How many times have we been surprised when we hear of someone embezzling from their company? It’s usually someone that you would least expect to commit a crime.
What circumstances could compel a good person to perform an illegal act?
Understanding the motivations for these mistakes
Embezzlement occurs when someone in an organization takes money or property and uses it for personal reasons. This could be anything from taking cash from a till at work to using company funds for non-personal expenses.
In some cases, a person may be driven to embezzle due to financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances. For example, a person may be struggling financially and feel they have no other option but to take money from their employer to make ends meet. It’s possible that they lost money gambling or have a substance use disorder. In some cases, people may also embezzle out of desperation or fear; they may feel they need the money to protect themselves or their families from harm.
It’s important to note that embezzlement does not always involve large sums of money; it can also involve smaller amounts over time which add up quickly. The person often hopes they can pay it back before the crime is discovered. While this is a risky strategy, it might be seen as an appealing option for people who are in desperate circumstances.
Unfortunately, embezzlement has numerous legal ramifications. Someone convicted of the crime may face significant fines and time in prison. They may also have their professional license suspended or revoked, making getting another job in their field challenging.
Furthermore, a conviction for embezzlement can stay on an individual’s record for life, leading to difficulties in obtaining employment and other opportunities in the future. Therefore, it’s imperative to take accusations seriously. Building a strategic defense is critical to addressing these charges and moving forward.