Facing an embezzlement charge in Michigan can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’ve never been involved in the criminal justice system before. These cases can be simple or involve complex financial records, employer accusations, and intense scrutiny from law enforcement.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we’ve helped clients in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and surrounding counties defend against embezzlement charges and other white-collar offenses for more than three decades. We understand what’s at stake—your reputation, career, and freedom—and we know exactly how to protect all three.

What Counts as Embezzlement in Michigan?

Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with money, property, or other assets intentionally uses them for personal benefit. The key factor is a position of trust, for example, an employee, bookkeeper, or agent who misuses funds or takes merchandise that did not belong to them.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.174, embezzlement is considered a theft offense that can apply in both the private and public sectors. It can involve:

  • Taking funds directly from a business or employer
  • Misusing company credit cards or expense accounts
  • Creating false invoices or vendor accounts
  • Diverting payments meant for an employer or organization
  • Stealing goods or merchandise from the employer
  • Intentionally selling the employer’s “for sale” merchandise to others at less than required price

Even minor or first-time offenses can lead to serious consequences, so it’s essential to take any accusation seriously from the start.

Rule Number One: Remain Silent

If there is one piece of legal advice that’s both priceless and given for free, it’s that you should never talk to anyone, police or otherwise, if you’re being investigated for embezzlement.

Unfortunately, people are sometimes flooded with guilt and try to explain themselves when questioned by the police, the employer, or their agent. Other times, a person may try to head off a criminal charge by trying to negotiate some way to “make things right.” Not only does that never work, but it also provides evidence and proof of wrongdoing.

Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. Let your lawyer do the talking.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Michigan

Because every embezzlement case is different, understanding how Michigan classifies these offenses can help you see what’s at stake. The penalties depend on the value of the money or property involved, and as the amount increases, so do the potential fines and jail time.

  • Less than $200 – Misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines up to $500.
  • $200 to $1,000 – Misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
  • $1,000 to $20,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
  • $20,000 to $50,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
  • $50,000 to $100,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
  • Over $100,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

In addition to these penalties, courts will order restitution, meaning you will be required to repay the alleged victim for any financial losses. Restitution is usually the court’s top priority, even before fines or other penalties. In many cases, the amount taken far exceeds what a person can repay, and that’s a reality we must work around.

If you are facing embezzlement charges, it’s important to remember that the penalties are not always fixed. With a strong defense strategy, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction of the charges, even if the evidence against you is substantial. Options such as a repayment agreement, even a partial one, can help you avoid jail time.

How Michigan Embezzlement Cases Are Handled

If you’re charged with embezzlement, your case will typically begin in the district court where the alleged crime occurred. Felony cases may later move to the circuit court for trial, unless the charge gets dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor at the district court level.

Prosecutors often rely on bank records, internal and forensic audits, and testimony from accountants, employers, or co-workers. However, financial evidence can be misleading, and misunderstandings frequently occur. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we carefully review the details of your case to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, such as:

  • Inaccurate accounting or inflated loss claims
  • Lack of intent to defraud
  • Mistaken identity or false accusations
  • Violation of your constitutional rights during the investigation

Our goal is to secure the best possible result, whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable plea agreement that avoids jail time.

Restitution and Avoiding Jail Time

For anyone facing an embezzlement charge, avoiding incarceration is the top priority. Courts often consider restitution—repaying the alleged losses—as a sign of responsibility and remorse. Even partial repayment can help reduce penalties and demonstrate to the judge that you are taking steps to make things right. ​​Repaying any debt depends on your ability to earn money, which you cannot do while incarcerated.

We often work with clients to establish repayment plans, seek alternatives to jail such as probation, and present strong mitigation arguments that emphasize your employment record, character, and willingness to cooperate and help undo the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement in Michigan

Can embezzlement charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Many cases result in lesser charges, diversion programs, or dismissals, especially for first-time offenders or when the evidence is weak.

What if I didn’t intend to steal?

Intent is a key element of embezzlement. If you made an honest mistake or were following unclear instructions or anything similar, that can form part of your defense.

What happens to my job or professional license?

A conviction can impact your employment and licensing. Our team will help you understand the collateral consequences and always pursue every option to protect your freedom, your record, and your future career.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Embezzlement Attorney

If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, you need the best legal representation you can get. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we have successfully helped countless clients facing embezzlement charges involving amounts ranging from millions of dollars to just a few hundred dollars. Our team will ease you through every step of your case, help you understand your options, and build a defense that protects your freedom and your future.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions, explain things, and start developing a strategy to produce the very best result possible in your case.

