What You Need to Know if You’ve Been Charged with Embezzlement

Being accused of embezzlement can flip your life upside down. Maybe you’ve just found out you’re under investigation. Maybe you’ve already been arrested. Either way, the stakes are high — your freedom, your reputation, and your career are all on the line.

Embezzlement is a serious white-collar crime in Missouri, and prosecutors don’t take these cases lightly. But neither do we.

At Sandage Law, we defend people in Kansas City who are facing the full weight of the justice system. If you're under investigation or charged with embezzlement, you need a white collar crimes attorney who knows how to fight back — and win.

What Is Embezzlement Under Missouri Law?

Embezzlement happens when someone misuses money or property that was legally entrusted to them, usually in a workplace or financial setting. It’s not just theft; it’s theft that involves a betrayal of trust.

Common examples include:

• Taking money from a business account
• Altering payroll records for personal gain
• Skimming profits or padding expense reports
• Using company credit cards for unauthorized purchases

Even if you think the issue is just a misunderstanding or accounting error, law enforcement and prosecutors may view it very differently. That’s why it’s critical to get ahead of the situation with a solid legal defense.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Kansas City, MO

• Jail or prison time
• Heavy fines and restitution
• Probation or supervised release
• A permanent criminal record
• Loss of professional licenses or future employment

The earlier you involve a white collar crime attorney, the better chance you have at reducing or avoiding these penalties.

How We Might Defend Against Embezzlement Charges

Lack of Intent: To convict you of embezzlement, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly and intentionally took property for personal gain. If there was a mistake, misunderstanding, or confusion — for example, thinking you had permission to use certain funds — we can challenge the idea that any crime was committed at all.

Insufficient Evidence: Many embezzlement cases rely on complex financial records, which are often incomplete or open to interpretation. We examine every document, transaction, and timeline to highlight inconsistencies or gaps in the evidence that cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims.

‍You Were Falsely Accused: It’s not uncommon for someone to be blamed for financial losses they didn’t cause — especially in situations where multiple people had access to the same accounts or records. If someone else had the opportunity and motive, we work to uncover and present that truth.

Duress or Coercion: If you were pressured or threatened into taking certain actions, it might be possible to argue that you were acting under duress — which can reduce or eliminate criminal responsibility in some cases.

Violation of Your Rights During the Investigation: If law enforcement violated your rights — such as conducting an illegal search, failing to read your Miranda rights, or coercing a confession — we can challenge the admissibility of that evidence in court. Suppressing key evidence can drastically weaken the state’s case.

Plea Negotiation or Pre-Trial Diversion (When Appropriate): In some cases, especially for first-time offenders or when the amount involved is relatively low, it may be possible to negotiate reduced charges or pursue a diversion program. This could keep a conviction off your record and allow you to move forward without long-term consequences.

Why Choose Sandage Law?

You need more than a criminal defense attorney — you need someone who understands how business, finance, and law intersect. At Sandage Law, we’ve defended clients against all types of white-collar charges in Kansas City, including embezzlement, fraud, and theft-related offenses. We’ll stand between you and the system — and fight for the future you deserve.

Take the First Step With an Embezzlement Attorney Today

If you're being investigated or charged with embezzlement in Kansas City, now is the time to act.

‍Call Sandage Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your side, explain your options, and get to work building a defense that protects your rights and your future.