No, if the value is under $1,000, it may be charged as a misdemeanor. However, most cases involve larger amounts and result in felony charges.
Although Arizona does not have a statute specifically labeled “embezzlement,” these cases are prosecuted under ARS §13-1802, the state’s general theft statute. Embezzlement is defined as the unauthorized use, transfer, or conversion of funds or property by someone who had legal access—but not ownership—of those assets.
Common examples of embezzlement include:
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove:
Embezzlement penalties in Arizona are tied directly to the value of the property or money stolen, and can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. In many cases, a single act of embezzlement can involve multiple counts or aggravating circumstances, leading to enhanced sentencing.
| Value of Property | Classification | Potential Prison Time |
|---|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail |
| $1,000 – $2,000 | Class 6 Felony | 6 months – 1.5 years |
| $2,000 – $3,000 | Class 5 Felony | 9 months – 2 years |
| $3,000 – $4,000 | Class 4 Felony | 1.5 – 3 years |
| $4,000 – $25,000 | Class 3 Felony | 2.5 – 8.75 years |
| $25,000+ | Class 2 Felony | 4 – 12.5 years |
Additional consequences include:
If the embezzlement was committed as part of an ongoing scheme or enterprise, it may also fall under fraudulent schemes and artifices (ARS §13-2310), which can significantly increase the penalties. If you’ve been accused of such a crime in Phoenix, reach out to our embezzlement defense lawyers for a consultation at Feldman & Royle.
The defense strategy for an embezzlement case depends heavily on the facts, financial records, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the investigation. At Feldman & Royle, our Embezzlement defense lawyers have built a tailored defense based on legal and factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Possible defenses include:
Our team also collaborates with forensic accountants, financial experts, and investigators to analyze the prosecution’s claims and build a strong counter-narrative.
Our top-rated Embezzlement defense lawyers at Feldman & Royle in Phoenix are known for handling complex and high-stakes Embezzlement cases. We take a proactive and aggressive approach, aiming to resolve your Embezzlement case through dismissal, reduction of charges, or a favorable plea agreement whenever possible. If the trial is necessary, we are fully prepared to present a compelling defense in court.
If your career, your finances, and your freedom are on the line, you need an Embezzlement defense lawyer who will fight back with skill and experience.
At Feldman & Royle, we have successfully defended clients facing embezzlement charges ranging from workplace theft to complex financial fraud. Our team has secured case dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements by challenging weak evidence, uncovering procedural errors, and presenting strong defense strategies. Each result reflects our commitment to protecting our clients’ rights and minimizing the long-term consequences of an embezzlement accusation.
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