If you are accused of a white-collar crime, it is no laughing matter. These crimes are taken extremely seriously in California. The thing that makes these offenses so significant is that they involve an abuse of power and position on the part of a businessperson or government official. White-collar crimes come in many forms, but they can often involve massive sums of money and significant financial harm done to the victims.
One such offense is embezzlement. This itself has many incarnations. For example, in some cases, offenders may manipulate accounts to disguise the theft of sums of money. This is known as accounting embezzlement. However, in each case, it involves larceny or theft of assets by someone into whose care the assets have been placed. These assets can take the form of either property or money.
Of course, when you are in a position of power, you are likely to be monitored closely. This has benefits in terms of security, but it also means that if you make a mistake, you could be implicated in a crime if your actions are inferred to be an abuse of power. Fortunately, as is explained here, an embezzlement charge will only stand if your misappropriation of assets was intentional.
Even so, being faced with criminal charges can be distressing and intimidating, not to mention the damage it can do to your reputation. However, an attorney may be able to support and advise you at this difficult time. With the correct guidance you can work toward avoiding conviction and preserving your good name.