Shreveport Embezzlement Defense Attorney

Embezzlement charges can arise in virtually any workplace setting — from large corporations to small family businesses, nonprofit organizations to government agencies. What distinguishes embezzlement from other theft offenses is that the accused was in a position of trust and used that trust to misappropriate funds or property. Because embezzlement typically involves a breach of that trust, prosecutors and employers take these charges extremely seriously, and the consequences of a conviction can be devastating — including significant prison time, restitution orders, loss of professional licenses, and permanent damage to your career and reputation.

If you are facing embezzlement charges in Shreveport, Bossier City, or anywhere in Northwest Louisiana, contact me immediately. I have defended clients against white collar charges including embezzlement throughout Louisiana for more than 30 years and I know how to build a strong defense on your behalf.

What Is Embezzlement Under Louisiana Law?

Embezzlement in Louisiana is prosecuted under the state’s theft statutes — specifically as theft by misappropriation or conversion of property that was lawfully entrusted to the accused. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove:

• You were entrusted with the property or funds by the owner or employer
• You intentionally converted or misappropriated those funds or property for your own use or the use of another
• You did so without the consent of the rightful owner
• You intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property

The key distinction between embezzlement and other theft offenses is the element of trust — the accused had lawful access to the property and abused that access. Common scenarios include employees skimming from cash registers, bookkeepers redirecting payments to personal accounts, financial advisors misappropriating client funds, and executives approving unauthorized payments to themselves or others.

Penalties For Embezzlement In Louisiana

Embezzlement penalties in Louisiana are based on the value of the funds or property misappropriated:

• Under $1,000 — misdemeanor; up to six months in jail and fines
• $1,000 to $5,000 — felony; up to five years in prison
• $5,000 to $25,000 — felony; up to ten years in prison
• $25,000 or more — felony; up to 20 years in prison
• Federal embezzlement — if the conduct involved federal funds, a federally insured institution, or a nonprofit receiving federal funding, federal charges may apply with sentences up to 30 years

Beyond prison time and fines, an embezzlement conviction almost always includes a restitution order requiring full repayment of all misappropriated funds. Professional licenses — including those for accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, and healthcare providers — are typically revoked or suspended following a conviction. The reputational damage alone can effectively end a career.

How I Defend Embezzlement Charges

Embezzlement cases are complex and heavily document-intensive. The prosecution typically relies on financial records, bank statements, transaction logs, and forensic accounting analysis to build their case. My defense approach includes:

• Challenging intent — embezzlement requires proof of intentional misappropriation; accounting errors, miscommunications, and misunderstandings are not embezzlement
• Disputing authorization — examining whether you had actual or apparent authority to make the transactions in question
• Challenging the accounting analysis — forensic accounting is not infallible; I will scrutinize the prosecution’s financial analysis for errors, omissions, or alternative explanations
• Examining internal controls — poor accounting practices or inadequate internal controls can create the appearance of embezzlement where none occurred
• Negotiating restitution agreements — in some cases reaching a restitution agreement with the victim can significantly affect how charges are handled
• Exploring civil resolution — in some embezzlement matters a civil resolution may be possible that avoids criminal prosecution entirely

Serving Shreveport, Bossier City, And Northwest Louisiana

I defend clients facing embezzlement charges throughout Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish, Lincoln Parish, Webster Parish, Jackson Parish, Vernon Parish, and Natchitoches Parish. If you are facing embezzlement charges — or believe you are under investigation — contact me immediately.

Contact A.J. Hodges, IV About Your Embezzlement Charg

Call 318-990-1089 to reach my Shreveport office. You can also contact me online. Do not speak to your employer, investigators, or law enforcement before speaking with me first.