Embezzlement Lawyer Scottsdale

Facing an embezzlement charge in Scottsdale can be a terrifying and confusing experience. Embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime that can lead to felony charges, lengthy prison time, and permanent damage to your reputation and career. Whether you’ve been accused of misappropriating funds at work, redirecting assets, or manipulating financial records, the State of Arizona takes these allegations seriously—and so should you.

At Attorney Josh, we understand the high stakes involved in embezzlement cases. As your trusted Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, I use smart legal tactics to challenge the government’s case, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome. Led by Joshua A. Lopez, Esq., our criminal defense firm has successfully defended clients throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and across Arizona facing complex theft and fraud charges.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged, don’t wait. The sooner you secure legal counsel, the stronger your defense can be.

What Is Embezzlement?

Embezzlement is a form of theft or misappropriation of property that has been entrusted to someone, often within the context of a business, organization, or financial relationship. Unlike robbery or burglary, embezzlement doesn’t involve breaking into a property or using force—it involves betrayal of trust.

Under Arizona law, embezzlement is typically charged under A.R.S. §13-1802, the state’s general theft statute. Prosecutors may also include charges related to fraudulent schemes, forgery, or computer tampering, depending on the case.

Examples of embezzlement include:

• Taking money from a company cash register
• Transferring funds from client accounts
• Padding invoices or faking reimbursements
• Skimming profits or diverting payments
• Using company credit cards for personal expenses
• Manipulating financial ledgers to conceal theft

Whether you’re an employee, manager, bookkeeper, accountant, or corporate officer, you can be charged with embezzlement if the State believes you abused your position to take money or property for personal gain.

When the prosecution starts building a white-collar crime case, they bring experienced investigators, financial analysts, and forensic accountants. That’s why you need a strategic and experienced Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale on your side from the beginning.

Embezzlement Penalties in Arizona

The penalties for embezzlement vary based on the value of the property or funds stolen, as well as whether the alleged crime involved aggravating factors like fraud, forgery, or conspiracy.

Here’s how embezzlement is typically categorized:

• Less than $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor – Up to 6 months in jail
• $1,000 to $2,000: Class 6 felony – Up to 2 years in prison
• $2,000 to $3,000: Class 5 felony – Up to 2.5 years in prison
• $3,000 to $4,000: Class 4 felony – Up to 3.75 years in prison
• $4,000 to $25,000: Class 3 felony – Up to 8.75 years in prison
• Over $25,000: Class 2 felony – Up to 12.5 years in prison

Additional penalties can include:

• Restitution to the alleged victim
• Fines up to $150,000

• Probation or supervised release
• Loss of professional licenses

• Permanent felony record

• Immigration consequences for non-citizens

If you’re facing charges, working with an experienced Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale gives you the best chance at avoiding harsh sentencing, negotiating for lesser charges, or seeking case dismissal.

Are You Under Investigation for Embezzlement?

In many embezzlement cases, charges are not filed immediately. Instead, law enforcement and prosecutors may conduct a quiet investigation, often involving:

• Subpoenaed bank records
• Forensic analysis of company financials
• Surveillance and data recovery
• Interviews with coworkers and supervisors

If you’ve been contacted by your employer, a private investigator, or law enforcement about a financial discrepancy, do not try to explain yourself or “clear things up.” Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Before speaking to anyone, call Attorney Josh, a skilled Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, to intervene and protect your rights early in the process.

Strategic Defenses to Embezzlement Charges

Every embezzlement case is different, and at Attorney Josh, we build each defense around the unique facts, financial records, and circumstances. Here are some of the strategic defenses we may explore:

1. Lack of Intent

Theft must be intentional. If the alleged act was a bookkeeping error, oversight, or misunderstanding, it may not rise to the level of criminal intent.

2. You Had Authorization

In some cases, financial decisions were made with verbal or informal approval by supervisors or business partners. We may argue you had authority to act.

3. Mistaken Identity

If multiple people had access to accounts or passwords, we can challenge the claim that you were the person who initiated the theft.

4. Insufficient Evidence

If the prosecution’s evidence is weak, incomplete, or circumstantial, we may be able to file a motion to dismiss or exclude key documents.

5. Constitutional Violations

If your property was searched without a warrant, or if you were questioned without Miranda warnings, we may seek to suppress evidence.

As your Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale, I’ll fight hard to uncover flaws in the prosecution’s case and build the strongest possible defense.

Can Embezzlement Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, an experienced Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale can often:

• Negotiate a reduction to a misdemeanor

• Pursue pretrial diversion programs

• Obtain dismissal through deferred prosecution

• Reach a civil resolution with the alleged victim before trial
• Secure probation instead of prison

• Argue for mitigating circumstances during sentencing

Even in cases where the evidence appears strong, our goal is to minimize penalties, avoid prison time, and protect your reputation. We’ve successfully defended white-collar professionals, small business owners, and employees across Arizona—and we’re ready to do the same for you.

First-Time Offender? You May Have Options.

Arizona courts may offer leniency to first-time, non-violent offenders, especially if restitution is paid and the individual accepts responsibility. Our legal team may be able to secure:

• Diversion programs (with eventual dismissal)
• No-contest pleas that avoid admission of guilt
• Restitution-based agreements

• Expungement eligibility down the road

If this is your first time in trouble with the law, let Attorney Josh help you turn a legal crisis into an opportunity for resolution, growth, and a second chance.

Embezzlement and Immigration Status

If you are not a U.S. citizen, an embezzlement conviction can result in:

• Deportation

• Visa denial

• Ineligibility for green card or naturalization

• Detention by ICE

Theft-related offenses are often considered crimes of moral turpitude, which carry automatic immigration consequences under federal law. If you’re a visa holder, green card holder, DACA recipient, or undocumented, your criminal defense must be handled strategically to avoid devastating outcomes.

At Attorney Josh, we defend clients with immigration concerns by negotiating outcomes that protect both their criminal and immigration status.

What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Embezzlement

If you suspect you’re being investigated—or you’ve already been charged—follow these steps immediately:

1. Remain silent. Do not speak to your employer, coworkers, or law enforcement without a lawyer.
2. Don’t delete or alter anything. Preserving records may help your case and prevent obstruction allegations.
3. Gather financial documents. Bank records, emails, and contracts may support your defense.
4. Contact Attorney Josh. Early legal intervention is key to avoiding charges or minimizing consequences.

Why Choose Attorney Josh?

At Attorney Josh, we combine trial experience with strategy, discretion, and high-level analysis to defend clients facing serious white-collar allegations. Here’s what sets us apart as your Embezzlement Lawyer in Scottsdale:

Smart Legal Strategies

We investigate thoroughly, plan precisely, and adapt quickly to keep you ahead of the prosecution.

Strong Results

From charge dismissals to non-prison resolutions, we’ve helped clients walk away from embezzlement cases with their future intact.

Direct Representation

You’ll work directly with Joshua A. Lopez, Esq., not a paralegal or junior associate.

Local Court Experience

We know the Maricopa County legal system, the prosecutors, and how white-collar cases are handled in Scottsdale and Phoenix courts.

Discreet, Judgment-Free Counsel

We handle your case with confidentiality, professionalism, and respect.

How We Can Help

Embezzlement charges can destroy your career, reputation, and freedom—but they don’t have to. At Attorney Josh, we use sharp legal insight and personalized strategy to help clients navigate some of the most stressful chapters of their lives.

Whether you’re facing felony charges, a pre-indictment investigation, or simply need to clear your name, we’re here to guide and protect you every step of the way.

Call Attorney Josh today for a free consultation.
Strong Defense. Strong Results.