken belief. This means the argument is that the defendant had a reasonable belief that they had a right to the property.
False Accusation – In some embezzlement cases, a criminal lawyer could make an argument the arrest and charges were based upon false allegations. For instance, perhaps the alleged victim falsely accused the defendant out of anger or revenge. The goal, of course, would be to create some type of reasonable doubt.
If you have been accused of embezzlement under California Penal Code Section 503, contact our experienced defense lawyers.
We will work aggressively to secure the best possible outcome for your case. We serve clients throughout Southern California, including the greater Los Angeles area and the San Fernando Valley. We offer a free case evaluation.