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Embezzlement

Facing an embezzlement charge in Michigan can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’ve never been involved in the criminal justice system before. These cases can be simple or involve complex financial records, employer accusations, and intense scrutiny from law enforcement.

At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we’ve helped clients in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and surrounding counties defend against embezzlement charges and other white-collar offenses for more than three decades. We understand what’s at stake—your reputation, career, and freedom—and we know exactly how to protect all three.

What Counts as Embezzlement in Michigan?

Embezzlement occurs when someone entrusted with money, property, or other assets intentionally uses them for personal benefit. The key factor is a position of trust, for example, an employee, bookkeeper, or agent who misuses funds or takes merchandise that did not belong to them.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.174, embezzlement is considered a theft offense that can apply in both the private and public sectors. It can involve:

  • Taking funds directly from a business or employer
  • Misusing company credit cards or expense accounts
  • Creating false invoices or vendor accounts
  • Diverting payments meant for an employer or organization
  • Stealing goods or merchandise from the employer
  • Intentionally selling the employer’s “for sale” merchandise to others at less than required price

Even minor or first-time offenses can lead to serious consequences, so it’s essential to take any accusation seriously from the start.

Rule Number One: Remain Silent

If there is one piece of legal advice that’s both priceless and given for free, it’s that you should never talk to anyone, police or otherwise, if you’re being investigated for embezzlement.

Unfortunately, people are sometimes flooded with guilt and try to explain themselves when questioned by the police, the employer, or their agent. Other times, a person may try to head off a criminal charge by trying to negotiate some way to “make things right.” Not only does that never work, but it also provides evidence and proof of wrongdoing.

Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. Let your lawyer do the talking.

Penalties for Embezzlement in Michigan

Because every embezzlement case is different, understanding how Michigan classifies these offenses can help you see what’s at stake. The penalties depend on the value of the money or property involved, and as the amount increases, so do the potential fines and jail time.

  • Less than $200 – Misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and fines up to $500.
  • $200 to $1,000 – Misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
  • $1,000 to $20,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
  • $20,000 to $50,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
  • $50,000 to $100,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
  • Over $100,000 – Felony offense, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

In addition to these penalties, courts will order restitution, meaning you will be required to repay the alleged victim for any financial losses. Restitution is usually the court’s top priority, even before fines or other penalties. In many cases, the amount taken far exceeds what a person can repay, and that’s a reality we must work around.

If you are facing embezzlement charges, it’s important to remember that the penalties are not always fixed. With a strong defense strategy, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction of the charges, even if the evidence against you is substantial. Options such as a repayment agreement, even a partial one, can help you avoid jail time.

How Michigan Embezzlement Cases Are Handled

If you’re charged with embezzlement, your case will typically begin in the district court where the alleged crime occurred. Felony cases may later move to the circuit court for trial, unless the charge gets dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor at the district court level.

Prosecutors often rely on bank records, internal and forensic audits, and testimony from accountants, employers, or co-workers. However, financial evidence can be misleading, and misunderstandings frequently occur. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we carefully review the details of your case to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, such as:

  • Inaccurate accounting or inflated loss claims
  • Lack of intent to defraud
  • Mistaken identity or false accusations
  • Violation of your constitutional rights during the investigation

Our goal is to secure the best possible result, whether that’s dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable plea agreement that avoids jail time.

Restitution and Avoiding Jail Time

For anyone facing an embezzlement charge, avoiding incarceration is the top priority. Courts often consider restitution—repaying the alleged losses—as a sign of responsibility and remorse. Even partial repayment can help reduce penalties and demonstrate to the judge that you are taking steps to make things right. ​​Repaying any debt depends on your ability to earn money, which you cannot do while incarcerated.

We often work with clients to establish repayment plans, seek alternatives to jail such as probation, and present strong mitigation arguments that emphasize your employment record, character, and willingness to cooperate and help undo the damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Embezzlement in Michigan

Can embezzlement charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Many cases result in lesser charges, diversion programs, or dismissals, especially for first-time offenders or when the evidence is weak.

What if I didn’t intend to steal?

Intent is a key element of embezzlement. If you made an honest mistake or were following unclear instructions or anything similar, that can form part of your defense.

What happens to my job or professional license?

A conviction can impact your employment and licensing. Our team will help you understand the collateral consequences and always pursue every option to protect your freedom, your record, and your future career.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Embezzlement Attorney

If you’ve been accused of embezzlement, you need the best legal representation you can get. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we have successfully helped countless clients facing embezzlement charges involving amounts ranging from millions of dollars to just a few hundred dollars. Our team will ease you through every step of your case, help you understand your options, and build a defense that protects your freedom and your future.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We are very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions, explain things, and start developing a strategy to produce the very best result possible in your case.